Therapists in Santa Barbara County, CA
![Photo of Meghan Carlson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cbd9cc3-3041-4f75-b78e-78af61cf7475/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meghan Carlson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93102 (Online Only)
We are all the experts in our own lives and I value getting to know and better understand you first. My therapeutic approach is relational and ever evolving. I aim to come alongside you in your journey and to serve as a nonjudgmental support as you navigate your path forward while better understanding your past. I listen first and act with curiosity to explore options and new found possibilities that are rooted in you.
We are all the experts in our own lives and I value getting to know and better understand you first. My therapeutic approach is relational and ever evolving. I aim to come alongside you in your journey and to serve as a nonjudgmental support as you navigate your path forward while better understanding your past. I listen first and act with curiosity to explore options and new found possibilities that are rooted in you.
![Photo of Brandi Davis, MA, LMFT, CPT, CPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45b55070-2b0f-4cd3-89ec-2b6eed588d11/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brandi Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CPT, CPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Hi, I'm Brandi. I am the Owner and Clinical Director of BLC, Inc. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: for those struggling with trauma, generalized anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, and relationships. Additionally, I work with couples to build Effective Communication Skills for a more sustainable and expansive connection and bond, working to de-escalate conflict while building awareness around foundational principles to lean on for long term success. My approach to therapy integrates several empirically supported treatment models in an effort to help clients meet their goals and ultimately improve their lives.
Hi, I'm Brandi. I am the Owner and Clinical Director of BLC, Inc. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: for those struggling with trauma, generalized anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, and relationships. Additionally, I work with couples to build Effective Communication Skills for a more sustainable and expansive connection and bond, working to de-escalate conflict while building awareness around foundational principles to lean on for long term success. My approach to therapy integrates several empirically supported treatment models in an effort to help clients meet their goals and ultimately improve their lives.
![Photo of Emily Benaron, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfda05ad-7a08-4e21-8213-f7b873dd8d68/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Benaron
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I work with individuals seeking support for mental health conditions including anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, attachment wounds, low self-esteem, chronic pain, life transitions, and unhelpful relational patterns. Together we can cultivate a new path of self-awareness, behavioral change, and self-care. Compassionate self-exploration includes increasing emotional awareness, understanding the origin of your beliefs and wounds, and identifying your needs, values, strengths, and options while skillfully navigating obstacles to healing.
I work with individuals seeking support for mental health conditions including anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, attachment wounds, low self-esteem, chronic pain, life transitions, and unhelpful relational patterns. Together we can cultivate a new path of self-awareness, behavioral change, and self-care. Compassionate self-exploration includes increasing emotional awareness, understanding the origin of your beliefs and wounds, and identifying your needs, values, strengths, and options while skillfully navigating obstacles to healing.
![Photo of Anisha Patel, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8f0ab87-108e-4378-bfa0-abed8315daf6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anisha Patel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93454 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you struggling with overcoming depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD due to trauma? For nearly 20 years I have worked with individuals to heal from various traumatic experiences. I look to create an empowering space for all the adults and teens I work with including tailoring therapy approaches to meet the specific needs of the individual.
Are you struggling with overcoming depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD due to trauma? For nearly 20 years I have worked with individuals to heal from various traumatic experiences. I look to create an empowering space for all the adults and teens I work with including tailoring therapy approaches to meet the specific needs of the individual.
![Photo of Maria DEALBA, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39d2e3bb-c7a4-4754-b49a-05b73f7e4797/2/320x400.jpeg)
You’ve tried so many different ways to cope with the anxiety, the depression, the kid’s problems, your partners issues and still, you have nothing to show for it at this time. You’ve talked to the pediatrician and your primary caregiver and now you're contemplating whether you should take those antidepressants and look for another therapist since the last one didn't seem to understand what things are truly like for you. What you need is an expert who truly knows that it takes to love yourself, to be who you were meant to be. I am confident and guarantee that we can get you to where you want to be.
You’ve tried so many different ways to cope with the anxiety, the depression, the kid’s problems, your partners issues and still, you have nothing to show for it at this time. You’ve talked to the pediatrician and your primary caregiver and now you're contemplating whether you should take those antidepressants and look for another therapist since the last one didn't seem to understand what things are truly like for you. What you need is an expert who truly knows that it takes to love yourself, to be who you were meant to be. I am confident and guarantee that we can get you to where you want to be.
