Therapy can help you overcome past experiences, heal old wounds, or find your life path. If you’re looking for a therapist in Santa Barbara, CA, consider online therapy. Barriers to treatment, like transportation issues or a lack of available therapists, can make it challenging to find in-person treatment on Arrellaga St and beyond. Online therapy can help you overcome some of these barriers.
With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can attend sessions from anywhere you have an internet connection at a time that works for you, making treatment more convenient and flexible. Finding the perfect therapist can be challenging; with BetterHelp, you can switch providers at any time for no fee until you find a good match.
BetterHelp therapists are well-versed in various treatment modalities that can help you make a meaningful change in your life. Whether you need help with challenges like eating disorders or learning disabilities or you want to improve your self-worth, a therapist can guide you through the healing process to help you achieve personal growth.
If you’re looking for a therapist in Santa Barbara County, connect with one of the providers below to take a step toward enhancing your overall well-being.
Jade Yamada
Hi there, my name is Jade Yamada and I am a licensed clinical social worker( (LCSW) in the state of California. I am so glad you are stopping by because it means that you have made a decision to reach out and seek help. I understand that this is not easy to do, and I am here to support and help you through this process. I have been providing therapy as a psychotherapist over 10 years, and I have worked with individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, social issues, and self image/ low self esteem. I also work with couples that are struggling with various issues, and also parents who are struggling with a divorce and their children. In therapy, I will walk with you together at your pace and help you find solutions. You deserve a happy and authentic life. I am looking forward to working with you.
Kaniecia L. Williams
Welcome to my profile. I am so glad you are here and chose courage over comfort in reaching out for help. My name is Kaniecia Mixon and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with about 10 years of experience providing behavioral support and therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, social relationship issues, parenting problems, life changes, anger issues, and ADHD. I also have helped many people who have experienced trauma including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. I have my B.A. in Psychology and my M.S. in Counseling/Marriage and Family Therapy. Most of my experience has been with individuals and families in crisis stabilization, creating safety plans, identifying and developing healthy coping skills, increasing natural supports, and increasing knowledge and awareness of their struggles. I have provided therapy and behavioral support to individuals 5-19. I have been a Therapeutic Behavioral Services Clinician who provided case management and assisted parents with learning parenting strategies to better manage their child's behaviors. I am currently a Program Supervisor to clinical staff who provide those same therapeutic services to people ages 0-21. My counseling style is warm, authentic, and collaborative. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, generosity, and meeting them where they are without stigmatizing labels. I believe that everyone knows what is needed for themselves and I aim to walk alongside you in identifying those needs and goals and supporting and holding you accountable to meeting the goals you set. I have a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and eclectic approach which combines person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, psychodynamic, motivational interviewing, mindfulness practices, and and any other approaches that are needed. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I enjoy incorporating art, creativity, and play into therapy! It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to journeying with you!
Lorena Borella-Clements
We all inherently harbor the capability to heal from emotionally painful experiences. I utilize an eclectic approach to psychotherapy based on where one is emotionally, physically and spiritually. I have experience in treating and helping clients reduce and better manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, lingering symptoms of trauma/PTSD and in coping with grief, loss and depression. I provide a safe and empathetic place for healing. Your thoughts, feelings and experiences can be brought to light, without fear of judgment. I provide coping skills and techniques on how to improve emotional health and well being. It takes courage to initiate the process of healing and to identify that something is not working for ourselves. I am here to support & empower you, during your journey towards healing and emotional well being. I have been practicing and providing psychotherapy for 16 years. I'm a multicultural therapist. I was born in Argentina and immigrated to the United States, when I was 6 years old. I grew up in the Bay Area of California. I provide psychotherapy in both English and Spanish. I have a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Sofia University in Palo Alto, California. Documentation for courts, custody/DHS and HR are outside the scope of my practice.
Gema Martir
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Michele Downey
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.
Shirin Roberts
I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I find working with people very enjoyable and rewarding. I work in a client centered way, getting to know each individual. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.
Willie Denard
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and Mental Health Therapist in the State of California with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse and depression, as well as other life issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths and values that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Eric Aldaco
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I believe that you are the expert of your life journey and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am a Christian therapist and my approach to therapy is from a biblical perspective. I look forward in meeting you and collaboratively engaging in a strength base therapeutic model in treatment.
