LGBT therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

My name is Dr. Lentz and I have been practicing in the mental health field for over 10 years. I strive to help those acquire skills to overcome challenging situations that are tailored to a person's specific need. I am a goal oriented therapist that works diligently to achieve goals that are identified by the individual and myself. Life is full of situations that do not always have clear and definitive answers, which is a process the therapeutic approach I utilize can assist with.

Oh look, this one is wearing a hat! It can be hard to choose one of us, right? My style is warm, collaborative, experiential, and very human. I’m interested in that space between knowing something intellectually and actually experiencing something differently—how past experiences shape our expectations, how the mind and nervous system respond in the present, and what becomes possible when we slow down enough to notice what’s happening inside.

I bring 20 years of experience in many areas of therapy including LGBT specializations, drug/alcohol issues specialization, and a client centered approach

I completed my Master's in Counseling Psychology at The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. I have over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field varying from community youth work, psychiatric inpatient nursing, and counseling. I became licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist in April 2023, accruing over 4 years of experience providing psychotherapy to clients in the LGBTQ and immigrant communities navigating mood, identity, and relationships.

Are you struggling to have harmony in your relationships? Does having ease in your life seem like a far-fetched dream? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world and all you have to do? Welcome, you're in the right place! I have been in your shoes and the first (or twenty) step is always the hardest. As someone who has learned to balance multiple cultures, I know what it can feel like to straddle various parts of your identity. I have first hand experienced feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and at a complete loss for how to navigate the intensity of my emotions. This has informed my practice and work with clients where I strongly believe that our emotions guide us to understanding ourselves in a new light. Asking for help can be difficult, especially in a culture that values productivity over personality.

I’m Chinenye Udoh, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I work with adolescents and adults navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma-related concerns, schizophrenia, and other mental health challenges.

Many of the people I work with have spent years knowing that something doesn’t feel quite right but struggling to put it into words. You may be having difficulty focusing or completing tasks, experiencing overwhelming anxiety, struggling with motivation, noticing significant changes in your mood, or simply feeling exhausted from trying to manage everything on your own. My goal is to provide a space where you feel heard rather than judged and understood rather than rushed.