![Photo of Luz Rodrigues, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/894bd1d1-e57d-4ad7-ac53-153f686a16ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Luz M. Rodrigues is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Arkansas who has been practicing since 2017. She has a Master's of Science from the University of Phoenix. Luz believes that healing is a process, and there is no time limit or deadline, just progress – gradual growth, that's all that matters. In her spare time, Luz enjoys spending time with mother nature, walking on trails, fishing, and outside activities with family and fur babies.
Luz M. Rodrigues is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Arkansas who has been practicing since 2017. She has a Master's of Science from the University of Phoenix. Luz believes that healing is a process, and there is no time limit or deadline, just progress – gradual growth, that's all that matters. In her spare time, Luz enjoys spending time with mother nature, walking on trails, fishing, and outside activities with family and fur babies.
![Photo of Daniel Lee Spach, MA, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e668218-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel Lee Spach
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
As your therapist, I strive to empower you to overcome personal challenges, activate your inner resources, develop a deeper level of trust in your self and your inherent potential, and reclaim ownership of your life and purpose. I have an affinity for working with clients seeking to transform their lives and enhance their relationships with themselves, others, and the natural world. Improved emotional intelligence, mindful self-awareness, communication skills, trauma and grief processing---will support you in developing self-compassion, eliminating personal obstacles, coping with your daily life, and finding a more balanced, attuned, and connected way of being.
As your therapist, I strive to empower you to overcome personal challenges, activate your inner resources, develop a deeper level of trust in your self and your inherent potential, and reclaim ownership of your life and purpose. I have an affinity for working with clients seeking to transform their lives and enhance their relationships with themselves, others, and the natural world. Improved emotional intelligence, mindful self-awareness, communication skills, trauma and grief processing---will support you in developing self-compassion, eliminating personal obstacles, coping with your daily life, and finding a more balanced, attuned, and connected way of being.
![Photo of Dr. Amber Dawn Stickerod, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c9120ac-d901-4d89-9e66-ce5dbcb8f603/2/320x400.jpeg)
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?
![Photo of Max Golding, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6f8c261-5df6-426f-913d-2c3a273b6f4f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Now that you have PTSD from drowning in a sea of therapist marketing profiles, I’m here to help! Hit me up if you’re a high conflict couple and you’re fighting too much, or an individual and you’re fighting with (parts of?) yourself (or others?) in your head too much. I’m foundationally "humanistic-existentialist", meaning I join you on your journey with curiosity/authenticity/empathy, and help you become more confidently you through a relational process. But I'm trained in lots of acronyms: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Now that you have PTSD from drowning in a sea of therapist marketing profiles, I’m here to help! Hit me up if you’re a high conflict couple and you’re fighting too much, or an individual and you’re fighting with (parts of?) yourself (or others?) in your head too much. I’m foundationally "humanistic-existentialist", meaning I join you on your journey with curiosity/authenticity/empathy, and help you become more confidently you through a relational process. But I'm trained in lots of acronyms: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
![Photo of Nicole A. Botaitis, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9c573ed-62ef-4e1d-b91d-a018aa27e030/4/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole A. Botaitis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Do you feel like you are in a dark space, disconnected in your relationships, or experiencing a life change that is devastating or overwhelming? I am a life transition & relationship therapist and help clients overcome emotionally taxing times in order to achieve fulfilling lives. Throughout the counseling process I’m a non-judgmental support & guide. I help my clients successfully move out of being stuck & stagnant & bring balance to their life. Upon completion you will gain clarity around what you really want, achieve empowerment & ultimately transformation so that you can be free of angst & attain fulfillment & peace.
Do you feel like you are in a dark space, disconnected in your relationships, or experiencing a life change that is devastating or overwhelming? I am a life transition & relationship therapist and help clients overcome emotionally taxing times in order to achieve fulfilling lives. Throughout the counseling process I’m a non-judgmental support & guide. I help my clients successfully move out of being stuck & stagnant & bring balance to their life. Upon completion you will gain clarity around what you really want, achieve empowerment & ultimately transformation so that you can be free of angst & attain fulfillment & peace.