Matthew Poje
Welcome! My name is Matt Poje, LPCC. I specialize in the healing of emotional trauma, using the Instinctual Trauma Response method (ITR). I have 15 years working with Veterans via Department of Defense contracts, and over 23 yrs of professional work experience. I am licensed in CA and WI. The ITR method uses over 100 years of neuroscience to help heal the brain. Since ITR uses neuroscience, you will learn the steps of the ITR method that will help you to become more resilient. ITR is not talk therapy in the classical sense. ITR is a focused, purposeful method of trauma healing and proven to work. If you are ready to work on a proven method of reducing symptoms of trauma, I look forward to work with you. I do not perform diagnostic tests. I use screening tools, and therefore will not provide any letters to employers or court systems. Before scheduling a session, watch the ITR video: https://vimeo.com/752151441
Christie Carol Spahr
I am a LMFT in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with getting to know Who You are, practicing self compassion, tolerance, trust & confidence to better manage painful life experience, stress, sadness, melancholy, depression anxiety, relationship issues, existential angst, and refocusing on knowing & believing in Your Self. I work in Humanistic, Existential, Person centered, Motivational, Narrative, spoken word approaches with my clients to create an open hearted ~ open minded safe environment where thoughts, emotions & 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 with respect to support you on that Journey. I graduated from the University of Oregon, have a BA in Religious Studies ~ emphasis on Cultural, Sociological, Indigenous, and Philosophical world view.s Went back to graduate school after being in sports marketing, studying Indigenous cultures in Australia, and U.S. and received my graduate degree ~ MA in Psychology with a speciality in Marriage & Family Therapy. I have been a runner my whole life, have run Marathons around the world, I am grateful for my "lifestyle, as it taught me to Never Give Up, who I Am, realized it's amazing whats thought impossible until it's done, and simply you just can't lie to yourself through the marathon of life or 26 miles 385 yds. I love my work as a therapist & look forward to meeting you.
Dr. Stacy Johnston
I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. NOTE-I do provide asynchronous text messaging only and prefer it for the following reasons: very flexible with no scheduling necessary, can refer back to our conversation at any time day or night and get a response anywhere from within a few hours to no later than 12 hours typically, with multiple exchanges in one day/evening when not busy, allows both parties to be on their own time schedule at their convenience, and for some it is easier to express thoughts and feelings in writing versus verbally or when on camera. I have worked this way for over a year and have had success with many clients who work well with this format. It is not for everyone, but for some, it does work really well and provides more contact than a weekly live session does. I hope to work with you soon!
Sally Hazard
Hello. I've been a licensed marriage and family therapist for 21 years, and I love helping people! I've practiced in Orlando, FL, San Diego, CA, and Reno, NV, and I've worked in private practice, group homes, counseling agencies, with foster children and teens, and at the university of NV in Reno counseling center with college students. I understand what it is to have issues that are hard to resolve on one's own. Congratulations if you are considering getting some help! I only do teletherapy, but I've found it is well liked. We can do most therapies, even EMDR, a modified sandtray therapy, and some online games. I've worked with all ages, diverse cultures, folks who have neurodivergent minds, and those who have various sexual preferences. I believe that everyone has within them the innate ability to heal and grow, and I want to help you with that process!!
Kyra Shapiro Gutierrez
As a licensed therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges, I bring compassion and expertise to my practice. My professional background focuses on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, stress, parenting challenges, and self-esteem concerns. I understand that life transitions can be overwhelming, and I'm committed to providing a supportive, affirming space where you can explore your experiences and develop meaningful coping strategies. My approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, recognizing that each person's journey is unique. I strive to create a welcoming environment where you can feel heard, validated, and empowered to make positive changes. Whether you're struggling with personal growth, relationship dynamics, or emotional well-being, I'm here to walk alongside you with genuine care and professional guidance. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to help you build resilience, enhance self-understanding, and develop practical tools to support your mental health and personal growth. I'm passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and creating a therapeutic space that feels safe, respectful, and transformative.
Chaunise 'Chaun" Powell
I’m warm, solution-focused, conversational and unapologetically authentic—with just enough edge to keep it real. I’ve been told I’m pretty funny too, so expect some laughs along the way. I work with folks navigating a range of life situations and transitions. My practice includes but not limited to individuals who may be experiencing trauma, exploring identity, or struggling with confidence and motivation, which can show up in various ways such as feelings of overwhelm, stress, sadness, anger, or other intense emotions. Whatever it may be for you, know this, I won’t lie to you—or co-sign the lies you tell yourself. What I am 100% going to do is gently call attention to what you’re not saying and what you’re avoiding, or maybe what is not in your awareness, yet. My intention is simple: to support you in navigating your pain, not avoiding it. Because the truth is, the only way out is through. Not above it, not around it, not under it—through it. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. We are in this collaborative process together, and you have support every step of the way. Use the tools, show up honestly, and together we’ll work toward creating conditions for you to live your best life and thrive—mind, body, and soul. Drawing from community defined, and evidence-based practices, I aim to empower clients to develop resilience, self-love, and meaningful strategies for personal transformation. My approach is collaborative, respectful, and tailored to your individual needs and strengths.
Find a Therapist Near You in Santa Barbara , California
Finding a licensed therapist near you in California can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in California, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in California (CA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across California, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across California with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
When searching for a therapist near me in California, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across California, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across California.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in California want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in California without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in California (CA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in Santa Barbara.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in California do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.