Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA
Tamara Cummings
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MA, EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
In my practice, I employ therapeutic models like Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and more. With specialized training in child psychology, learning, and development, I apply research-based strategies to address educational and developmental challenges. My focus is on overcoming obstacles related to student learning and behavior. This involves crafting personalized plans such as BIPs and IEPs, conducting FBAs, assessing progress, and offering counseling to students and families. My services aim to support students academically, emotionally, and socially by integrating mental health with learning and behavior.
In my practice, I employ therapeutic models like Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and more. With specialized training in child psychology, learning, and development, I apply research-based strategies to address educational and developmental challenges. My focus is on overcoming obstacles related to student learning and behavior. This involves crafting personalized plans such as BIPs and IEPs, conducting FBAs, assessing progress, and offering counseling to students and families. My services aim to support students academically, emotionally, and socially by integrating mental health with learning and behavior.
Dr. Marshall Pagaling
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start. I'm here to extend my hand and guide you along this difficult path. With years of experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development, I've witnessed remarkable transformations in individuals like you, helping them regain control of their lives. Understanding your unique struggles and tailoring evidence-based therapies to suit your specific needs is the cornerstone of my practice.
Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start. I'm here to extend my hand and guide you along this difficult path. With years of experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development, I've witnessed remarkable transformations in individuals like you, helping them regain control of their lives. Understanding your unique struggles and tailoring evidence-based therapies to suit your specific needs is the cornerstone of my practice.
Ginger Swanson
Psychologist, PhD, CHT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I provide a safe and caring relationship. With trust as our foundation, together we explore what is calling for clarity, change, or comfort. I help you to identify and disengage from old destructive patterns, habits, and beliefs. I also help you to find and anchor new ways of being your authentic and joyful self in the world. If we are in harmony with ourselves we are much better equipped to foster healthy relationships with others. I help you get beneath anxiety, sadness, guilt, and shame to feeling honor, respect, and love--starting with yourself.
I provide a safe and caring relationship. With trust as our foundation, together we explore what is calling for clarity, change, or comfort. I help you to identify and disengage from old destructive patterns, habits, and beliefs. I also help you to find and anchor new ways of being your authentic and joyful self in the world. If we are in harmony with ourselves we are much better equipped to foster healthy relationships with others. I help you get beneath anxiety, sadness, guilt, and shame to feeling honor, respect, and love--starting with yourself.
Melissa Jones Cantekin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Imagine being listened to with complete attention, without interruption or judgment in a confidential, supportive environment. I am both practical and holistic in my commitment to focus short-term on a specific problem or, to work over time to find what is lacking in your life that causes suffering. Through exploring and making transitions in relationships, career, creativity, sexuality and spirituality including dreams, we will solve or get beyond obstacles and grieve losses together, and relate them to the present. I can help guide the process in a compassionate and timely fashion, mediate any pain and give your future hope.
Imagine being listened to with complete attention, without interruption or judgment in a confidential, supportive environment. I am both practical and holistic in my commitment to focus short-term on a specific problem or, to work over time to find what is lacking in your life that causes suffering. Through exploring and making transitions in relationships, career, creativity, sexuality and spirituality including dreams, we will solve or get beyond obstacles and grieve losses together, and relate them to the present. I can help guide the process in a compassionate and timely fashion, mediate any pain and give your future hope.
Sophia Willis-Conger
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I am honored to be part of your healing and growth journey. I work with adults of all ages and couples to build on strengths, improve communication, and develop tools to persevere through challenges. My approach is built on the therapeutic relationship we create together and the unconditional positive regard I hold for my clients. I will help you cultivate greater self-compassion, awareness, and understanding. I love laughing with my clients, cheering them on in their journey, and helping them develop the necessary skills and insight to accomplish their goals.