![Photo of Kaitlin Rudnick, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1646354-049f-4bd6-80b3-7405b5b5dbe3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlin Rudnick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am deeply committed to believing in the human capacity to grow and change. It is a privilege to accompany you on your personal journey toward growth and self-discovery. My own enriching experience with therapy inspired me to pursue this field, and it is my passion to help you navigate your path to self-understanding and fulfillment. My practice is rooted in a person-centered approach, providing a compassionate, non-judgmental and supportive environment for you.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am deeply committed to believing in the human capacity to grow and change. It is a privilege to accompany you on your personal journey toward growth and self-discovery. My own enriching experience with therapy inspired me to pursue this field, and it is my passion to help you navigate your path to self-understanding and fulfillment. My practice is rooted in a person-centered approach, providing a compassionate, non-judgmental and supportive environment for you.
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![Photo of Katie Karas, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c906d80-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in Family Therapy and although not always the case, therapy often moves faster when you are willing to include other family members as a part of therapy at some point. It helps me understand you in the broader context of the people that are important to you or have influence in your life. I have been married for 34 years and have three adult children so my personal experience often informs me, along with my training and the expertise I have gathered being a part of The Family Therapy Institute.
I am trained in Family Therapy and although not always the case, therapy often moves faster when you are willing to include other family members as a part of therapy at some point. It helps me understand you in the broader context of the people that are important to you or have influence in your life. I have been married for 34 years and have three adult children so my personal experience often informs me, along with my training and the expertise I have gathered being a part of The Family Therapy Institute.
![Photo of Lilly Tam, EdD, CHT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f280e4a-8336-4618-96f6-9387b1342009/1/320x400.jpeg)
Have a love-hate relationship with your job? Your co-workers? Anxiety and stress with quarterly reviews? Overworked from meeting quotas? Perfectionist tendencies? Difficulty transitioning from work to home? Work-Family Integration, hate to go home, but need to go home? Conflict resolution. Work-life Balance. Imposter syndrome, Limerence, and relationships with colleagues. Work with the voices of your Inner critic, to build confidence to reach your goals and find peace through Inquiry-based Therapeutic Meditations, Hypnotherapy, Self-hypnosis and Coaching. Corporate teams or Private 1x1 with access to office hours.
Have a love-hate relationship with your job? Your co-workers? Anxiety and stress with quarterly reviews? Overworked from meeting quotas? Perfectionist tendencies? Difficulty transitioning from work to home? Work-Family Integration, hate to go home, but need to go home? Conflict resolution. Work-life Balance. Imposter syndrome, Limerence, and relationships with colleagues. Work with the voices of your Inner critic, to build confidence to reach your goals and find peace through Inquiry-based Therapeutic Meditations, Hypnotherapy, Self-hypnosis and Coaching. Corporate teams or Private 1x1 with access to office hours.
![Photo of Natasha Hause, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7aec470c-41f9-4fd8-a64d-e068ad5af8c5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Natasha Hause
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, I am an authentic practitioner that loves doing this work. As your therapist, I would work together with you to support you in living from your full potential. My approach is integrated and individualized. I attend to the past and present drawing from Cognitive Behavioral techniques and Schema Therapy, with the goal of helping my clients live in the present and achieve psychological and behavioral change. In addition to these approaches, I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
Hello, I am an authentic practitioner that loves doing this work. As your therapist, I would work together with you to support you in living from your full potential. My approach is integrated and individualized. I attend to the past and present drawing from Cognitive Behavioral techniques and Schema Therapy, with the goal of helping my clients live in the present and achieve psychological and behavioral change. In addition to these approaches, I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
![Photo of Galen Garbarino-Wilson, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d9f1791-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Galen Garbarino-Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Is what you're doing getting you what you want? I am excited and honored to be invited into your personal journey to figure out what is or isn't working in your life. I will walk beside you and help you figure out what change might look like in your life. I work from a Motivational Interviewing perspective and provide my clients a safe, nonjudgmental, therapeutic space to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I work collaboratively with other professionals to provide a feeling of containment and a sense of safety. I work with all addictive and compulsive behaviors, trauma, anxiety, depression and dual diagnoses.
Is what you're doing getting you what you want? I am excited and honored to be invited into your personal journey to figure out what is or isn't working in your life. I will walk beside you and help you figure out what change might look like in your life. I work from a Motivational Interviewing perspective and provide my clients a safe, nonjudgmental, therapeutic space to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I work collaboratively with other professionals to provide a feeling of containment and a sense of safety. I work with all addictive and compulsive behaviors, trauma, anxiety, depression and dual diagnoses.
