Book grief and loss therapy, covered by insurance
Grief counselors and therapists in Santa Barbara, CA


Top grief and loss counseling therapists in Santa Barbara, CA
Coping with bereavement, anticipatory grief, or the loss of a loved one requires compassionate, specialized care. Headway's Santa Barbara-based network includes therapists experienced in grief counseling, meaning-making, and trauma-informed support to help you process your loss.
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.
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.
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.
I have been a licensed marriage and family therapiist for over 30 years. I have had many years of experience working with clients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. My focus on treating clients is on improving and increasing coping skills to better manage emotions and/or relationships. I like to give specific tools that can be used outside of the session.
Hello! I’m Tara D'Mello Kamath, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families heal and grow. Originally from India, I lived in Singapore before moving to San Diego, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology. I later completed my Master’s in Couples and Family Therapy at Drexel University, where I deepened my passion for social justice and healing work.Starting therapy takes courage, and I’m honored to support you on your journey. If my approach resonates with you, reach out—I’d love to connect!
I'm Susana, a bilingual LCSW with over 20 years of experience working alongside adults and seniors during the moments that matter most: loss, illness, major life change, and the quiet overwhelm that builds when you're holding too much for too long. Before focusing on psychotherapy, I spent years as a medical social worker, which means I understand what it's like to navigate the healthcare system while also carrying real emotional pain, and I know how to help you do both. I offer sessions in English and Spanish, entirely via telehealth, so wherever you are in California, consistent care is within reach.
Hello! I am an Attachment based therapist and I find it an honor to be on the journey to self discovery with my clients. Walking along side someone (figuratively) while they create a better understanding to their self and how to live this thing we call life is what motivates and drives me.
Jamila Banks is a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 16 years of experience working in the mental health field. She graduated from the University of Southern California(USC), with a BA in Political Science and Psychology and received her master's in psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, from the University of LaVerne, in 2011. Jamila initially began working in the mental health field in an Addiction & Treatment crisis center in 2010, working with adults battling various addictions and mental health disorders. From there, she has worked in a variety of settings, including group homes, mental health hospitals, and inpatient/outpatient centers, providing therapy in both individual and group services. Concurrently in 2010, as a case manager for a California regional center, she worked closely with both children and adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities such as Autism and mental health disorders such as Anxiety. She has experience working with a multidisciplinary team of parents, teachers, social workers, and other practitioners in developing a collaborative plan of care. Jamila is a wife, and mother of 4, and lives her life in service through multiple vehicles of community advocacy, impact, and philanthropy. Outside of her community work, Jamila enjoys traveling, learning, making memories, exercising (gym, yoga, hiking) reading, meditating, crystal healing work, trying out new foods, and spending quality time with friends and family.
About our therapists in Santa Barbara, CA who help people navigate grief and loss



- 100%Grief or loss
- 98%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 92%Stress management
- 86%Relationship issues

- 98%Aetna
- 81%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 77%Cigna
- 76%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 66%Blue Shield of California

- 97%English
- 17%Spanish
- 2%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Hindi

- 89%Online only
- 11%In-person or online

- 79%Woman
- 20%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 47%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 31%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 7%Nurse Practitioner
- 7%Clinical Psychologist
- 6%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 40%Family therapy
- 26%Couples therapy
- 17%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


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