Find a psychiatrist in Santa Maria, CA — covered by insurance
Top psychiatrists in Santa Maria, CA accepting new patients
Santa Maria residents can access therapy and medication management through Headway's network of 958 providers. Whether you're in Orcutt, Sisquoc, or other local neighborhoods, find open-minded professionals who specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, and more. Most sessions are covered by insurance with significant savings.
Dr. Aw primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy, one does not exist outside of the other. Furthermore, Depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues feels significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on the road to recovery.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a background in nursing and mental health care. I focus on medication management with a supportive, real-life approach. I work with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD.
I believe you should feel heard, understood, and involved in your care. My goal is to create a comfortable, judgment-free space where we can work together to find what truly helps you feel better and function at your best. I also incorporate brief therapeutic support alongside medication when it’s needed.
I’m a board-certified psychiatrist who works with adolescents through older adults, and I bring both medical and therapeutic training into my work. In addition to psychiatry, I’ve completed advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which allows me to look beyond symptoms and explore the deeper emotional patterns shaping your experience.
I specialize in mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and women’s mental health, including the unique challenges that come with life transitions. Whether you’re navigating longstanding patterns or a more recent shift, I aim to create a space that feels warm, affirming, and grounded in real understanding.
I realize that most of us could use support, especially during times of overwhelming challenges in our personal and professional lives. Life can be complex, with significant obligations and expectations from family, friends, and ourselves. When these challenges become too much, it’s normal to start doubting our ability to manage our affairs and interactions. If stress, doubt, and dissatisfaction go unaddressed, these feelings can develop into an unhealthy view of ourselves and our environment—and it’s at this point that many recognize a need for help.
About our psychiatrists serving Santa Maria, CA
- 99%Anxiety
- 99%Depression
- 86%Bipolar disorder
- 86%PTSD
- 86%ADD/ADHD
- 99%Aetna
- 95%Cigna
- 89%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 85%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 59%United Healthcare
- 98%English
- 9%Spanish
- 4%Tagalog
- 4%Igbo
- 3%Hindi
- 90%Online only
- 10%In-person or online
- 72%Woman
- 28%Man
- 90%Nurse Practitioner
- 9%Medical Doctor
- 1%Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- 96%Individual therapy
- 17%Family therapy
- 7%Child or adolescent therapy
- 6%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right psychiatrist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Psychiatrist in Santa Maria
Finding psychiatrists in Santa Maria starts with knowing what kind of mental health care you want to access. Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage medication plans. Therapists focus on talk therapy and behavioral support. Both can be helpful entry points, depending on your needs. If you are looking for support with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, or medication management, review each psychiatrist’s listed specialties, training, and approach before booking.
In a smaller city like Santa Maria, local psychiatry options may be more limited than in larger California markets. Virtual appointments can expand your search while keeping care within your schedule. Psychiatry appointments for medication management are usually shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, though some psychiatrists also offer therapy. Some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber. As you compare options, look at appointment availability, whether a free phone consultation is offered, and what each profile says about communication style and care structure.
Psychiatric care in Santa Maria can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before you book. Headway helps you search for psychiatrists who match your needs, verifies your insurance, and shows your estimated out-of-pocket cost upfront. Every psychiatrist listed is accepting new patients, so you can review bios, compare availability, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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