Your life can be a great thing for everyone to enjoy. You can help people, be a good friend, and bring others up. However, to work on that, you must first learn to work on yourself. If you’re feeling down about yourself, a counselor based in Santa Barbara can help. 

Santa Barbara is known for being a town with plenty of tourism and a place where everyone comes to enjoy. People can enjoy your life, but first you should work on yourself. Speak to a counselor today and see how you can do so. 

Laura Kluss - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger management, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 5

*Please note: During Covid-19 crisis I will accept new clients only for weekend sessions. I am a licensed clinical social worker in California, diving into my 5th year of clinical work and therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of symptoms including depression, anxiety, mood lability, anger management, substance abuse, thought disorders, relationship issues and grief. I have extensive experience working with people who have experienced trauma and abuse. I have worked in a community inpatient psychiatric hospital, state prisons, and now work with v...

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Janet Lengsfelder - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): LMFT,RN
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Grief, Parenting issues, Depression
Years of Experience: 25

I was a nurse first. As I worked in various settings with the goal of helping people recover from illness I realized that those who were motivated by a support team who knew them and helped them do the work of healing were the survivors. I decided I wanted to go on to learn more about how to help the whole person. My graduate degree followed by a three year training in Gestalt therapy gave me the tools to provide this deeper level of emotional first aid. As a fellow traveler along the road of life I know we all have challenges but I also have gained the wis...

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Lee "Christopher" Lawver - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): LMFT
Specialties: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Grief, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 21

Christopher Lawver is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over 18 years of experience in private practice and community mental health settings. He is a graduate of Antioch University Los Angeles with an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and the University of Southern California B.A. Communication Arts and Sciences. Chris Lawver has practiced in West Hollywood and San Francisco California, specializing in substance use and addiction recovery, codependency and relationship evaluation, and self empowerment in diverse populations. In 2010, Lawver rec...

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Catrina Flores - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression
Years of Experience: 14

Catrina Flores, MSW, LCSW is a licensed independent clinician in California with more than 15 years in the health and human services field. Ms. Flores has a masters degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and a bachelors degree in Collaborative Health and Humans Services from CSU Monterey Bay. While at CSUMB, she graduated and received 2 of the 5 graduating senior awards. She proudly received the Social Justice Award and Alumni Vision Award for her work in Women's Services, Substance Use, Mental Health and HIV/AIDS field. Ms. Flores is current...

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Tanishia Santana - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): MSW,LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 6

Hi, I am Tanishia Santana, licensed clinical social worker and life coach. I specialize in helping individuals heal from trauma related mental health issues to include sexual assault, domestic violence, and PTSD to name a few. I completed my MSW and the University of Southern California, specializing in Mental Health and Military Social Work. Trying to fulfill your goals and identify your purpose can be difficult when you’re struggling with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. I have helped many individuals in your shoes, overcome th...

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Dr. Warren Miller - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): PhD,LCSW
Specialties: LGBT, Grief, Anger management, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 15

I am a clinical social worker licensed in California, Maryland, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington DC with over 12 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, LGBTQIA challenges, gender confirmation issues, and career challenges. I also have worked and helped people with anger management issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don...

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Ashley Goodey - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Grief, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue
Years of Experience: 11

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California with 10 years experience working with grief and loss. I have worked with many families who have experienced a peaceful acceptance of death and those that felt it was simply too soon. My bereavement experience allows those experience death and dying to identify that stages are not linear and do not occur in one particular order. My counseling techniques include cognitive behavior therapy, where I assist families and individuals with identifying their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in any giv...

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Wendy Jaffa - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): MSW,LCSQl
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Grief, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 4

At every age, we face life-transitions. Sometimes we can navigate through them on our own and sometimes we need help to find that path. My name is Wendy and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I enjoy helping individuals find their path of joy by understanding the past, finding their voice in the present, and mapping out hope for the future. I can help you develop coping skills when facing unexpected and demanding situations so that you are able to move forward on your own path, at your own pace. Whether it’s grief, loss, or anxiety, I strongl...

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Michelle Belisle - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): MS,LMFT
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Years of Experience: 9

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over 8 years of experienceworking for a nonprofit community mental health agency since 2014. As a therapist, I believe our quality of life is directly related to the quality of our relationships and the ability to maintain relationships. These relationships include, but are not limited to one’s self, one’s family and friends, co-workers and jobs, and spirituality. I work to assist people with obtaining the tools needed to manage and cope with stressors of daily life and issues related...

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Carla Fort - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): NCC, CRC,LPC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger management, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 10

You're here! Right here, right now! You may not be there yet, but you have already taken a step towards facing challenges with a strength you never knew you had. Besides, it doesn't hurt to get a little assistance on the way. I'm here to help you. Let me tell you something. Nothing is as remarkable as seeing positive change in my client! Helping you make even the smallest steps towards your goal every day brings me joy and I like to do these silly dances when I've noticed your progress. Even when they seem too small to notice, I'll notice! I can even tell a corny ...

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Angeline Thomson - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 17

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience in health/mental health field. My experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence and more. I believe that every individual is the expert of their life story and that we all have many strengths that assists us in obtaining, strengthening, and overcoming things that challenge us and in turn creates resiliency. Taking the first step to engage in therapy can feel scary, anxiety provoking, and it takes ...

