Therapists in Santa Barbara County, CA
Peacemaker, grief tender & founder of Cooperative Co-parenting Solutions and TwoCan Retreats, as well as Santa Barbara Regional Director for the Waves of Grief Collective. I assist individuals, couples and families going through major life transitions, specializing in divorce, co-parenting and blended families as well as trauma, grief and loss. If you need help resolving conflict, improving communication or learning how to create healthy boundaries, I can help. I also provide compassionate support for grievers and empower clients to heal old wounds and trauma using mindfulness, self-compassion and EMDR therapy.
Peacemaker, grief tender & founder of Cooperative Co-parenting Solutions and TwoCan Retreats, as well as Santa Barbara Regional Director for the Waves of Grief Collective. I assist individuals, couples and families going through major life transitions, specializing in divorce, co-parenting and blended families as well as trauma, grief and loss. If you need help resolving conflict, improving communication or learning how to create healthy boundaries, I can help. I also provide compassionate support for grievers and empower clients to heal old wounds and trauma using mindfulness, self-compassion and EMDR therapy.
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.
I enjoy working with clients who are seeking a more authentic connection to self and their loved ones. My intention is for clients to free themselves of old beliefs and ways of being that keep them trapped in a sense of inadequacy and separateness. As we move through the continual challenges of life we acquire imprints from others and society that can suppress our deepest knowing. I work with clients who are ready and willing to dive deep into the unknown to rekindle their inner fire and walk this earth with purpose and belonging.
I enjoy working with clients who are seeking a more authentic connection to self and their loved ones. My intention is for clients to free themselves of old beliefs and ways of being that keep them trapped in a sense of inadequacy and separateness. As we move through the continual challenges of life we acquire imprints from others and society that can suppress our deepest knowing. I work with clients who are ready and willing to dive deep into the unknown to rekindle their inner fire and walk this earth with purpose and belonging.
Dr. John Sherk
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Welcome. Many people wonder: "Will my stress and anxiety ever go away?" "Why do relationships cause me so much pain?" "Will I ever be happy?" "Why am I so hard on myself or others?" Unfortunately many individuals needlessly struggle with these questions for years without relief. Change is possible. I have helped many individuals break free from deeply ingrained destructive patterns to create loving and fulfilling lives. Please contact me to learn more.
Welcome. Many people wonder: "Will my stress and anxiety ever go away?" "Why do relationships cause me so much pain?" "Will I ever be happy?" "Why am I so hard on myself or others?" Unfortunately many individuals needlessly struggle with these questions for years without relief. Change is possible. I have helped many individuals break free from deeply ingrained destructive patterns to create loving and fulfilling lives. Please contact me to learn more.
Anthony Bonavita
Psychologist, PhD, MDiv
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Waitlist for new clients
Life is truly uncertain, with the rapidly changing environment of modern life feeling overwhelmed seems to be commonplace. Whether you are encountering anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues and/or other possibly debilitating physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual obstacles they can be worked with during this time of uncertainty. Additionally, with over 15 years of experience in various healthcare settings I work with burnout, compassion fatigue, moral distress and other stressors.
Life is truly uncertain, with the rapidly changing environment of modern life feeling overwhelmed seems to be commonplace. Whether you are encountering anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues and/or other possibly debilitating physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual obstacles they can be worked with during this time of uncertainty. Additionally, with over 15 years of experience in various healthcare settings I work with burnout, compassion fatigue, moral distress and other stressors.
Cecilia Pinhel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Not accepting new clients
My experience has been working with adolescents and adults struggling with mental health issues as well as substance use/abuse. I work with several therapeutic approaches depending on the client's diagnosis and needs. I am also working towards EMDR certification which allow me to work with clients diagnosed with PTSD and childhood traumas.
My experience has been working with adolescents and adults struggling with mental health issues as well as substance use/abuse. I work with several therapeutic approaches depending on the client's diagnosis and needs. I am also working towards EMDR certification which allow me to work with clients diagnosed with PTSD and childhood traumas.
