Find a counselors in Santa Barbara, CA

Find counselors in Santa Barbara, CA

Find counselors in Santa Barbara, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best counselors in your area.
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Find counselors in Santa Barbara, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best counselors in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 counselors in Santa Barbara, CA

Clients agree: these therapists are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy

New on Thervo
Offers online services
22+ years in business
Serves Santa Barbara, CA
Visionary Craniosacral Work ® (also known as Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Craniosacral Work, and Cranial Work) grew out of osteopathy, the ancient art of bone-setting. With precise and gentle touch, the Craniosacral practitioner detects and corrects imbalances in the cerebrospinal fluid (which nourishes and maintains the delicate balance of the central nervous system) and structures surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord. This in turn relieves tension and releases restrictions throughout the body. People of all ages, from children to seniors, can benefit from this form of therapy. Craniosacral Work supp
Lesley Skoloff

Lesley Skoloff

5.0Exceptional(13)
Offers online services
124 hires on Thervo
29+ years in business
Serves Santa Barbara, CA
Christina M. says, "I’m currently still working with Lesley, but in the short time I’ve seen her she has helped tremendously. I feel more comfortable in my own skin and recognize where a lot of my pent up emotions originated. Every session I learn to shed, to breath, and to love myself a little bit more. Truly grateful for Lesley." Read more
Valley Life Improvement Center

Valley Life Improvement Center

4.9Exceptional(35)
Offers online services
12 hires on Thervo
56+ years in business
Serves Santa Barbara, CA
Ferdy B. says, "Kay Curtis I loved working with the Valley Life Improvement Center because they really listened to what was going on in my Life, and helped me turn things around. After seeing them, I finally had direction in life and have accomplished so much more than I had ever dreamed I could all because of them. I will always be greatful to Joe and Annette for all their help. " Read more
Kristina Yakovenko

Kristina Yakovenko

New on Thervo
Offers online services
6+ years in business
Serves Santa Barbara, CA
Private psychological practice offline and online for the past 5 years, one year of which under group supervision Experinced in complex cases, using: Adler's Individual Theory of Personality, Freud's Psychoanalysis, Existential Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Skinner's Operant Learning Theory, behaviorism and other methods of the integrative approach and schema therapy: working with the mode model Creating own methodology for working with a client, clearly focusing on the client’s request, establishing rapport with him and monitoring progress and improvement of well-being with the help of homework and motivation. Psychological consulta
Darlena Dench, Ph.D

Darlena Dench, Ph.D

5.0(2)
Offers online services
2 hires on Thervo
7+ years in business
Serves Santa Barbara, CA
Linda D. says, "Loved co-facilitating a workshop with Darla-Liberating Soul. I continue to learn much from her & appreciate her amazing gifts of intuition, compassion, & understanding. Her training in depth psychology at Pacifica Institute has given her a unique understanding of the symbolic nature of the unconscious. Darla does an amazing job of combining her doctoral training with her more recent certification in hypnosis from HMI." Read more
Harmony Consulting

Harmony Consulting

New on Thervo
Offers online services
1 hire on Thervo
17+ years in business
Serves Santa Barbara, CA
One thing that sets me apart from many counselors is that my continuing education and experience, and consideration of the unique situation of each of my clients, allows me to empower and honor their own decisions and beliefs, without imposing my own on them, even for addicts and other trauma survivors. I have worked professionally as a counselor to individuals with substance use disorders since before and after completing my Addiction Treatment Specialist Certification in 2007. I have travelled the world with clients and enabled them to pursue their ambitions and responsibilities while continuing to receive consistent insight, feedback, and ...
Hypnotist Kevin Stone

Hypnotist Kevin Stone

New on Thervo
Offers online services
29+ years in business
Serves Santa Barbara, CA
Hollywood Hypnotist Kevin Stone is an International Renown EXPERT, Master Hypnotist, and America’s Most Trusted and Awarded Hypnotist.You may have seen Hollywood Hypnotist Kevin Stone on MTV'S Hit Show Teen Mom OG, The Tyra Banks Show, Extra, Celebrity Fit Club, Good Morning Live, Good Morning LA, heard on the radio or read about in all of the major papers and magazines of the world. He has been a consultant as well as opening shows for the band Starship and featured in articles for Cosmopolitan, Star, The Globe, People, The Los Angeles Times, and many more. Kevin has hypnotized over 1 million people for smoking, weight, and stress. Holder Of
Depth Emergence

Depth Emergence

New on Thervo
Offers online services
7+ years in business
Serves Santa Barbara, CA
Non-pathological, holistic, whole body approach to offering compassionate psychotherapeutic coaching and condultation grounded in depth psychology and psychodynamic models. I listen, understand, and offer you guidance. I have been there and understand first-hand your feelings, emotions, and questions. I'm fearless and can sit on the edge with you. Call for s free 15' consult. I love helping people find their own resilience and eventually heal themselves, while also fulfilling their life purpose.
Dr.QUINONEZ PhD

Dr.QUINONEZ PhD

New on Thervo
Offers online services
35+ years in business
Serves Santa Barbara, CA
Best ever 💆

Your counseling questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.

