Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA
Nancy Chen Marden
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
I see my role in the therapeutic process as an agent of change and flicker of hope. My only goal is to help you make the necessary changes in your life so that you can experience joy, love, abundance, and meaning. I believe that the only way for any of us to heal and grow from the pains of our experiences is with someone who can not only provide an understanding to what we're going through, but help us experience something different. I seek to achieve this outcome with you through a collaborative relationship and instilling empowerment in you.
I see my role in the therapeutic process as an agent of change and flicker of hope. My only goal is to help you make the necessary changes in your life so that you can experience joy, love, abundance, and meaning. I believe that the only way for any of us to heal and grow from the pains of our experiences is with someone who can not only provide an understanding to what we're going through, but help us experience something different. I seek to achieve this outcome with you through a collaborative relationship and instilling empowerment in you.
Michael Rogers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
On paper, everything looks good. You have a good job, you’re in a relationship and you live somewhere great. You did all the things you were told would make you happy and for some reason, you are feeling off, disconnected or empty. You may be asking yourself, “what’s the point” or “is this all there is?” You are wanting more, but aren’t entirely sure what that is. You may be drinking, relying on substances or food to deal with these feelings. You’re wanting to make a change and it’s the time do it. This has probably been the case for some time. Well, nothing changes if nothing changes.
On paper, everything looks good. You have a good job, you’re in a relationship and you live somewhere great. You did all the things you were told would make you happy and for some reason, you are feeling off, disconnected or empty. You may be asking yourself, “what’s the point” or “is this all there is?” You are wanting more, but aren’t entirely sure what that is. You may be drinking, relying on substances or food to deal with these feelings. You’re wanting to make a change and it’s the time do it. This has probably been the case for some time. Well, nothing changes if nothing changes.
Susie Adams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Whether you are coming to therapy because you are battling addiction, have relationship issues, unresolved trauma, or are striving for more balance in your life, I am here to help. Making an appointment with a therapist takes courage and is the first step toward personal growth and change. Some people come to therapy to improve their communication skills while others come to explore their unresolved pain that may show up in various symptoms such as, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. If the underlying pain is not dealt with, life can seem difficult and maybe even unbearable. There is no need to suffer. There is hope.
Whether you are coming to therapy because you are battling addiction, have relationship issues, unresolved trauma, or are striving for more balance in your life, I am here to help. Making an appointment with a therapist takes courage and is the first step toward personal growth and change. Some people come to therapy to improve their communication skills while others come to explore their unresolved pain that may show up in various symptoms such as, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. If the underlying pain is not dealt with, life can seem difficult and maybe even unbearable. There is no need to suffer. There is hope.
Mary S. Patterson
Licensed Educational Psychologist, PhD, LEP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Welcome to my practice! I specialize in working with children and provide counseling, parent consultation sessions, and psychoeducational evaluations. I worked in schools for 6 years as a school psychologist before beginning my private practice in 2016. I have particular expertise in areas such as Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, anxiety, and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Please note that I do not accept insurance.
Welcome to my practice! I specialize in working with children and provide counseling, parent consultation sessions, and psychoeducational evaluations. I worked in schools for 6 years as a school psychologist before beginning my private practice in 2016. I have particular expertise in areas such as Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, anxiety, and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Please note that I do not accept insurance.
Nate Hutchins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Are you a new parent feeling a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement and joy to confusion and apprehension? Is your relationship going through a stressful period? Are you struggling to cope with a flurry of new changes? I believe support is often necessary during these life transitions. As a therapist, my mission is to help those who feel overwhelmed regain balance and clarity. By developing stronger coping and communication skills, fostering resilience, and having a safe place to share your thoughts and feelings, you can have a better set of tools for navigating life's complexities.
Are you a new parent feeling a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement and joy to confusion and apprehension? Is your relationship going through a stressful period? Are you struggling to cope with a flurry of new changes? I believe support is often necessary during these life transitions. As a therapist, my mission is to help those who feel overwhelmed regain balance and clarity. By developing stronger coping and communication skills, fostering resilience, and having a safe place to share your thoughts and feelings, you can have a better set of tools for navigating life's complexities.
