Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA

As a Marriage and Family therapist, I take pleasure in helping clients acquire skills to build healthier relationships.

I work with people ages 13 to 85. Some of the issues I specialize in are adjustment issues, self-esteem, social pressure, issues you may be dealing with that may expected or unexpected.

Life can be challenging and difficult and I am here to help you work through those challenges you are facing in your life. You may be dealing with depression or work-related issues. I strive to make this a safe environment where you are comfortable with sharing what is really going on. I am bilingual in English/Spanish. ;

Social pressure - Self esteem - Adjustment Issues - Depression - Anxiety

Hi, I'm Ellen, a psychotherapist who treats adults and adolescents 19 and up. I combine psychodynamic techniques with spirituality to create a session that offers both common sense and compassion, and also some creative and fun interventions! I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationships, and more. My approach is individualized to respect you and what you need or hope for in therapy. I am a marriage and family therapist with experience in school, clinic, and private practice.

Many of the women I work with grew up with high expectations & low emotional support. They learned to prioritize loyalty, achievement, or caregiving over their own needs. Over time, this can create anxiety, burnout, relationship struggles, and a deep sense of disconnection from the self. I specialize in working with women healing from abuse, emotionally unavailable parents & religious & intergenerational trauma. Many of my clients struggle with people-pleasing, guilt, perfectionism, hyper-independence, difficulty setting boundaries, or feelings of responsibility. They often know "why they are the way they are" but still feel stuck.

Trauma-Informed. I specialize in treating adults with unresolved childhood traumas / C-PTSD. I deeply understand how early life experiences shape present-day struggles—I specialize in helping people heal from those roots, not just manage surface-level symptoms.

I am trained in powerful, evidence-based and experiential modalities like EMDR, IFS-informed parts work, Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Not one-size-fits-all—I tailor treatment to each individual’s nervous system, attachment patterns, and inner world.

Most importantly, I show up as a therapist: I provide a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where clients can be fully seen, heard, and validated. I understand that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, and I meet clients with compassion, patience, and respect for their pace.

I am committed to helping clients work through inner emotional conflicts so they can move toward a more stable, fulfilling, and connected life—not just symptom relief, but real, lasting transformation.

I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara, California. My practice blends both psychological approach as well as eastern wisdom. With a diverse background of professional and life experiences, I bring empathy, warmth, and a solution-focused mindset to my clients. My goal is to help clients alleviate suffering, boost their productivitiy, and enhance well-being.

All roads lead to Rome! It doesn't matter where we jump in, if you’re ready, we’ll get there. My POV is through a Neurodiverse lens and incorporates Attachment Theory and C-PTSD with the idea that much of our conflict and distress stems from old wounds & unmet needs that can often be traced back to necessary adaptations needed to survive not only our families of origin but also societal norms and expectations. The gig of being human is hard and de-coding this blueprint can provide a path toward understanding, healing and, fulfillment. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.

I am a board‐certified clinical therapist with a strong foundation in narrative therapy, helping clients explore and reshape the stories that influence their lives. In recent years, I’ve supported children ages 5–17 as well as adults navigating a wide range of emotional experiences, including anxiety, depression, grief, and gender affirmation.

I’m here to make this journey feel gentle, welcoming, and human. I keep things clear and simple so you can focus on what matters, not the overwhelm. My style is warm, encouraging, and a little poetic—because softness helps us breathe. Let’s take this step together, one calm moment at a time.