How much does counseling cost?

Counseling costs $100 to $250 per session if not covered by insurance, depending on your location, type of counseling, and the counselor's specialty. Prices are on the high end of the range in major metropolitan areas like New York and San Francisco. The average cost of counseling with insurance is $20 to $60 per session for the copay.

Online counseling costs $50 to $110 per week through websites that offer a membership plan. Plans on the lower end of the price range are typically limited to support via text or email messaging only, while plans at the higher end of the range include scheduled video sessions with a licensed counselor or therapist.

Marriage counseling costs $120 to $250 per session for in-person therapy or $90 to $230 per session for online therapy.

Can you use an HSA or FSA for counseling?

You can only use your HSA or FSA for counseling if you have a billable diagnosis—such as depression or bipolar disorder—and the therapy is deemed medically necessary. You can't use your HSA or FSA for marriage or family counseling, grief counseling, or therapy for stress management.

What are the types of counselors?

Counselors have a master's degree in psychology and are trained and licensed to practice psychotherapy. A counselor may be licensed or certified in a specific area:

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
  • Licensed Practicing Counselor (LPC)
  • Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Registered Child Therapist RPT)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

What does a counselor do?

A counselor can help you navigate challenging life situations, understand your emotions, strengthen your self-esteem, and improve your communication and coping skills. They provide support through difficult times and guide you in making the necessary changes in thinking and behavior to improve your mental and emotional health.

Counselors can help you with a variety of problems:

  • Depression and mood changes
  • Marriage and relationship problems
  • Grief or loss
  • Anxiety, stress, and panic attacks
  • Self-esteem and body image concerns
  • Eating disorders
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anger management
  • Addiction
  • Gender or sexual identity concerns

Can counselors prescribe medication?

Counselors are licensed psychologists but not medical doctors, and in most parts of the U.S. they are not allowed to prescribe medication. Only Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico allow counselors to prescribe medication, and counselors in these states must complete additional psychopharmacology training and certification.

In the rest of the U.S., only a medical doctor can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication, but they typically do not provide talk therapy or counseling services.

Can counselors diagnose ADHD, autism, or other mental health conditions?

A licensed counselor can give a mental health diagnosis in all states except Indiana and Maine. However, the counselor must refer clients to a psychiatrist or other medical doctor if the condition requires medication. Consult a counselor near you if you have concerns about ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions.

How can I choose the best counselor near me?

When searching for a counselor, it's important to choose one who makes you feel comfortable, safe, and respected. Follow these tips to find the best counselor for you:

  • If you have a specific concern—such as depression, stress, or relationship issues—look for counselors who specialize in that area.
  • Ask your medical provider for recommendations.
  • Read reviews from other clients on Thervo and Google.
  • Confirm the counselor accepts your insurance or offers a sliding-scale rate.
  • Ask about telemedicine and virtual visit options.
  • Schedule an initial consultation to make sure you're happy with the counselor's communication style and empathy.

What questions should I ask counselors?

Ask these questions to help you choose a counselor who will help you achieve the best results:

  • How long have you been practicing, and what are your certifications?
  • What areas of counseling do you specialize in?
  • What is your philosophy as a counselor?
  • What therapeutic approaches do you typically use?
  • What does a typical session look like?
  • Are you more directive or guiding as a counselor?
  • Do you give homework or reading assignments?
  • Do you offer virtual / telemedicine appointments?
  • Do you accept my insurance? Do you bill the insurance company directly?
  • Do you offer sliding-scale rates for clients without insurance?

Reviews for Santa Barbara counselors

Recent success stories from people in the Santa Barbara area.
Ronty S.
She pays attention to the details to help us
Lesley Skoloff
M. P.
I realized that a lot of my problems I thought I had weren’t that big of a deal. I’m now capable of handling anything that comes my way without any worry.
Valley Life Improvement Center
Britni A.
Darlena is so incredibly kind/caring/compassionate. She is wonderful at what she does and I’m so grateful to have found her.
Darlena Dench, Ph.D
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