Lexi Molloy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
I work with kids, teenagers and adults to help them heal from past trauma and develop more meaningful and peaceful lives. I love working with people experiencing major life transitions and finding new ways to approach those transitions with calm and ease. I also love working with new parents as they transition into their role caring for children, as this can often be a life change that brings up challenges experienced in their own childhood. My clients express gratitude that I am warm and approachable in the treatment I provide and help them feel safe, sometimes for the first time in their life.
I work with kids, teenagers and adults to help them heal from past trauma and develop more meaningful and peaceful lives. I love working with people experiencing major life transitions and finding new ways to approach those transitions with calm and ease. I also love working with new parents as they transition into their role caring for children, as this can often be a life change that brings up challenges experienced in their own childhood. My clients express gratitude that I am warm and approachable in the treatment I provide and help them feel safe, sometimes for the first time in their life.
Ian J Holland
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Finding the right therapist can be challenging. I listen deeply to my clients and work collaboratively to facilitate change. I bring a warm and intuitive approach to complement 20+ years of clinical experience, so you can expect to feel seen and heard while you open up to the therapeutic process. I utilize EMDR, CBT & DBT modalities to transform old beliefs that no longer serve you, and treat single incident trauma as well as complex trauma from childhood. I address the impact that neurodiversity has on individuals, couples & families. Autistic & ADHD clients' benefit and thrive from having this awareness in the therapy room.
Finding the right therapist can be challenging. I listen deeply to my clients and work collaboratively to facilitate change. I bring a warm and intuitive approach to complement 20+ years of clinical experience, so you can expect to feel seen and heard while you open up to the therapeutic process. I utilize EMDR, CBT & DBT modalities to transform old beliefs that no longer serve you, and treat single incident trauma as well as complex trauma from childhood. I address the impact that neurodiversity has on individuals, couples & families. Autistic & ADHD clients' benefit and thrive from having this awareness in the therapy room.
Dancy Perinatal Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
New families are all alone. Pregnancy and postpartum used to be supported by a village and now many are left wondering- what happened to the village?
New families are all alone. Pregnancy and postpartum used to be supported by a village and now many are left wondering- what happened to the village?
Hazel Gilson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
At some point in our lives we all experience psychological pain and suffering. While there is no blueprint to life, if you have a history of adverse life experiences, or come from an unstable home, you may find yourself struggling to build the life you want. Unresolved childhood trauma can result in a wide range of mental health, physical pain and relationship issues. You may feel broken and unsure if you can recover. Yet, my personal and professional experiences have taught me, it is through experiencing brokenness we emerge our most resilient.
At some point in our lives we all experience psychological pain and suffering. While there is no blueprint to life, if you have a history of adverse life experiences, or come from an unstable home, you may find yourself struggling to build the life you want. Unresolved childhood trauma can result in a wide range of mental health, physical pain and relationship issues. You may feel broken and unsure if you can recover. Yet, my personal and professional experiences have taught me, it is through experiencing brokenness we emerge our most resilient.
Danielle Dwan
Registered Psychological Associate, MPH
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Juggling the multiple roles and relationships that society calls us into can be quite the challenge. However, understanding why and how we suffer can give us insight into our deeply held longings. Therefore, our symptoms have the potential to guide us toward our most authentic path. I specialize in working with those in "quarter-life" (roughly 18-40) as they grapple with identity issues, relationships, finding their place in the world, and balancing a life that includes both meaning and stability. I provide a safe and openhearted experience for my clients where all aspects of the self are welcomed with warmth and curiosity.
Juggling the multiple roles and relationships that society calls us into can be quite the challenge. However, understanding why and how we suffer can give us insight into our deeply held longings. Therefore, our symptoms have the potential to guide us toward our most authentic path. I specialize in working with those in "quarter-life" (roughly 18-40) as they grapple with identity issues, relationships, finding their place in the world, and balancing a life that includes both meaning and stability. I provide a safe and openhearted experience for my clients where all aspects of the self are welcomed with warmth and curiosity.
