Grief counselors and therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

I'm Dr. Christina Cortez, a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Santa Barbara, California. Grounded in a humanistic and client-centered approach, I'm committed to meeting individuals where they are emotionally, culturally, and spiritually.

My practice is built on the principles of empathy, respect, and collaboration, with a strong focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for healing and personal growth.

I provide bilingual (English and Spanish) psychotherapy for adolescents and adults, integrating evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

My work is deeply informed by multicultural awareness and sensitivity to the diverse cultural and religious values clients bring into the therapeutic space.

With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, I've served in various clinical settings including community mental health, outpatient treatment, and education.

My professional mission centers on honoring the lived experiences of each client while supporting their path toward resilience, empowerment, and meaningful change.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am passionate about helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationships with compassion and care. In my work as a Ketamine-Assisted Therapist, I support individuals healing from developmental and other traumatic experiences, offering a safe and grounded space for growth. My approach empowers clients to move beyond feeling stuck and discover a deeper sense of truth, resilience, and self.

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.

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.

If you need support coping with life’s challenges, you are not alone. I help clients gain insight and develop strategies to manage emotions affected by life changes. My goal is to work collaboratively to create healthy ways to respond to obstacles.

I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), working in private practice as a Psychotherapist. I live in Los Angeles, and work in-person or hybrid, with adults, teens, couples and the aging population. I specialize in anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, work stress/dissatisfaction, career goals, sleep disorders, substance use, trauma (ptsd/complex/acute), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD/OCPD), attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD). In addition I deal with grief, isolation, and breaking creative blocks.

Sometimes life gets hard and we lose track of who we are. The things we used to handle with ease can suddenly feel like an overwhelming challenge. In those moments, you deserve a safe space to process, heal, and rediscover your footing.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), my goal is to walk alongside you in your healing journey and meet you where you are. I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC) and bring extensive experience working with adolescents, families, and individuals navigating complex medical and emotional crises in hospital settings. Whether you are facing a major life transition, family conflict, or acute stress, I provide a compassionate, collaborative environment tailored to your unique needs. Together, we will work to restore your sense of self and build a path forward at your own pace.

I work with anyone navigating adjustment/mood challenges, stress, trauma, grief, and co-occurring disorders. Using an integrative approach, I help clients make sustainable progress toward their goals and overall wellness.

Sometimes you don’t need someone to simply ask, “And how does that make you feel?” You need a therapist who can listen, understand the bigger picture, help you connect the dots, and work with you on what to actually do next.

That’s the kind of space I strive to provide.

I work with adults who may look like they’re holding everything together while privately feeling overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, angry, disconnected, grieving, or simply tired of carrying so much. Some of my clients come to therapy because of a specific crisis or life transition. Others arrive saying, “I don’t even know where to start—I just know something needs to change.” Both are perfectly valid places to begin.

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. Please note that I am currently not treating ADHD or providing couple’s counseling.