The Center for Counseling and Recovery began in 1988 with Dr. Allen Berger in Torrance, California. He soon brought together a staff of several recognized clinicians. Dr. Katherine Ruccione was among the first. The staff continued to grow and in 1990, PJ Lucas was brought on board as an intern. During that time PJ was completing his doctoral work. In 1995 PJ completed his PhD in clinical psychology. After several years of internship and then licensure Dr. Lucas was asked to become a partner at the Center for Counseling and Recovery. The staff once again grew. The Center had several licensed clinicians and several interns.

In 2002 Dr. Lucas moved to the central coast and opened the Center for Counseling and Recovery in San Luis Obispo. He soon became known as a no nonsense, straight to the point therapist. He then employed Diane Rhodes as an intern. Her qualifications are extraordinary and she has become a great asset to CCR. After a year, Dr. Lucas opened a second office in Paso Robles. During the first 2 years in the central coast he rented office space to several licensed therapists searching for extremely qualified clinicians. After and intense exploration Dr. Lucas found Marlene Gilbert.  Marlene brings experience and structure to her work with couples and families.

In September of 2006 Dr. Lucas offered Marlene Gilbert a partnership at the Center for Counseling and Recovery.  Diane Rhodes was licensed in September of 2008. She was offered and accepted a partnership. The Center will continue to hire well qualified interns as our business grows.  In an effort to accommodate the growth and to better focus our attention on our immediate community, we have closed the San Luis Obispo office and have moved to a larger space in Paso Robles.  We feel that this change will allow us continue to provide quality professionals to assist individuals; couples and families make healthy changes in their lives. We continue to adhere to a strictly confidential, supportive counseling environment. Clients are treated with the utmost respect and dignity at all times. Goals are set in a collaborative manner between the therapist and the client. We maintain the highest legal and ethical standards of our profession.