![Photo of Susan Hicks, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf84472d-a936-4a2b-ae7c-cd7c12ee91d7/3/320x400.png)
Every person has intrinsic value and worth- which is vitally important to remember when exploring one's personal journey. At times we forget and need gentle reminding. Having a skilled clinician to help shine a light on things that need attention or adjustment, sets us up for more of what we really want and need in life. Each person also holds a personal narrative, which contributes in shaping relationships and life choices, as well as contributes to problematic patterns and habits. Seeking support for a more fulfilling life and the restoration of what matters most, is nothing less than heroic. Call for a complimentary intake.
Every person has intrinsic value and worth- which is vitally important to remember when exploring one's personal journey. At times we forget and need gentle reminding. Having a skilled clinician to help shine a light on things that need attention or adjustment, sets us up for more of what we really want and need in life. Each person also holds a personal narrative, which contributes in shaping relationships and life choices, as well as contributes to problematic patterns and habits. Seeking support for a more fulfilling life and the restoration of what matters most, is nothing less than heroic. Call for a complimentary intake.
![Photo of Katrina A Pesl, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/522c2b84-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katrina A Pesl
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Realizing there are times that are too overwhelming to handle on your own is scary. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and safe environment that supports adolescents, families and adults as they learn to navigate through difficult life circumstances. I encompass a gentle yet direct approach with my clients, and ensure every unique individual diversity is honored and respected. I draw upon therapeutic modalities that help the individual re-establish a relationship with their lost inner strengths and open new perspectives that foster more self love and compassion.
Realizing there are times that are too overwhelming to handle on your own is scary. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and safe environment that supports adolescents, families and adults as they learn to navigate through difficult life circumstances. I encompass a gentle yet direct approach with my clients, and ensure every unique individual diversity is honored and respected. I draw upon therapeutic modalities that help the individual re-establish a relationship with their lost inner strengths and open new perspectives that foster more self love and compassion.
![Photo of Natalie Alderson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06f966e9-7c59-4d2e-ad45-323e2331d3b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie Alderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Healing from trauma and codependency starts with your body's wisdom. My practice is specialized in providing a unique body-based (somatic) approach for adults and couples/partnerships who are healing from trauma and codependency. The way that you feel in your mind, body, and spirit is a reflection on for how you walk through the world. My approach takes this into account to provide a safe, gentle, and direct space for you and your partner to explore how you show up in your life and relationships from a place of grounded authenticity.
Healing from trauma and codependency starts with your body's wisdom. My practice is specialized in providing a unique body-based (somatic) approach for adults and couples/partnerships who are healing from trauma and codependency. The way that you feel in your mind, body, and spirit is a reflection on for how you walk through the world. My approach takes this into account to provide a safe, gentle, and direct space for you and your partner to explore how you show up in your life and relationships from a place of grounded authenticity.
![Photo of Lauren Richardson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c028608b-ad6d-4bf0-82c2-4dc86694883e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Richardson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Solvang, CA 93463
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about helping individuals move away from old scripts and unhealthy views of the self. My goals are centered around helping individuals learn how to increase their quality of life and take control of their emotional experience. My clients often come to me experiencing anxiety and depression surrounding the path their lives have taken or during a difficult transition. I help them through increasing awareness and understanding and gaining the skills to make important and sustainable change.
I am passionate about helping individuals move away from old scripts and unhealthy views of the self. My goals are centered around helping individuals learn how to increase their quality of life and take control of their emotional experience. My clients often come to me experiencing anxiety and depression surrounding the path their lives have taken or during a difficult transition. I help them through increasing awareness and understanding and gaining the skills to make important and sustainable change.
![Photo of Allegra Jaros, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd18c084-7f0c-4075-9143-b17b7b63eb0d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I see the adversities of individuals through a systems lens and strive to empower children, teens, and adults to have healthy relationships with themselves, family, and others in order to live their best lives. I earned a BA in psychology with an emphasis on child development and Autism treatment from UCSD, and later an MA in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University, San Diego.
I see the adversities of individuals through a systems lens and strive to empower children, teens, and adults to have healthy relationships with themselves, family, and others in order to live their best lives. I earned a BA in psychology with an emphasis on child development and Autism treatment from UCSD, and later an MA in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University, San Diego.
See more therapy options for Santa Barbara County
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Santa Barbara County, CA
1,000+
Average cost per session
$175
Therapists in Santa Barbara County, CA who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
74% | Relationship Issues |
73% | Self Esteem |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Coping Skills |
63% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
69% | Aetna |
59% | Cigna and Evernorth |
57% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Santa Barbara County, CA see their clients
71% | In Person and Online | |
29% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
17% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Santa Barbara County?
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.