Sometimes taking a second to relax is great, but also getting help when you need it matters. Luckily, finding a counselor in Santa Maria is almost as easy as finding the world-famous barbecue they’re known for. 

Santa Maria is 150 miles from downtown LA, and it’s one of the most populous cities in the county. This city is known for not just their barbecue though, but also their wine too, making it a great place for others to help themselves get better, and get some tasty wine and barbecue as well. 

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John Hanig

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

It is normal for traumatic life events (such as near-death experiences, being the victim of violence, or the loss of a loved one) to cause us to become stuck in patterns that prevent us from exploring emotional pain in order to let go of it; in this way, staying stuck further perpetuates ongoing suffering, like a “snake eating its tail.” I am here to support you with untangling these patterns in order to reclaim who you are and gain satisfaction with seeing how who you are can glow brighter than ever in your relationships and community. With our work through Better Help, I usually ask lots of questions not only to get to know you better but to also provide an opportunity for you to express yourself and see how it feels to release some of your more intense emotions through the power of words. I also ask lots of questions to guide you with exploring your relationships (such as family, friends, and intimate partners) and provide suggestions on ways to improve communication, since the majority of problems that occur in our relationships usually come from miscommunication and as a result not receiving the most mutual support that we could receive from our relationships. I can also teach techniques (such as breathing exercises and affirmations) that you can actually use at moments when you might feel particularly overwhelmed or “freaking out,” and I can help you adapt them to your unique lifestyle and personality so that it can hopefully feel easier to put them into practice in the real world. I am a queer man who specializes in providing psychotherapy to other queer men and LGBTQ people in English, Spanish, & Brazilian Portuguese. I am most passionate about serving LGBTQ people experiencing severe and persistent mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As LGBTQ people, engaging in therapy is more important than ever.

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Leslie Sigala

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
LGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am Licensed Marriage and Family in California for 10 years with experience of individual and family therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of experience including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, with experience Child Trauma, Post Partum, Immigration and Domestic Violence. My modalities are psychodynamic therapy, Trauma Focused- CFT, Cognitive, Behavioral, Child Parent Psychotherapy and Infant Parent psychotherapy modalities. My counseling experience is warm and interactive. I am a woman of color, I believe in treating with anyone with kindness, respect and compassion. My approach is to support everyone and to provide a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. I look forward to working with you.

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Teddi Plummer

Offering therapy in CA
License: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am empathic and offer encouragement to my clients to assist in fostering hope and a successful counseling outcomes. My clients frequently share with me that I am a therapist who cares. I am supportive of clients who view their faith and/or spirituality as a significant tool in the recovery process. I have served adult and youth clients presenting with disorders, such as schizophrenia-auditory and visual hallucinations, bipolar, OCD, severe depression, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, personality disorders, self-harm (cutting), and dual diagnosis. I have also provided therapeutic services for clients with co-occurring disorders including alcohol/substance abuse and behavioral addictions, and multiple layers of issues (I am a certified SMART Recovery Facilitator). My clinical experience includes assessment, diagnosis, and crisis counseling. Additional therapeutic services include clients experiencing domestic violence and assisting perpetrators of domestic violence to learn healthy coping tools to manage anger. . I have worked in crisis in the emergency room setting and assisted clients suffering from mild to acute suicide ideations. I have co-counseled Dialectical Behavioral Therapy groups to assist clients with emotional regulation and earned training certificates in DBT. I have experience in facilitating anger management and batters intervention groups; I am a certified Nurturing Parenting Facilitator; I have over two years experience in facilitating parenting groups. I have facilitated behavioral and substance addiction groups for at risk youth and adults. I have experience working with the most severely mentally ill as well as those with mild to moderate mental health challenges. I utilize evidence based theoretical models to find what interventions are best fit for client's individual needs, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. I am a therapist who values the uniqueness of my clients needs. I believe a client's spirituality and/or faith can play a significant role in fostering hope and attaining a successful counseling outcome. I have 13 years of experience teaching children’s church, 4 years experience as a faith based youth/young adult group leader and 1 year experience providing volunteer Christian counseling to adults under the supervision of the Pastor. I am respectful of the diverse range of faith and beliefs of my clients.

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Geoffrey Faustman

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I offer a direct, active, goal-oriented approach in helping you find relief from the anxiety, anger, depression, shame, or whatever it is that leaves you feeling stuck. By taking a look at 1) What are you trying to achieve? 2) What are you trying to preserve? 3) What are you trying to avoid? and 4) What are you trying to eliminate? we can highlight the sometimes-complex interaction among your thoughts, decisions, actions and outcomes. Knowing yourself, making use of your personal strengths & your tools at hand while allowing your values guide you, you can propel yourself toward becoming the best, most fulfilled version of yourself. I use a combination of evidence-based treatments tailored to suit your strengths to overcome your core fears and reach your goals. These include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help with different kinds of problems and degrees of suffering. I don’t want you in therapy forever. I want you to reach your goals, and live your life to the fullest.

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Ronald Wussick

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in the State of California with over 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping people with depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, anger management, relationships, family conflicts and work related problems. 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. If you need immediate help or you are in crisis please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day or 988. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help. You are not alone. Things can and will get better. I'm really looking forward to working with you!

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This is Petrea Huynh's avatar and link to their profile

Petrea Huynh

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

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Maureen Hosier

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

I am a psychologist who has been in practice for many years. My interest has been in helping couples to make their relationships work for both partners. Many of us have grown up in a household where one parent has held the most importance because they were the “boss”. That means that one person was in charge of the decision making in their relationship.. That means one person was the boss. That may mean one of you is the “boss” in your relationship and it’s not working for you both. Or it might mean that you both are arguing and fighting. And you both are "IN IT". Neither one of you knows how to stop that “IN IT” moment between you when you both are arguing and blaming and yelling and demanding each other to hear me. To meet my needs. To take care of me. To love me! Hopefully, you both have come to learn and realize that that interaction does not work. But couples keep doing it over and over again until their resentment and anger is out of control. And one of you leaves the relationship. You both are emotionally reactive to most moments of contention between you. That's when you both realize you need some help. The issue you are arguing about is not the issue. Both of your ways of handling the issue is the problem between you. I can help.

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Beth Ludwig

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Alejandro Zavala

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, co-dependency, trauma and abuse, substance 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Roser Camats Falip

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in Santa Maria

Finding the best therapist close by in Santa Maria can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Santa Maria. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Santa Maria, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Santa Maria or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Santa Maria area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Santa Maria, elsewhere in Santa Barbara, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Santa Maria therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Santa Maria 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: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Santa Maria may not take health insurance, some 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 or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Santa Maria, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Santa Maria above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Santa Maria helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Santa Maria therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Santa Maria therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

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 you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, 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 Maria 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 may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 93458 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Santa Maria counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. 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 learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist 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 psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Santa Maria licensed clinical social worker 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.

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 mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Santa Maria, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Santa Maria has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. 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 today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Santa Maria.

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

93454, 93455, 93456, 93458

Popular cities near Santa Maria, CA

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