I am honored to be part of your healing and growth journey. I work with adults of all ages and couples to build on strengths, improve communication, and develop tools to persevere through challenges. My approach is built on the therapeutic relationship we create together and the unconditional positive regard I hold for my clients. I will help you cultivate greater self-compassion, awareness, and understanding. I love laughing with my clients, cheering them on in their journey, and helping them develop the necessary skills and insight to accomplish their goals.
Camila Barreto
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
As a bilingual and bicultural licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), I provide teletherapy services aimed at strengthening family relationships and overcoming emotional and behavioral challenges. I follow attachment-based and somatic-based approaches to give individuals, couples, families and children developmentally appropriate and effective healing interventions to teach, support and treat a wide range of mental health difficulties. I recently hired 3 wonderful Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and Associate Clinical Socila Workers.
As a bilingual and bicultural licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), I provide teletherapy services aimed at strengthening family relationships and overcoming emotional and behavioral challenges. I follow attachment-based and somatic-based approaches to give individuals, couples, families and children developmentally appropriate and effective healing interventions to teach, support and treat a wide range of mental health difficulties. I recently hired 3 wonderful Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and Associate Clinical Socila Workers.
Desire Carolina Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC, MSCP, MBA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Waitlist for new clients
As a psychotherapist with a Master's in Clinical Psychology, I have been privileged to work with clients from diverse backgrounds. My specialization in working with multiracial women aged 13-35 who struggle with identity & self-esteem due to past trauma is deeply meaningful to me. My bilingual abilities in English & Spanish allow me to work comfortably with clients from different linguistic & cultural backgrounds. I am honored to work alongside my clients as they explore their innermost selves, heal past traumas, and ultimately find a sense of peace and self-love. My commitment to this work is unwavering.
As a psychotherapist with a Master's in Clinical Psychology, I have been privileged to work with clients from diverse backgrounds. My specialization in working with multiracial women aged 13-35 who struggle with identity & self-esteem due to past trauma is deeply meaningful to me. My bilingual abilities in English & Spanish allow me to work comfortably with clients from different linguistic & cultural backgrounds. I am honored to work alongside my clients as they explore their innermost selves, heal past traumas, and ultimately find a sense of peace and self-love. My commitment to this work is unwavering.
Rachel B Aarons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I specialize in helping people move out of stuck places, heal past trauma, and change destructive behavior patterns. I am a certified EMDR therapist and use the Early Trauma Protocol for early abuse, neglect and adoption. I work with the unconscious mind to bring about deep lasting change using one of the fastest processing methods available today. We will work on the level of both the conscious AND the unconscious mind so that the changes you make will be solid and long-lasting. Together we can make your life what you want it to be.
I specialize in helping people move out of stuck places, heal past trauma, and change destructive behavior patterns. I am a certified EMDR therapist and use the Early Trauma Protocol for early abuse, neglect and adoption. I work with the unconscious mind to bring about deep lasting change using one of the fastest processing methods available today. We will work on the level of both the conscious AND the unconscious mind so that the changes you make will be solid and long-lasting. Together we can make your life what you want it to be.
Allycia Souza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
My counseling style is compassionate, reflective, and rooted in radical self acceptance. My focus is on helping you accept the parts of yourself that are hard to tolerate and be at peace with. I have been a psychotherapist for 13 years and I am licensed in the state of California. I have worked with people from various backgrounds that grapple with differing issues, such as, depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain/illness, childhood abuse and trauma, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief, domestic violence and life transitions.
My counseling style is compassionate, reflective, and rooted in radical self acceptance. My focus is on helping you accept the parts of yourself that are hard to tolerate and be at peace with. I have been a psychotherapist for 13 years and I am licensed in the state of California. I have worked with people from various backgrounds that grapple with differing issues, such as, depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain/illness, childhood abuse and trauma, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief, domestic violence and life transitions.
Joshua Pelfrey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
My name is Joshua Pelfrey, a licensed clinical social worker. I have been in the counseling field for more than 15 years as both an addiction counselor and clinical social worker. I help individuals and couples with addiction, depression, anxiety, anger, and more. I specialize in motivational interviewing, addiction counseling, and anger management. I consider myself an ally in the therapeutic process with the goal of helping my clients unlock their potential.
