Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA and Nearby Locations

Finding Professional Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

Choosing a therapist, counselor, or psychologist in Santa Barbara can be time-consuming and challenging. When selecting the right mental health professional for your needs, several considerations can help you make a better, more informed decision.

Therapist Specialties

If all you need is the support of a professional to work through some minor issues, then you can choose a therapist without being particular about their areas of expertise. But if you need help with a specific mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, addiction, or eating disorders, or if you’re looking for relationship or family counseling, then you should ideally find a Santa Barbara therapist specializing in these areas.

If you’re looking for a therapist in Santa Barbara for your young child or teenager, you should seek a professional qualified to work with those age groups.

Treatment Modalities

Most therapists prefer specific treatment approaches with their patients over others. These can include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy, to name a few.

Some patients research these treatment options online or consult with friends and decide which one they need. While you should ideally let the professional decide on the right modality for your treatment, if you find many suitable therapists in Santa Barbara from which to choose, you can narrow down the list based on the treatment modalities you prefer.

Personal Characteristics of the Therapist

You may prefer to work with a therapist in Santa Barbara who speaks a second language that you speak, shares your religious beliefs, or is of a certain gender, race, or ethnicity. Finding a therapist who shares your values or personal experiences may help you open up more quickly and have better chemistry with them.

Session Types

If you need an in-person, face-to-face therapy experience, you’ll want a professional counselor in Santa Barbara who sees clients in an office. Alternatively, should you prefer to work with someone who offers teletherapy, plenty of therapists can provide remote sessions.

If you are not satisfied with the selection of therapists in Santa Barbara, you may want to consider teletherapy even if it’s not your first choice, as it will dramatically increase the pool of potential therapists who may legally work with you.

Getting Started with a Therapist in Santa Barbara, California

Our therapist directory includes filters to help you find therapists in Santa Barbara, California based on your search criteria, including those listed above. The therapists listed here are licensed professionals who work with clients in Santa Barbara. They are subject to all applicable confidentiality regulations for mental health professionals and can be reached using the contact information they’ve provided on their profiles.