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Tomasann Miller - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Specialties: Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties
Years of Experience: 7

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jessica Sin - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Specialties: Addictions
Years of Experience: 7

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, with 7 years of clinical work experience. I started my career as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, working in both abstinent based and harm reduction settings. I employ a humanistic, strength-based approach to treatment, while incorporating other useful modalities such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems. I believe the foundational principles of acceptance and surrender are essential to finding peace and serenity within oneself. My approach to therapy represents a blen...

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Brandt Noey - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 16

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Marla Gamble - A Licensed Therapist Offering Counseling At BetterHelp
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Santa Barbara, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 13

I have been practicing for 15 years and am currently licensed in California. The therapy approaches I have experience with are IFS (Internal Family Systems), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. Over the years, I have worked in many venues across the mental health system and am a Trauma and cultural-informed therapist. My clients have described me as "neutral, non-judgmental with no expectations but to meet the client where they are." I join together on the therapeut...

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How To Find The Right Therapist For You

Finding the right therapist close by in Santa Barbara can feel intimidating. However, there are a few methods you can try to narrow your search for a therapy with a counselor near the Santa Barbara area if you find it challenging to find therapists accepting new clients.

First, research what type of therapy you'd like to pursue before finding a therapist or psychologist. You might be interested in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, marriage and family therapy, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits. If you're still unsure, consider asking your prospective counselors which methods they practice.

When you're ready to search, search for 'therapist near me in Santa Barbara and scroll through the options. Next, consider your goals for the gender of your psychotherapist, the type of therapy they're most experienced with, and their specialty. Finally, choose a therapist located near you in the city of Santa Barbara or elsewhere in Santa Barbara or the state of California.

Mental health professionals working through their own practice or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships and communication skills, working through life's obstacles, or changing negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a listening ear and validation. Verified Santa Barbara therapists can provide licensed marriage and compassionate counseling, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Santa Barbara area can be found below:

How Do Costs Of Conventional Counseling Compare To BetterHelp With A Santa Barbara Counselor?

Forbes reports that the average price of an in-person therapy session with a counselor in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Santa Barbara due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist in Santa Barbara: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists in Santa Barbara: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist in Santa Barbara: $100
  • Therapy with a mental health counselor in Santa Barbara: $80

Some counselors in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp therapists serving the city of Santa Barbara and elsewhere throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with counselor sessions ranging from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks).

How Does Working With A Counselor On BetterHelp Work?

It's important to note that these therapists treat clients online. Online therapists, including the US-based therapists above, can work with people like you in or around Santa Barbara virtually. You do not have to commute to a therapist's office to meet with one of these counselors.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, receive worksheets, and sign up for mental health webinars. Additionally, the BetterHelp app offers a journaling feature.

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy with a counselor. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists specializing in behavioral health and relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. Look through the available counselors above and consider which might work for you. There are therapists on BetterHelp specialize in several mental health issues and modalities. See below for examples.

Therapist specialties on BetterHelp include:
  • Therapists specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy 
  • Therapists specializing in behavior therapy
  • Depression therapists
  • Anxiety therapists
  • Stress therapists
  • Eating disorder therapists
  • Grief therapists
  • Therapists specializing in attachment therapy
  • Relationship therapists
  • Child and adolescent therapists
  • Addiction therapists
  • Divorce therapists
  • Trauma therapists
  • Bipolar therapists
  • Psychodynamic therapists

Santa Barbara has many professionals who provide client-centered individual counseling in person and through online therapy. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with therapists all over the US. Many individuals gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy. In Santa Barbara, therapy can be easily to use and a click away.

How Do I Know If Online Counseling Is Right For My Family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but they may struggle to provide objective guidance as a psychotherapist can. Therapists are also professionals trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist may support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health or life concerns. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another benefit of therapy with a licensed counselor is having a safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Santa Barbara therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With almost one million people in Santa Barbara, CA, finding a therapist can be costly, and therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of counselors above and others through BetterHelp, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching for a nearby psychotherapist close to 93106 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp therapist page. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy in Santa Barbara can be a great option.

How Should I Prepare For My First Session With A Santa Barbara Counselor? 

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading about the counseling process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and why you're attending therapy.

Should I See A Counselor If I Feel Fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although therapists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend counseling. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A therapist may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process with a counselor.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is Crying In Therapy A Breakthrough?

Crying can be a breakthrough for some individuals who struggle to express emotions. Others might find that they often cry during sessions with their counselor. Crying can be normal and healthy, so whether you cry or not may be a personal aspect of sessions.

Is Mental Health Care Worth It?

We may all be on different paths in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, therapists are trained to meet you where you're at. Counseling can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy each year, showing it's a popular option and may be often effective when working with a licensed counselor.

Do Therapists Judge You? 

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Therapists are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. Their job as your counselor is to support you and make you feel safe and respected. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay Up To Date With The Leading Online Counseling Platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time to learn more about BetterHelp therapists to understand the services available to you clearly. If you have any questions, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online counseling, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched with a counselor within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

There are all kinds of therapists in the Santa Barbara area, including:

  • CBT in Santa Barbara
  • DBT in Santa Barbara
  • Substance use therapy in Santa Barbara
  • Couples therapy in Santa Barbara

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Santa Barbara:

93101, 93102, 93103, 93105, 93106, 93109, 93120, 93121, 93130, 93140, 93190

Popular Cities Near Santa Barbara, CA

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