Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Email Me

(805) 323-9492 Call Me

Email Me

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

5 Endorsed

Call Me

Let's Connect (805) 323-9492

Available both in-person and online

3890 La Cumbre Plaza Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93105

My website

Hi, I’m Dr. Dave Talavera! I specialize in neurodiversity, especially autism and ADHD. If you’ve struggled with working memory, attention, social interactions, sensory issues, or you’re just curious whether you’re neurodivergent, you’re in the right place. I provide comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments and affirming therapy to help you gain clarity and understand yourself fully. Together, we’ll undo years of masking, secure school/work accommodations, address self-doubt, and map out your cognitive strengths. I work with you to gain a deeper understanding of your natural gifts and discover new ways to move through struggles.

I'm also a specialist in treating chronic health conditions/pain. My training was done at Harvard/Stanford medical schools and I worked at USC/Stanford medical centers, so I have expertise in psychological assessment and treatment of complex health issues. I'll walk you through neuroscience-based therapy that's easy to apply and tailored just for you.

As a Spanish/English bilingual Latino psychologist, I understand the struggles of being first-generation (like the the pressure, expectations, stress of navigating two worlds). I also provide immigration-related and asylum psychological assessments. So if you're stuck in survival mode or struggling with family obligations, I'm here to help.

Call or Email Dave Talavera now for a free 15 minute consultation - (805) 323-9492

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

The Center for Connection - Santa Barbara

3890 La Cumbre Plaza Lane

Santa Barbara, CA 93105 map

(805) 323-9492

My website

I'm available online (wherever you are in CA!) and in-person Mon-Fri with evening times too. Flexible hours that work for you. Let's start!

I specialize in ADHD, Autism and Chronic Illness

Individual one-on-one therapy

Please watch my video to learn more about me and my practice.

Let's Connect (805) 323-9492

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

The Center for Connection - Santa Barbara

3890 La Cumbre Plaza Lane

Santa Barbara, CA 93105 map

(805) 323-9492

My website

I'm available online (wherever you are in CA!) and in-person Mon-Fri with evening times too. Flexible hours that work for you. Let's start!

I specialize in ADHD, Autism and Chronic Illness

Individual one-on-one therapy

Please watch my video to learn more about me and my practice.

Finances

Payment Methods

American Express, Apple Cash, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Sliding scale available as needed. I also provide a Superbill and can help you submit that to insurance for potential reimbursement. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 323-9492

Sliding scale available as needed. I also provide a Superbill and can help you submit that to insurance for potential reimbursement. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 323-9492

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / 31480 David Talavera

Education and Years In Practice

Attended Stanford University School Medicine, University of Houston, Harvard Medical School, and UC Berkeley

With over a decade of experience and former clinical assistant professor at Stanford and USC, I've published in scientific journals, contributed to books, and given several invited lectures. I take all this knowledge and turn it into real-world applications to help you navigate life better.

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 323-9492

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 323-9492

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

ADHD
Autism
Chronic Illness

Expertise

Anxiety
Burnout
Cancer
Caregivers
Chronic Pain
Coping Skills
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Family Conflict
Grief
Intellectual Disability
Latinx mental health, first-generation struggles
Life Transitions
Neurodivergence
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Sleep or Insomnia
Spanish-language services
Sports Performance
Stress
Trauma and PTSD

I provide compassionate and practical therapy to help you heal and grow. My sessions focus on gaining insight into your challenges and finding meaningful ways to create lasting, positive change. Using cutting-edge, research-backed approaches, you're always in charge - we can go slow or explore deeply, meeting you where you are. Together, we'll make progress that feels right for you!

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 323-9492

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 323-9492

5 Endorsements

William Lacey-Bisetty

Psychologist, PhD

Dr. Talavera is an excellent and thoughtful clinician who does an amazing job of centering clients and adjusting to their needs. He has a wealth of knowledge across anxiety, depression, and grief and a specific expertise in pain. Phenomenal clinician.

Daniel J Paulus

Psychologist, PhD

Dr. Talavera is a remarkably skilled therapist with excellent training in evidence-based approaches to chronic health as well as anxiety/OCD, depression, and trauma. He is adept at tailoring interventions to the individual including cultural sensitivities.

Jesse Fischer

Psychologist, PhD

Dr. Talavera is an exceptional psychologist, with expertise across trauma, grief, chronic pain, and other areas. He truly advocates for his clients, and relies on evidence-based, culturally informed treatment methods that are also individually tailored.

Dr. Rogelio Gonzalez

Psychologist, PhD

Dr. Talavera is a one-of-a-kind therapist. He delivers warm and genuine evidence-based therapy that elevates his clients to their best. If you are looking for a therapist who truly cares about you and works hard for you and with you, look no further!

Dr. Jessica Klement

Psychologist, PhD

I had the pleasure of training alongside Dr. Talavera in graduate school. He is a thoughtful, warm, and knowledgeable psychologist with particular expertise in neurodiversity and chronic health concerns. I'm happy to recommend him.

Part of The Center for Connection - Santa Barbara

View Practice

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

William Lacey-Bisetty

Psychologist, PhD

Client Focus

Participants

Individuals

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Spanish

Participants

Individuals

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Spanish

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Trauma Focused

No matter the therapy style-CBT, ACT, or DBT -you always come first. You're far more important than rigid therapy models. I'm flexible and open to exploring what works best for you, adjusting as needed to ensure you're comfortable and making progress. Everything I offer is science-backed and useful, but I know one size doesn't fit all, so we'll find the approach that feels right for you.

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 323-9492

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 323-9492

Location

Primary Location

3890 La Cumbre Plaza Lane

Santa Barbara, CA 93105

(805) 323-9492

Email Me

My website

Group Practice

The Center for Connection - Santa Barbara

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

Upper State

I'm available online (wherever you are in CA!) and in-person Mon-Fri with evening times too. Flexible hours that work for you. Let's start!

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Call for a free consultation now - (805) 323-9492

I'm available online (wherever you are in CA!) and in-person Mon-Fri with evening times too. Flexible hours that work for you. Let's start!

Dave Talavera

Psychologist, PhD

Call for a free consultation now - (805) 323-9492

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