I have experience in inpatient and outpatient settings working with eating disorders, addictions, depression and anxiety, and trauma. I understand and respect the mind-body connection and how it can be an avenue for healing and change.I see the therapeutic relationship as a partnership and I provide a safe, comfortable and compassionate space. This space allows individuals to openly explore thoughts, emotions and behavior patterns, while learning to express emotions and relieve distress in a healthy way. I balance this with an authentic and direct approach which guides and challenges clients to move forward in their growth process.
I have experience in inpatient and outpatient settings working with eating disorders, addictions, depression and anxiety, and trauma. I understand and respect the mind-body connection and how it can be an avenue for healing and change.I see the therapeutic relationship as a partnership and I provide a safe, comfortable and compassionate space. This space allows individuals to openly explore thoughts, emotions and behavior patterns, while learning to express emotions and relieve distress in a healthy way. I balance this with an authentic and direct approach which guides and challenges clients to move forward in their growth process.
Shanda Barnett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Solvang, CA 93463 (Online Only)
Are you worried about a recent change in your child's emotions/behaviors? Thankfully, there is help specific to your child's developmental needs through a kid-friendly approach, Play Therapy. I help children sort through a variety of issues, from anxiety, sadness, and anger, to behavioral problems at home/school. I work with you, the parent who knows their child best, to help your child heal. If you're an adoptive or foster parent, this can be a confusing or challenging role. It may be difficult to connect with your child. The same parenting rules do not apply to a "non-traditional" family system.
Are you worried about a recent change in your child's emotions/behaviors? Thankfully, there is help specific to your child's developmental needs through a kid-friendly approach, Play Therapy. I help children sort through a variety of issues, from anxiety, sadness, and anger, to behavioral problems at home/school. I work with you, the parent who knows their child best, to help your child heal. If you're an adoptive or foster parent, this can be a confusing or challenging role. It may be difficult to connect with your child. The same parenting rules do not apply to a "non-traditional" family system.
My name is Shanna Gonzales and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Bakersfield, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents specializing in stress, anxiety, trauma, and anger management. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for children, teens, and young adults who may be dealing with trauma, the challenges of life transitions, and social pressures such as anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. I work to help my clients build skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook overall.
My name is Shanna Gonzales and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Bakersfield, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents specializing in stress, anxiety, trauma, and anger management. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for children, teens, and young adults who may be dealing with trauma, the challenges of life transitions, and social pressures such as anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. I work to help my clients build skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook overall.
Caitlin Y Slutzky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Taking steps to create a more fulfilling life may be one of the most profound actions one can undertake. I believe that walking this path requires developing a curious and accepting relationship with oneself as well as being witnessed and supported by another - be they a therapist, partner, friend or family member. Once on this path, one can heal limiting beliefs, hurtful behaviors, and unhealthy relationships, and move toward a life of fulfillment, purpose and ease.
Taking steps to create a more fulfilling life may be one of the most profound actions one can undertake. I believe that walking this path requires developing a curious and accepting relationship with oneself as well as being witnessed and supported by another - be they a therapist, partner, friend or family member. Once on this path, one can heal limiting beliefs, hurtful behaviors, and unhealthy relationships, and move toward a life of fulfillment, purpose and ease.
Clinton Doyle Hollister
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93109 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Whenever people come to see me, I am always impressed by their courage. No matter what the problems are, most everyone enters therapy from a confused and vulnerable space. To do so takes courage. In knowing this, I work to honor their vulnerability and courage. I know that by providing a grounded, attentive, and focused presence to those I work with, trust will occur between us, and we can all be more free to address whatever the pain may be. Without this foundation of trust, I will not be able to effectively help at all.
Whenever people come to see me, I am always impressed by their courage. No matter what the problems are, most everyone enters therapy from a confused and vulnerable space. To do so takes courage. In knowing this, I work to honor their vulnerability and courage. I know that by providing a grounded, attentive, and focused presence to those I work with, trust will occur between us, and we can all be more free to address whatever the pain may be. Without this foundation of trust, I will not be able to effectively help at all.
