Skip to content

Best Therapists And Counselors in Santa Barbara, CA (2026)

90 therapists and counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Santa Barbara: Casa Serena Treatment Programs For Women, RP Score 80/100; 4.5★ from 66 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 6

    Most-reviewed: Advanced Psychiatry Associates, 113 Google reviews at 4.2★, the most of 90 ranked; ranked #6.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

90 Santa Barbara therapists and counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 27 open Saturdays and 12 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 90 rated practices.

Top 10 therapists and counselors in Santa Barbara at a glance

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 therapists and counselors in Santa Barbara at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Casa Serena Treatment Programs For Women804.5★ (66)Santa BarbaraSat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2David de Lancellotti Somatic Psychotherapy795.0★ (9)Santa BarbaraSat · Sun · Evenings—
3Mission Harbor Behavioral Health783.9★ (23)Santa BarbaraSat · Sun · Evenings—
4Chantal Wunderlich, LMFT784.0★ (4)Santa BarbaraSat · Sun · Evenings—
5CALM774.7★ (26)Santa Barbara——
6Advanced Psychiatry Associates774.2★ (113)Santa BarbaraSat · SunMost reviews
7Santa Barbara Ecotherapy765.0★ (8)Santa BarbaraSat · Sun—
8Anger Management Specialists765.0★ (4)Santa Barbara——
9Hope Counseling Center765.0★ (4)Santa Barbara——
10Sanctuary Centers753.7★ (15)Santa Barbara——

The 90 best therapists and counselors in Santa Barbara, ranked

Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

  5. #5 CALM

    Based in Santa Barbara

    77/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.7★ from 26 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 26 Google reviews
    Address
    1236 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    View profile for CALM(805) 965-2376

  9. #9 Hope Counseling Center

    Based in Santa Barbara

    76/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    5266 Hollister Ave STE 211, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
    View profile for Hope Counseling Center(805) 681-7384

  10. #10 Sanctuary Centers

    Based in Santa Barbara

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 3.7★ from 15 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 3.7★ from 15 Google reviews
    Address
    1136 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    View profile for Sanctuary Centers(805) 569-2785

  11. #11 Karima Shamma

    Based in Santa Barbara

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    5266 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
    View profile for Karima Shamma(805) 973-6048

  12. #12 Duval Kathleen W

    Based in Santa Barbara

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    1114 State St #238, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    View profile for Duval Kathleen W(805) 564-1443

  13. #13 Larsen Jennifer

    Based in Santa Barbara

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    18 W Micheltorena St # B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    View profile for Larsen Jennifer(805) 698-1970

  15. #15 Botaitis Therapy Group

    Based in Santa Barbara

    75/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 25 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 25 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    817 Garden St #200, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    View profile for Botaitis Therapy Group(805) 636-9890

  17. #17 Debra Simon, MA, LMFT

    Based in Santa Barbara

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue closed · Wed–Sun 10 AM–5 PM
    Address
    430 E Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    View profile for Debra Simon, MA, LMFT(805) 570-9610

  18. #18 Coastline Therapy Group

    Based in Santa Barbara

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 4.4★ from 14 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–12:30 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    735 State St Ste 532, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    View profile for Coastline Therapy Group(805) 697-4488

  19. #19 Root Cause Healing Co

    Based in Santa Barbara

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 10 AM–7 PM · Sat 10 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    5290 Overpass Rd #220, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
    View profile for Root Cause Healing Co(805) 457-5802

  20. #20 Orian Markham LMFT

    Based in Goleta, 3 mi away

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews
    View profile for Orian Markham LMFT(805) 364-3128

  21. #21 Julian Castillo, LMFT

    Based in Santa Barbara

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2429 Bath St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
    View profile for Julian Castillo, LMFT(805) 722-2779

  22. #22 Romi Cumes Somatic Therapy, P.C.

    Based in Santa Barbara

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–5:30 PM · Tue 11 AM–7 PM · Wed 1 PM–5 PM · Thu 11 AM–7 PM · Fri 11 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 12 PM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1625 State St #2, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    View profile for Romi Cumes Somatic Therapy, P.C.

  24. #24 Riviera Therapy

    Based in Santa Barbara

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.8★ from 52 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 52 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1515 State St Ste 7, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    View profile for Riviera Therapy(805) 699-6834

  25. #25 Therapy With Alex G

    Based in Santa Barbara

    72/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6:30 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1601 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    View profile for Therapy With Alex G(805) 403-7901

Therapists and counselors ranked #26 to #50

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RP Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 90 ranked therapists and counselors here; the rest are on their profiles.

