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.

I help clients break the cycle of self-defeating patterns by exploring the lasting impact of early attachment wounds—especially the often unspoken pain of under-mothering and emotional neglect. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that healing begins when we de-stigmatize shame and make space for our unmet needs.

With certification in EMDR and advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), I support clients in working through trauma, grief, and relational challenges. My background also includes working with first responders and professional athletes navigating high-pressure roles and emotional resilience.

Whether you're facing anxiety, grief, or feeling stuck in old patterns, I provide a steady therapeutic presence—offering insight, empathy, and deep respect for your healing process. Together, we work toward greater self-trust, healthier boundaries, and a renewed sense of wholeness.

What we see as flaws often echo patterns rooted in early experiences that shaped our connections with ourselves and others. Trauma, unknowingly, informs these unconscious ways of being that once helped us navigate emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

With 4+ years of experience treating eating disorders, trauma, and navigating life transitions across outpatient, intensive day programs (IOP/PHP), and residential settings, I bring a trauma-informed approach to help unravel these patterns.

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.

I'm a therapist offering in-person sessions in the Thousand Oaks area of Southern California, and telehealth to folks throughout California. I decided to become a therapist after many years of working in corporate America, and I have a Master's in Clinical Psychology and LMFT license.

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.

Seeking therapy is acknowledging you are allowed to take space, time, and care for yourself. Finding the right therapist is an important first step. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, and stress. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in genuine connection. I believe healing begins when people feel understood without judgement. Together, we will work to increase insight, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change that aligns with your values and goals.

My style as a therapist is best described as engaged, warm, nonjudgmental and creative. I strive to offer a space in which you will feel that anything can be talked about and expressed — nothing is too small or too big. Through our work together you will grow in your ability to tolerate and move through difficult emotions, find meaning in your experiences and relationships and cultivate an inner resilience and flexibility in thinking.