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Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Not accepting new clients
Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in Santa Barbara, California. I see clients in person or via video calls. In therapy, my goal is to support you to live more fully by identifying existing patterns, finding new ways to relate to yourself, others, and your environment, and learning new ways to approach your emotions. I have training in multiple evidence-based approaches and experience treating diverse concerns that teens and adults experience. I work collaboratively, and will often utilize experiential exercises, including mindfulness and guided visualizations in therapy.
Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in Santa Barbara, California. I see clients in person or via video calls. In therapy, my goal is to support you to live more fully by identifying existing patterns, finding new ways to relate to yourself, others, and your environment, and learning new ways to approach your emotions. I have training in multiple evidence-based approaches and experience treating diverse concerns that teens and adults experience. I work collaboratively, and will often utilize experiential exercises, including mindfulness and guided visualizations in therapy.
I believe seeking therapy is a sign of strength. Our deepest self wants to be known and find a way through life's challenges. Our deepest self wants to connect and create and build a sense of well-being. Whether you are feeling "off" internally (anxious or depressed), or need to discuss relationship problems, I provide a warm and thoughtful presence. I believe the best way to grow is to feel supported to engage with relational patterns, troubling and repetitive thoughts, and unfinished business from the past that is getting in the way of building your future. I will engage with you to help you move forward in your life.
I believe seeking therapy is a sign of strength. Our deepest self wants to be known and find a way through life's challenges. Our deepest self wants to connect and create and build a sense of well-being. Whether you are feeling "off" internally (anxious or depressed), or need to discuss relationship problems, I provide a warm and thoughtful presence. I believe the best way to grow is to feel supported to engage with relational patterns, troubling and repetitive thoughts, and unfinished business from the past that is getting in the way of building your future. I will engage with you to help you move forward in your life.
Keely Paola Carey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Solvang, CA 93463
My model of counseling takes a collaborative, compassionate, non-judgmental approach to empower you to recognize and utilize your strengths as a means of moving through sadness, anxiety, and fear. I enjoy working with individuals who are navigating different transitions in life (high school, college, adulthood, parenthood, etc.). The heart of my work is helping young people who are ready to restore healing, peace, and balance to their lives, especially helping young adults and new parents navigate the challenging roles and expectations of life changes.
My model of counseling takes a collaborative, compassionate, non-judgmental approach to empower you to recognize and utilize your strengths as a means of moving through sadness, anxiety, and fear. I enjoy working with individuals who are navigating different transitions in life (high school, college, adulthood, parenthood, etc.). The heart of my work is helping young people who are ready to restore healing, peace, and balance to their lives, especially helping young adults and new parents navigate the challenging roles and expectations of life changes.
Dr. Zillah Jessamyn Hodgkins
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lompoc, CA 93436 (Online Only)
Therapy is meant to be a warm, inviting, safe, and healing place to learn your true self and find your peace, beauty, and power. I find it an honor to be a guide on your journey of discovery. I am a compassion focused queer therapist who believes in social justice and knows strength and courage grows from our struggles. Life is hard but it is important to know we are not alone and there are many therapeutic skills we can learn such as art, music, self-compassion, narrative, nature, and laughter that can be used to overcome. At Compassion Connects our mission is to heal your whole being!
Therapy is meant to be a warm, inviting, safe, and healing place to learn your true self and find your peace, beauty, and power. I find it an honor to be a guide on your journey of discovery. I am a compassion focused queer therapist who believes in social justice and knows strength and courage grows from our struggles. Life is hard but it is important to know we are not alone and there are many therapeutic skills we can learn such as art, music, self-compassion, narrative, nature, and laughter that can be used to overcome. At Compassion Connects our mission is to heal your whole being!
Ariel Schneider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93109 (Online Only)
Therapy is a place where you can share things that may have only previously existed in your mind. Saying them out loud can be powerful and helpful for making change. Feelings of depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, fear, or seeming "stuck" do not have to be your norm. I have a specialization in perinatal mood disorders. Transition to parenthood is full of nuance and duality. I feel passionately about providing support for all stages of this journey including pregnancy loss, fertility issues, first time pregnancy, perinatal mood disorders (depression, anxiety etc), and first time parenting.
