Toddler Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA
Jeanne Bracker White
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Waitlist for new clients
I have 30 years of experience working in the field of mental health. For the past 20 years I have focused specifically on helping children, teens and parents better understand the gifts and needs of differently wired people. I seek to understand a person's sensory needs, social emotional needs and relating style. This discovery process attunes families to their children, whether young or grown. it provides older children, teens and adults a better appreciation of their gifts and insight into past struggles. And most importantly, it points to a way forward in life
I have 30 years of experience working in the field of mental health. For the past 20 years I have focused specifically on helping children, teens and parents better understand the gifts and needs of differently wired people. I seek to understand a person's sensory needs, social emotional needs and relating style. This discovery process attunes families to their children, whether young or grown. it provides older children, teens and adults a better appreciation of their gifts and insight into past struggles. And most importantly, it points to a way forward in life
Volney Tavarez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Parenthood is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it can also bring unexpected emotional, physical, and relational challenges. You deserve a warm and supportive therapeutic relationship through whatever this new season brings, so that you can provide the best care for yourself and your family. I specialize in helping parents and families navigate the unique challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting as they journey through these transformative phases. It is my privilege to walk alongside you through this time.
Parenthood is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it can also bring unexpected emotional, physical, and relational challenges. You deserve a warm and supportive therapeutic relationship through whatever this new season brings, so that you can provide the best care for yourself and your family. I specialize in helping parents and families navigate the unique challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting as they journey through these transformative phases. It is my privilege to walk alongside you through this time.
Tamara Cummings
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MA, EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
As a school psychologist in the public sector and a licensed educational psychologist in private practice, I am dedicated to enhancing the emotional and academic well-being of my clients. I provide two main services: therapeutic support and psycho-educational evaluations. In therapy, I create a warm, supportive environment that encourages clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. I use various approaches, including Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and REBT, to help clients address challenges and build resilience.
As a school psychologist in the public sector and a licensed educational psychologist in private practice, I am dedicated to enhancing the emotional and academic well-being of my clients. I provide two main services: therapeutic support and psycho-educational evaluations. In therapy, I create a warm, supportive environment that encourages clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. I use various approaches, including Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and REBT, to help clients address challenges and build resilience.
Indira Katan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
I help children, teens, and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship struggles by providing supportive and strengths-based services. I specialize in an integrative approach which means we work together to identify what techniques will support you best. I have worked in public education and social work for over 20 years and will bring an array of experience to our work together. My commitment is to provide a comprehensive, holistic space for growth and to support you or your child in overcoming challenges and learning to thrive.
I help children, teens, and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship struggles by providing supportive and strengths-based services. I specialize in an integrative approach which means we work together to identify what techniques will support you best. I have worked in public education and social work for over 20 years and will bring an array of experience to our work together. My commitment is to provide a comprehensive, holistic space for growth and to support you or your child in overcoming challenges and learning to thrive.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I am a Licensed Educational Psychologist with 20 years of experience in education. I have worked with preschool through high school aged students. I provide comprehensive evaluations that provide answers and specific recommendations that will help you, your child, family, and teachers better understand your child's behavior, learning, social skills and emotional functioning. I will help you find the tools you need to support your child's learning and overall wellbeing.
I am a Licensed Educational Psychologist with 20 years of experience in education. I have worked with preschool through high school aged students. I provide comprehensive evaluations that provide answers and specific recommendations that will help you, your child, family, and teachers better understand your child's behavior, learning, social skills and emotional functioning. I will help you find the tools you need to support your child's learning and overall wellbeing.
Each of us passes through struggles that are difficult to cope with. In working together to form a therapeutic relationship we can become healthier and more able to react more skillfully to the challenges that present themselves. My work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families is based off a strong clinical foundation and woven together with compassion, respect and caring. By resolving some of our issues we can become balanced and find improved overall health (mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, emotionally).
Each of us passes through struggles that are difficult to cope with. In working together to form a therapeutic relationship we can become healthier and more able to react more skillfully to the challenges that present themselves. My work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families is based off a strong clinical foundation and woven together with compassion, respect and caring. By resolving some of our issues we can become balanced and find improved overall health (mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, emotionally).
Dr. Crystal Ramirez
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Whether you're struggling with work, relationships or life changes our time together can alleviate confusion and suffering. You may be experiencing trauma triggers, family of origin patterns, or social and cultural pressures. Sometimes life is simply uncertain and overwhelming. You can create a life of intention and authenticity moving beyond unconscious reactions to insight and meaning. You will be in a safe place to honestly tend to your feelings and needs. I work holistically and respect you as a whole person who is uniquely coping with what has happened to you.
