Grief counselors and therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

I can understand first-hand how difficult it can be to reach out for help for the first time. I believe in the importance of "practicing what you preach" and I have been the client in the room who needs extra support. I invite you to give yourself a chance, try something new, and gain a healthy perspective on how to address complicated moments in your life.

I am currently accepting new clients. Life can feel overwhelming when stress builds, relationships feel strained, or we are carrying grief, anxiety, or self doubt on our own. I work with individuals, couples, and families who want more clarity, stronger connection, and a more fulfilling life. Whether you are feeling stuck, disconnected, or simply worn down, therapy can be a place where we slow down, make sense of what is happening, and start creating meaningful change together.

Hello! I’m Najwa Azizi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and support. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, stress, and burnout through a personalized and collaborative approach to care. With a background in both behavioral health and critical care nursing, I understand the importance of treating the whole person — emotionally, mentally, and physically. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to grow, heal, and reach their full potential.

Welcome to my practice. I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and I am a licensed psychologist in the state of California. I have many years of experience working with a variety of clients including: children, veterans, hospital inpatients and outpatients, mental health clinics, and individuals in private practice. My orientation is cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and I received my year-long training and became a consultant at the Atlanta Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I also believe that trust is a central part of therapy and it is my responsibility to earn your trust. It is incredibly important that I have an accurate understanding of you, your situation and any problems you may be facing currently. I will rely on your guidance to ensure my understanding of you is accurate.

Hello, my name is Sherri Crespin, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing integrated care for complex mental health challenges, including personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, substance use disorders, ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions. My practice recognizes these conditions are interconnected in ways requiring specialized understanding.

I chose these specializations because I understand how trauma influences personality development, how ADHD complicates substance use recovery, how symptoms emerge during extreme stress, and how these complex interactions require providers who see the complete picture. Whether you're in recovery while managing other conditions, dealing with personality patterns that developed as survival mechanisms, or navigating multiple diagnoses, I bring the expertise needed for comprehensive care.

My approach emphasizes evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood. I recognize that seeking help for stigmatized conditions like personality disorders takes tremendous courage, especially after negative experiences with providers. I create a therapeutic space where you can explore your experiences without judgment or shame.

You can expect a thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and consistent support throughout our work together. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and thrive in your daily life.

IMPORTANT: For current availability, visit https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/ or call or text us anytime at 415-968-6515—we make it super easy! Intake forms are required before your first appointment. You can text us your info or email us at [email protected]. Please send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!