Therapy is a place where you can share things that may have only previously existed in your mind. Saying them out loud can be powerful and helpful for making change. Feelings of depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, fear, or seeming "stuck" do not have to be your norm. I have a specialization in perinatal mood disorders. Transition to parenthood is full of nuance and duality. I feel passionately about providing support for all stages of this journey including pregnancy loss, fertility issues, first time pregnancy, perinatal mood disorders (depression, anxiety etc), and first time parenting.
Jackie Toth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Are you finding it hard to get out of your head? Do you feel consumed with worry? Perhaps you feel stuck in a sad place from a past loss or a present difficulty or feel little hope for the future. These feelings can cause us to isolate and feel misunderstood by others. Many times, people feel beaten down by the world and end up turning their experiences inward, feeding a harsh self-critic who makes us doubt or judge ourselves, taking us away from the power of our inner resources. When we feel disconnected to ourselves, it is harder to build trust to connect to others and the larger world.
Are you finding it hard to get out of your head? Do you feel consumed with worry? Perhaps you feel stuck in a sad place from a past loss or a present difficulty or feel little hope for the future. These feelings can cause us to isolate and feel misunderstood by others. Many times, people feel beaten down by the world and end up turning their experiences inward, feeding a harsh self-critic who makes us doubt or judge ourselves, taking us away from the power of our inner resources. When we feel disconnected to ourselves, it is harder to build trust to connect to others and the larger world.
Keriann Long
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Waitlist for new clients
Something upsetting happened. Whether it happened recently or years ago, it still bothers you today. It's hard to talk about. Thoughts about it pop into your head more than you want them to. Things that remind you of what happened make you feel upset, too. There is a feeling of constantly being on edge, like you can never truly relax. You would like to be able to move on and live your life in peace, but you have not been able to yet. There is a part of you that believes you might not have to feel this way. A part that believes therapy could help you feel better and find more peace in your life. That part of you is right.
Something upsetting happened. Whether it happened recently or years ago, it still bothers you today. It's hard to talk about. Thoughts about it pop into your head more than you want them to. Things that remind you of what happened make you feel upset, too. There is a feeling of constantly being on edge, like you can never truly relax. You would like to be able to move on and live your life in peace, but you have not been able to yet. There is a part of you that believes you might not have to feel this way. A part that believes therapy could help you feel better and find more peace in your life. That part of you is right.
Are you in the midst of a personal crisis or a life transition? Do you know you need to make changes in your life? Psychotherapy is a supportive, confidential way to approach these issues. An initial appointment will assess your concerns and develop recommendations to best meet your needs.
Are you in the midst of a personal crisis or a life transition? Do you know you need to make changes in your life? Psychotherapy is a supportive, confidential way to approach these issues. An initial appointment will assess your concerns and develop recommendations to best meet your needs.
Does anxiety seem to be ruling your life? Have you been feeling down, overwhelmed, or lost? Perhaps things seem to be going from bad to worse or nowhere at all. You deserve better. Starting therapy can be scary, I know, but won’t it be just as challenging to let everything continue? Stop pushing away your needs and not taking care of yourself. It’s time to make a change and I know how to help you through this. With me you will find what you truly seek – a compassionate space where understanding meets transformation.
Does anxiety seem to be ruling your life? Have you been feeling down, overwhelmed, or lost? Perhaps things seem to be going from bad to worse or nowhere at all. You deserve better. Starting therapy can be scary, I know, but won’t it be just as challenging to let everything continue? Stop pushing away your needs and not taking care of yourself. It’s time to make a change and I know how to help you through this. With me you will find what you truly seek – a compassionate space where understanding meets transformation.
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 |
73% | Relationship Issues |
73% | Self Esteem |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | Coping Skills |
63% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
69% | Aetna |
58% | Cigna and Evernorth |
56% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Santa Barbara County, CA see their clients
70% | In Person and Online | |
30% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
18% | 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.