Whether you're struggling with work, relationships or life changes our time together can alleviate confusion and suffering. You may be experiencing trauma triggers, family of origin patterns, or social and cultural pressures. Sometimes life is simply uncertain and overwhelming. You can create a life of intention and authenticity moving beyond unconscious reactions to insight and meaning. You will be in a safe place to honestly tend to your feelings and needs. I work holistically and respect you as a whole person who is uniquely coping with what has happened to you.
Megan McClintock
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Most of us have come to a place in our lives where we could use some extra support, look at things in a different way and make different choices. Therapy can be helpful in assisting families and individuals in managing relationships and mental health issues. Therapy is a safe and confidential place to freely express your concerns and be heard. It is a cooperative effort between the therapist and client.
Most of us have come to a place in our lives where we could use some extra support, look at things in a different way and make different choices. Therapy can be helpful in assisting families and individuals in managing relationships and mental health issues. Therapy is a safe and confidential place to freely express your concerns and be heard. It is a cooperative effort between the therapist and client.
Ryan Herald
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
Ryan Herald, MFT treats children & adults of all ages, couples, and families. He has extensive training and experience working with trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and relationship challenges. He utilizes a humanistic approach with cognitive behavioral strategies. After completing his bachelor's degree from California State University Long Beach, Ryan earned a master's degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University. He worked two years as an AmeriCorps volunteer serving at-risk youth in Los Angeles County. Ryan is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Ryan Herald, MFT treats children & adults of all ages, couples, and families. He has extensive training and experience working with trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and relationship challenges. He utilizes a humanistic approach with cognitive behavioral strategies. After completing his bachelor's degree from California State University Long Beach, Ryan earned a master's degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University. He worked two years as an AmeriCorps volunteer serving at-risk youth in Los Angeles County. Ryan is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Autism Assessment Santa Barbara - Dr. Anna Krasno
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
I provide neurodiverse affirming autism evaluations and consultations for all ages and identities. I am interested in understanding the internal, hidden and genuine experience of neurodivergent individuals during the diagnostic process. Many individuals have been misdiagnosed or dismissed by providers. I am different. I work to understand masking and camouflaging of autistic traits. Autism is a difference in brain wiring and accurate diagnosis can be powerful in validating and affirming one's lived experience. A diagnostic process done in a neurodiverse affirming manner can be therapeutic.
I provide neurodiverse affirming autism evaluations and consultations for all ages and identities. I am interested in understanding the internal, hidden and genuine experience of neurodivergent individuals during the diagnostic process. Many individuals have been misdiagnosed or dismissed by providers. I am different. I work to understand masking and camouflaging of autistic traits. Autism is a difference in brain wiring and accurate diagnosis can be powerful in validating and affirming one's lived experience. A diagnostic process done in a neurodiverse affirming manner can be therapeutic.
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Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
It is my privilege to support folks in their healing, growth and attaining their desired changes. In my 13 yrs in practice, I developed an eclectic approach in which I try to get clients their progress as early as possible, customizing a variety of methods. During sessions, I give my full attention, compassion, skills-teaching, and honest feedback. I customize sessions for what they need (consider their upbringing, values, goals & ability). I work with clients of a wide range of cultural, political, religious, or spiritual backgrounds/value systems. Focus is on clients feeling more self-empowered, at peace & self-satisfied.
It is my privilege to support folks in their healing, growth and attaining their desired changes. In my 13 yrs in practice, I developed an eclectic approach in which I try to get clients their progress as early as possible, customizing a variety of methods. During sessions, I give my full attention, compassion, skills-teaching, and honest feedback. I customize sessions for what they need (consider their upbringing, values, goals & ability). I work with clients of a wide range of cultural, political, religious, or spiritual backgrounds/value systems. Focus is on clients feeling more self-empowered, at peace & self-satisfied.
Kathryn Pazan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
The experience of psychotherapy can be transformative for individuals and families of all ages and stages of life. I hope to provide a safe space for you to learn, heal, and grow while processing issues or challenges that are significant to you. I will support you in embracing compassion and acceptance for yourself in the midst of your life journey, so you can lead a joyful, productive, and meaningful life. In addition to working with adults, I am passionate about working with children, teens, young adults, and families. I believe a collaborative, systemic approach is essential for change.