Taylor Schreiber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
It is a sign of strength and self-awareness to address one's mental well-being. I enjoy working with people who are looking for a shift in their lives. Together we will tend to and grow the parts of you that require care. My style is active, empathic, playful, direct, genuine, and adaptive to meet your needs. I work relationally and I want my clients to know that another human being is in the room so that they are not doing this alone. As your therapist, you will be supported free of judgment, and also challenged. I believe that the authenticity we both bring to our relationship is the catalyst to get you where you want to be.
It is a sign of strength and self-awareness to address one's mental well-being. I enjoy working with people who are looking for a shift in their lives. Together we will tend to and grow the parts of you that require care. My style is active, empathic, playful, direct, genuine, and adaptive to meet your needs. I work relationally and I want my clients to know that another human being is in the room so that they are not doing this alone. As your therapist, you will be supported free of judgment, and also challenged. I believe that the authenticity we both bring to our relationship is the catalyst to get you where you want to be.
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Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Getting past your past, discovering clarity and purpose, and taming your inner critic can be truly empowering. I can't wait to connect with you and foster a path forward together.
Getting past your past, discovering clarity and purpose, and taming your inner critic can be truly empowering. I can't wait to connect with you and foster a path forward together.
Ana C Leyva
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I work with couples, families, and individuals of all ages, specializing in trauma and attachment work. I believe that, at any given moment, we are each doing the best that we can with our current or perceived reality. It is for this reason that I feel honored to work with people on this level. My ideal client is someone looking to understand their internal and external world better, and someone looking to heal new and old wounds at their pace. I love helping people get to a place where they feel grounded and empowered in their world.
I work with couples, families, and individuals of all ages, specializing in trauma and attachment work. I believe that, at any given moment, we are each doing the best that we can with our current or perceived reality. It is for this reason that I feel honored to work with people on this level. My ideal client is someone looking to understand their internal and external world better, and someone looking to heal new and old wounds at their pace. I love helping people get to a place where they feel grounded and empowered in their world.
Judith E Rubenstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, JD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
If you are having problems in your primary relationship you are probably feeling a bit lonely and misunderstood. I believe that each of us need love and close intimate relationships to reach our highest evolution as a human being. I create a safe, loving environment for individuals or couples to do their work to reach their highest potential. My focus is on helping you experience your feelings, physical sensations, thoughts and images, in the moment. As you claim new parts to yourself, you gradually come to accept and love a fuller and more actualized self and a deeper relationship with your loved ones.
If you are having problems in your primary relationship you are probably feeling a bit lonely and misunderstood. I believe that each of us need love and close intimate relationships to reach our highest evolution as a human being. I create a safe, loving environment for individuals or couples to do their work to reach their highest potential. My focus is on helping you experience your feelings, physical sensations, thoughts and images, in the moment. As you claim new parts to yourself, you gradually come to accept and love a fuller and more actualized self and a deeper relationship with your loved ones.
Kattya Manning
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Are there things that are keeping you from living a life you aspire to? Are there times when you have big plans, and bounce back and forth between feeling totally inspired and feeling totally frozen by anxiety, worry, and self-doubt. Maybe it is struggling with having unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings that are holding you back.
Are there things that are keeping you from living a life you aspire to? Are there times when you have big plans, and bounce back and forth between feeling totally inspired and feeling totally frozen by anxiety, worry, and self-doubt. Maybe it is struggling with having unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings that are holding you back.
Dr. Amber Dawn Stickerod
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Therapy can be the catalyst that allows you to move past overwhelming feelings of discouragement, distraction, frustration, boredom, heartbreak, inner conflicts, self-alienation and uncertainty while also moving you in the direction of greater clarity, confidence, inner peace, life satisfaction and personal evolution. What is Personal Evolution?