My name is Joshua Pelfrey, a licensed clinical social worker. I have been in the counseling field for more than 15 years as both an addiction counselor and clinical social worker. I help individuals and couples with addiction, depression, anxiety, anger, and more. I specialize in motivational interviewing, addiction counseling, and anger management. I consider myself an ally in the therapeutic process with the goal of helping my clients unlock their potential.
Rudi Lion
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
The relationship to ourself is the foundation of all our relationships. Let's begin with you. Do you act in ways that don't get you the result you want? ? Do you wish you just knew how to be a good partner? I can help you to love better. Together we inquire into what holds you back from fully opening your heart. Maybe there is possible unresolved trauma holding you back? Let's create a relationship template that supports what you both truly want. It's best to come as a couple. If that is not possible, come by yourself.
The relationship to ourself is the foundation of all our relationships. Let's begin with you. Do you act in ways that don't get you the result you want? ? Do you wish you just knew how to be a good partner? I can help you to love better. Together we inquire into what holds you back from fully opening your heart. Maybe there is possible unresolved trauma holding you back? Let's create a relationship template that supports what you both truly want. It's best to come as a couple. If that is not possible, come by yourself.
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Alix Robinson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Feeling stuck? It's amazing the difference a therapeutic hour can make. I understand that it takes courage to make the decision to start therapy and I consider it an honor to help you take that first step. My approach to therapy is scientifically informed while still responsive to your unique needs. I believe that there is no problem greater than your capacity and I want to help you find solutions to become the best version of yourself.
Feeling stuck? It's amazing the difference a therapeutic hour can make. I understand that it takes courage to make the decision to start therapy and I consider it an honor to help you take that first step. My approach to therapy is scientifically informed while still responsive to your unique needs. I believe that there is no problem greater than your capacity and I want to help you find solutions to become the best version of yourself.
Asha Wilkus-Stone
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Life does not proceed as we each envision it. It can be unexpected, messy, complicated, disappointing, tragic, and challenging. In countless ways we strive and struggle. We can feel ourselves to be adrift. Yet we are connected, radically interdependent. Even so, we all have our own perspectives on life and our struggles. We are tethered to our environment, our social roles, cultural identities, interpersonal, historical, professional experiences, and so on. Through exploring this web, and the various vantage points that the web offers, a unique therapeutic process emerges for each person.
Life does not proceed as we each envision it. It can be unexpected, messy, complicated, disappointing, tragic, and challenging. In countless ways we strive and struggle. We can feel ourselves to be adrift. Yet we are connected, radically interdependent. Even so, we all have our own perspectives on life and our struggles. We are tethered to our environment, our social roles, cultural identities, interpersonal, historical, professional experiences, and so on. Through exploring this web, and the various vantage points that the web offers, a unique therapeutic process emerges for each person.
Julie Newell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (Online Only)
I believe the therapeutic process is a collaborative way to discover healthy coping mechanisms, reduce stress, and increase personal happiness and well-being. Confidentiality, respect, and compassion are inherent to my process. I have over a decade of experience treating adolescents, adult individuals, couples & families. By integrating various therapeutic approaches such as Strength’s-Based Strategic, Solution-Focused & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I am able to provide well-rounded, evidence-based support to promote positive change.
I believe the therapeutic process is a collaborative way to discover healthy coping mechanisms, reduce stress, and increase personal happiness and well-being. Confidentiality, respect, and compassion are inherent to my process. I have over a decade of experience treating adolescents, adult individuals, couples & families. By integrating various therapeutic approaches such as Strength’s-Based Strategic, Solution-Focused & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I am able to provide well-rounded, evidence-based support to promote positive change.