The experience of psychotherapy can be transformative for individuals and families of all ages and stages of life. I hope to provide a safe space for you to learn, heal, and grow while processing issues or challenges that are significant to you. I will support you in embracing compassion and acceptance for yourself in the midst of your life journey, so you can lead a joyful, productive, and meaningful life. In addition to working with adults, I am passionate about working with children, teens, young adults, and families. I believe a collaborative, systemic approach is essential for change.
Ryan Scott Herald
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93109 (Online Only)
As your therapist, I focus on creating a space where you feel heard and supported. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, addiction, or relationship challenges, my goal is to help you navigate through these issues with compassion and understanding. I offer an open-ended approach where you can reflect and explore your thoughts freely, or we can dig deeper to discover the best steps forward. Each session is tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll work to find clarity and solutions, whether through reflection or active decision-making, allowing you to move forward with confidence.
As your therapist, I focus on creating a space where you feel heard and supported. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, addiction, or relationship challenges, my goal is to help you navigate through these issues with compassion and understanding. I offer an open-ended approach where you can reflect and explore your thoughts freely, or we can dig deeper to discover the best steps forward. Each session is tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll work to find clarity and solutions, whether through reflection or active decision-making, allowing you to move forward with confidence.
L. O. Aranye Fradenburg Joy
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I've been an educator for over 20 years, at Dartmouth College and UC Santa Barbara, where I met many young adults facing stress, anxiety, and depression. Their experience inspired me to start clinical training in 2005 at the New Center for Psychoanalysis in LA, where I have also been a faculty member. My approach to psychoanalysis is interdisciplinary; I'm affiliated with the Neuroscience Institute at UCSB and was a clinical member of THRIVE Infant-Family Program in LA. My current research focuses on the links between biology, sociality, psychology and the environment. I specialize in infant-family therapy, adults, and seniors.
I've been an educator for over 20 years, at Dartmouth College and UC Santa Barbara, where I met many young adults facing stress, anxiety, and depression. Their experience inspired me to start clinical training in 2005 at the New Center for Psychoanalysis in LA, where I have also been a faculty member. My approach to psychoanalysis is interdisciplinary; I'm affiliated with the Neuroscience Institute at UCSB and was a clinical member of THRIVE Infant-Family Program in LA. My current research focuses on the links between biology, sociality, psychology and the environment. I specialize in infant-family therapy, adults, and seniors.
Lexi Molloy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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.
Pain is a natural part of life, but suffering is not inevitable. Suffering comes from avoiding our emotions. Although avoiding emotions can temporarily reduce anxiety, it ultimately limits our ability to live a fulfilling life. Effective therapy involves learning to confront our internal reactions openly and honestly. The more we accept life's challenges, the less we rely on harmful defense mechanisms. The kind of therapy I practice is about seeing, understanding, and letting go of these mechanisms so that the truth can emerge and do its healing work.
Pain is a natural part of life, but suffering is not inevitable. Suffering comes from avoiding our emotions. Although avoiding emotions can temporarily reduce anxiety, it ultimately limits our ability to live a fulfilling life. Effective therapy involves learning to confront our internal reactions openly and honestly. The more we accept life's challenges, the less we rely on harmful defense mechanisms. The kind of therapy I practice is about seeing, understanding, and letting go of these mechanisms so that the truth can emerge and do its healing work.
Beth Kanne - Casselman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
As a psychotherapist and credentialed schoolteacher, I have worked with children of all ages and their families for the past 27 years. This unique background--combining family therapy, human development, attachment, neuroscience, and education provides a strong foundation for meeting client needs and fostering long-term happiness and success. In general, I help clients work with issues of adolescent, child, and infant development. Individuals and families may be facing such challenges as the arrival of a newborn, anxiety, or depression, academic concerns, and life transitions including blended families, divorce, and loss.
As a psychotherapist and credentialed schoolteacher, I have worked with children of all ages and their families for the past 27 years. This unique background--combining family therapy, human development, attachment, neuroscience, and education provides a strong foundation for meeting client needs and fostering long-term happiness and success. In general, I help clients work with issues of adolescent, child, and infant development. Individuals and families may be facing such challenges as the arrival of a newborn, anxiety, or depression, academic concerns, and life transitions including blended families, divorce, and loss.
Grace Arthur
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I work with individuals, couples, and families of all ages who are feeling stuck in negative and unwanted patterns making it difficult to live the life they want.
I work with individuals, couples, and families of all ages who are feeling stuck in negative and unwanted patterns making it difficult to live the life they want.
See more therapy options for Santa Barbara
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Toddler Therapists
What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?
Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.
Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?
Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.
What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.
What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?
What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.