Therapy can be the catalyst that allows you to move past overwhelming feelings of discouragement, distraction, frustration, boredom, heartbreak, inner conflicts, self-alienation and uncertainty while also moving you in the direction of greater clarity, confidence, inner peace, life satisfaction and personal evolution. What is Personal Evolution?
Dr. Sharleen O'Brien
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
I work primarily with adults who seek therapy to improve their relationships, navigate life changes, and understand difficult patterns to generate more peace, joy, and authenticity. I’m able to support you with a range of concerns, including insomnia using CBT-I, new parents, work related challenges, career growth and menopause. In addition, I work with individuals to clarify their future goals, desired life path, and create new habits for wellbeing.
I work primarily with adults who seek therapy to improve their relationships, navigate life changes, and understand difficult patterns to generate more peace, joy, and authenticity. I’m able to support you with a range of concerns, including insomnia using CBT-I, new parents, work related challenges, career growth and menopause. In addition, I work with individuals to clarify their future goals, desired life path, and create new habits for wellbeing.
Debra Dalton Stein
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating OCD and Anxiety related disorders. For over six years I worked with hundreds of clients with OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Anxiety Disorders and Compulsive Skin Picking and Hair Pulling (BFRB's) with the OCD Center of Los Angeles. For OCD and Anxiety related disorders I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention, Mindfulness Training and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. For BFRB's, therapies include Habit Reversal Training, the ComB Approach, Mindfulness and ACT. Every therapy I provide is supported by science and all the work I do with clients is collaborative.
I specialize in treating OCD and Anxiety related disorders. For over six years I worked with hundreds of clients with OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Anxiety Disorders and Compulsive Skin Picking and Hair Pulling (BFRB's) with the OCD Center of Los Angeles. For OCD and Anxiety related disorders I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention, Mindfulness Training and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. For BFRB's, therapies include Habit Reversal Training, the ComB Approach, Mindfulness and ACT. Every therapy I provide is supported by science and all the work I do with clients is collaborative.
Kathleen W Duval
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I enjoy working with children, adults, couples and families. I hold a Life Teaching Credential in California and I am a state licensed LMFT. Treatment considers personal relationships and psychodynamic introspection. Awareness of inspiration, aspiration and spirituality informs the search to realize personal potential and authenticity. Each person brings unique experiences and issues to the therapeutic process. My goal is to identify the issues and approach treatment in collaboration with my client, with compassion, practicality, support and effectiveness.
I enjoy working with children, adults, couples and families. I hold a Life Teaching Credential in California and I am a state licensed LMFT. Treatment considers personal relationships and psychodynamic introspection. Awareness of inspiration, aspiration and spirituality informs the search to realize personal potential and authenticity. Each person brings unique experiences and issues to the therapeutic process. My goal is to identify the issues and approach treatment in collaboration with my client, with compassion, practicality, support and effectiveness.
Ali Fleming
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I specialize in therapy with teens and young adults. If we work together, we’ll come up with a treatment plan that taps into the why and how that’s keeping you stuck, and then learn new skills to support you moving forward in your life and relationships. My style is personal, collaborative, and caring, and I believe our relationship is fundamental to supporting your positive transformation.
I specialize in therapy with teens and young adults. If we work together, we’ll come up with a treatment plan that taps into the why and how that’s keeping you stuck, and then learn new skills to support you moving forward in your life and relationships. My style is personal, collaborative, and caring, and I believe our relationship is fundamental to supporting your positive transformation.
See more therapy options for Santa Barbara
Nearby Searches for Santa Barbara
- Buellton
- Carpinteria
- Goleta
- Isla Vista
- Los Olivos
- Montecito
- Oak View
- Ojai
- Santa Ynez
- Solvang
- Summerland
- Ventura
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA
900+
Average cost per session
$175
Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
76% | Self Esteem |
75% | Relationship Issues |
69% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | Coping Skills |
62% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
63% | Aetna |
52% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
52% | Other |
How Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA see their clients
68% | In Person and Online | |
32% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Santa Barbara?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.