Alice P. Arnold
MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I offer psychotherapy, with a focus on managing difficulties and learning from life's struggles. Together we reach an understanding of what you're experiencing, and create solutions geared toward easing your discomfort. When we are receptive to the voice of the unconscious, through exploration of dreams and struggles, we can find inner wisdom to meet life's challenges.
I offer psychotherapy, with a focus on managing difficulties and learning from life's struggles. Together we reach an understanding of what you're experiencing, and create solutions geared toward easing your discomfort. When we are receptive to the voice of the unconscious, through exploration of dreams and struggles, we can find inner wisdom to meet life's challenges.
Dr. Ray Sullivan
Registered Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
I see adults with various relationship issues, quality of life concerns, and those wanting to expand their personal growth and take care of their mental health. I provide Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral therapies, with other supportive therapies. Integration Psychology empowers patients and tends to their most pressing needs. Also, as an EMDR-trained Clinician, I provide sessions for PTSD and reprocessing trauma to help patients who feel stuck in their body or thinking or who feel younger than they are and may have frozen or unprocessed memories. I provide psychotherapy, psychological evaluations, and personality testing.
I see adults with various relationship issues, quality of life concerns, and those wanting to expand their personal growth and take care of their mental health. I provide Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral therapies, with other supportive therapies. Integration Psychology empowers patients and tends to their most pressing needs. Also, as an EMDR-trained Clinician, I provide sessions for PTSD and reprocessing trauma to help patients who feel stuck in their body or thinking or who feel younger than they are and may have frozen or unprocessed memories. I provide psychotherapy, psychological evaluations, and personality testing.
Anne L Lickus Cravens
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Specializations: Assisting adolescents, adults, and couples of any gender and background navigating anxiety, depression, the lasting effects of trauma, and relational issues. Empowering and guiding women through varied challenges and life transitions.
Specializations: Assisting adolescents, adults, and couples of any gender and background navigating anxiety, depression, the lasting effects of trauma, and relational issues. Empowering and guiding women through varied challenges and life transitions.
Katrina Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when we are trying to navigate stress, transition, trauma, loss, or conflict. Through compassionate inquiry into our hearts, minds, and souls we can better understand the path forward to the life we want and the person we want to be. I am a warm, collaborative, and person-centered therapist who believes in the innate capacity of humans to heal, grow, and thrive. I will join you and help guide you to connect to your authentic self, inner wisdom, strengths, and compassion. I work with adults, teens, children, couples and families to find balance and a greater sense of well-being.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when we are trying to navigate stress, transition, trauma, loss, or conflict. Through compassionate inquiry into our hearts, minds, and souls we can better understand the path forward to the life we want and the person we want to be. I am a warm, collaborative, and person-centered therapist who believes in the innate capacity of humans to heal, grow, and thrive. I will join you and help guide you to connect to your authentic self, inner wisdom, strengths, and compassion. I work with adults, teens, children, couples and families to find balance and a greater sense of well-being.
Julieta Serrato
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (Online Only)
My passion is to support clients through empowerment in order for them to reach their goals. I work with adolescents, teens, women and men through short and long term therapy. My approach is to meet the client where they are at and find the best path that can positively propel them in the direction of their goals and further support positive change.
My passion is to support clients through empowerment in order for them to reach their goals. I work with adolescents, teens, women and men through short and long term therapy. My approach is to meet the client where they are at and find the best path that can positively propel them in the direction of their goals and further support positive change.
Margaret Hoyne Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
With a genuine and warm-hearted demeanor, my clinical goals are to empower my clients to embark on a journey of self-discovery and positive transformation. Through the integration of Positive Psychology, CBT, and Adlerian principles, my success for more than a decade and a half has been equipping individuals with tools and insights needed to overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve lasting well-being.
With a genuine and warm-hearted demeanor, my clinical goals are to empower my clients to embark on a journey of self-discovery and positive transformation. Through the integration of Positive Psychology, CBT, and Adlerian principles, my success for more than a decade and a half has been equipping individuals with tools and insights needed to overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve lasting well-being.
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.