therapists and counselors in Santa Barbara, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Deborah Batres, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist725.0★ (3)In Santa Barbara
27Carla Kuklinsky, MFT725.0★ (23)In Santa Barbara
28Regina Breech, Couples Coaching725.0★ (39)In Santa Barbara
29Insight Therapy725.0★ (24)In Santa Barbara
30Capricorn Counseling715.0★ (21)In Santa Barbara
31NeuroField Neurotherapy, Inc.714.6★ (23)In Santa Barbara
32Rose Wellness, Therapy in Santa Barbara, CA715.0★ (14)In Santa Barbara
33Rise Healing Center714.8★ (16)In Santa Barbara
34Jamie Fortin715.0★ (7)In Santa Barbara
35Family Therapy Institute of Santa Barbara714.9★ (14)In Santa Barbara
36California Counseling Clinics704.6★ (10)In Santa Barbara
37Manzanita Counseling & Wellness705.0★ (8)In Santa Barbara
38Pacific Depth Therapy705.0★ (10)In Santa Barbara
39Santa Barbara Healer704.9★ (31)6 mi
40Kristina Radnoti, MA, LPCC - Transformative Psychotherapy705.0★ (10)In Santa Barbara
41Thrive Therapy Santa Barbara | Claire Blakey, MA, LMFT, PMH-C705.0★ (12)In Santa Barbara
42Jacqueline Robertson, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist & Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist705.0★ (17)In Santa Barbara
43Inpatient Mental Health Finder-Depression PTSD Anxiety Call Center Santa Barbara705.0★ (4)In Santa Barbara
44Mental Wellness Center704.6★ (10)In Santa Barbara
45Danielle Amara Norlinger, LMFT705.0★ (6)In Santa Barbara
46Rachel Finch Sulka, LMFT705.0★ (9)In Santa Barbara
47Solutions in Parenting, Kristi Miller LMFT and Clinical Staff at Riviera Therapy704.2★ (5)In Santa Barbara
48Wendy Allen Ph.D. MFT705.0★ (4)In Santa Barbara
49Alison Zarrow Therapy695.0★ (4)In Santa Barbara
50Dr. Bruce Howard, PhD695.0★ (4)In Santa Barbara

Also serving Santa Barbara

20 more therapists and counselors within 15 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked therapists and counselors serving Santa Barbara
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Adina L. Mcgarr-Knabke, PSYD5.0★ (2)In Santa Barbara
Aegis Treatment Centers | Santa Barbara4.2★ (28)In Santa Barbara
American Riviera Wellness5.0★ (7)In Santa Barbara
Anxiety Experts4.3★ (27)In Santa Barbara
California-Casual Psychotherapy5.0★ (2)In Santa Barbara
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Ciara Murray-Young5.0★ (2)In Santa Barbara
Conni Mattingly, MA LMFT4.5★ (2)In Santa Barbara
Dr. Adham Malaty - Santa Barbara World Class Psychiatry4.3★ (77)In Santa Barbara
Early Terrence S MD3.4★ (5)In Santa Barbara
Jo Ellen Eng, Psychologist and Therapist, Ph.D5.0★ (2)In Santa Barbara
Karen Lehman Ph.D.5.0★ (4)In Santa Barbara
Linda Wells, L.C.S.W.3.7★ (3)In Santa Barbara
Lunt Joyce M3.0★ (4)In Santa Barbara
Nagy Robert M Dr5.0★ (3)In Santa Barbara
Pawlowicz Stephanie3.0★ (2)In Santa Barbara
Rio Richards Therapy, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist5.0★ (2)In Santa Barbara
SAMANTHA LAU, PMHNP-BC, FNP5.0★ (38)In Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Recovery4.8★ (52)In Santa Barbara
Synergy Therapist5.0★ (2)In Santa Barbara
Yana Van Arsdale MD Ph.D.4.7★ (13)In Santa Barbara

How we ranked Santa Barbara therapists and counselors

We scored 90 Santa Barbara therapists and counselors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 12, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Santa Barbara data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure they regularly work with clients who have your concern, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Check which license they hold (for example LPC, LCSW, LMFT or RP) and look it up with the board or college that issued it.
  4. Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
  5. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  6. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask a therapist

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How often do you work with concerns like mine?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
  • Do you offer online sessions?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?

Terms explained

PhD / PsyD
Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
Licensed psychologist
A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
Psychological associate
In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
LPC / LMHC / LCPC
US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
LMFT
Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
RP / RCC
Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
PSYPACT
An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
Telehealth
Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.

Therapists and counselors in Santa Barbara: frequently asked questions

Who is the best therapist in Santa Barbara?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked therapist in Santa Barbara, CA is Casa Serena Treatment Programs For Women with an RP Score of 80/100. It has 4.5★ from 66 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. David de Lancellotti Somatic Psychotherapy (#2) and Mission Harbor Behavioral Health (#3) follow. We ranked 90 therapists and counselors on eight factors, last updated November 12, 2026.

How many therapists and counselors are there in Santa Barbara?

RankedPsychologists ranks 90 therapists and counselors serving Santa Barbara, CA. 48 of them are based in Santa Barbara; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 15 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

What should I do if I need help right now?

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.

Which therapists and counselors in Santa Barbara work on weekends?

27 of 90 ranked therapists and counselors post Saturday hours and 12 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Casa Serena Treatment Programs For Women (#1), David de Lancellotti Somatic Psychotherapy (#2) and Mission Harbor Behavioral Health (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Santa Barbara therapists and counselors have?

The median Google rating among 90 rated therapists and counselors in Santa Barbara is 5.0★, with a median of 8 reviews. Advanced Psychiatry Associates has the most, 113 reviews, and ranks #6. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank therapists and counselors?

Each therapist gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do therapists and counselors outside Santa Barbara count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 15 mi of the Santa Barbara city center, our service radius for therapists and counselors. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.

Can therapists and counselors pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?

No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

How are therapists and counselors in Santa Barbara ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on therapy and counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

Is a licensed counselor the same as a psychologist?

No. Licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and, in Ontario, registered psychotherapists hold their own licenses and answer to their own boards or colleges. They provide talk therapy for many of the same concerns; formal psychological testing is usually done by a psychologist.

Can I see a therapist online?

Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.

What if I need help right now?

Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.

Update log for Santa Barbara

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 90 therapists and counselors serving Santa Barbara.
  2. November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.

More therapists and counselors and Santa Barbara pages