Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Maria, CA

I have witnessed the growth and success of many wonderful people who came to therapy feeling nearly hopeless. I know that you can reach your goals and I'd like to help you get there.

I’m Rachel Benjamin, and I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to build more authentic, connected, and empowered lives. Together, we’ll identify the patterns and barriers that have been holding you back and work toward lasting change around your strengths and values. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or returning after some time away, but feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Taking that first step can bring up a mix of emotions. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, it likely means you’re ready to begin exploring meaningful change.

I bring 14 + years of experience providing thrrapy in both private and clinical settings. My work is grounded in a client centered strengths-based approach, rooted in unconditional, positive regard and a commitment to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where client can openly share their stories.

I identify as neurodivergent and have personally and professionally navigated ADHD. This experience allows me to bring both clinical knowledge lived understanding to my work, helping clients recognize their strengths, develop effective strategies, and move toward meaningful growth and stability.

As a therapist my goal is to break the stigma that comes with therapy. I strive to create a collaborative, nurturing therapeutic relationship that can help transform one's pain or uncertainties into one of healing. Life can be difficult and sometimes confusing therefore I want to create a corner where one can feel safe, understood, and free of judgement.

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have offices in Santa Monica, Malibu, Ojai, & Ventura. I practice traditional talk therapy as well as Attachment Focused EMDR both in person and remotely. I also practice Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) with an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. My practice focuses on trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, addiction & recovery, and relationships. I trained as a KAP therapist at the Ketamine Training Center in San Rafael, California. I am trained by MAPS in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy. I am certified in Psychedelic Therapy by Fluence.

Hello! I am Registered Yoga Teacher, Clinical Supervisor & Consultant, as well as a Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts Practitioner.

I have almost a decade of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in a therapeutic capacity. I specialize in trauma and family work. I am an integrative psychotherapist – integrating art therapy, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, astrology, spirituality, and more into therapy.

My name is Mariana Nogueira, LCSW, and I am a bilingual therapist with over a decade of experience working with individuals and families navigating trauma, grief, immigration, chronic illness, and major life transitions. I received my Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Sacramento, and have extensive training in trauma-focused therapies and mindfulness-based approaches.

Over the years, I have worked in hospice care, hospital settings, cancer centers, community mental health, and with immigrant and undocumented communities. These experiences have deeply shaped my commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy.

I specialize in supporting adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, identity transitions, or who feel caught between cultures.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of social work experience and 5 years of experience as a psychotherapist. My experience ranges from treating children ages 5 and older to treating geriatric individuals aged 70+. I am a bilingual, Latina therapist and I conduct therapy in both English and Spanish. I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health and private practice treating a range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, co-occurring disorders, and more. Much of my work has been focused on working with the Latino community in Southern California as well as disadvantaged communities of color.

I’m a board-certified psychiatrist who works with adolescents through older adults, and I bring both medical and therapeutic training into my work. In addition to psychiatry, I’ve completed advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which allows me to look beyond symptoms and explore the deeper emotional patterns shaping your experience.

I specialize in mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and women’s mental health, including the unique challenges that come with life transitions. Whether you’re navigating longstanding patterns or a more recent shift, I aim to create a space that feels warm, affirming, and grounded in real understanding.

I'm not just your therapist, I'm a mama who has been in the trenches too. After navigating my own postpartum experience and the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, I found my purpose: walking alongside mothers and families during some of life's most tender and transforming moments. Raising my amazing autistic son has also deepened my understanding of what it means to parent with love, resilience, and a whole lot of grace.

I believe healing happens when you feel truly seen, not judged, not rushed, just held. My approach is rooted in authenticity and compassion, creating a space where your full story is welcome. Whether you are struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, grief, or the emotional weight of a special needs diagnosis, you do not have to carry it alone.

This work is personal to me. And that's exactly why I show up the way I do.