Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA

I specialize in working with adults experiencing burnout, chronic stress/anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence. As a neurodivergent therapist who has navigated my own experiences with burnout, I understand how exhausting it can be to constantly feel "on" for everyone else. I’m especially passionate about supporting helping professionals, caregivers, and high-achieving folks who spend so much energy caring for others that they forget to care for themselves. I also bring my full personality into the therapy room (including humor, authenticity, and the occasional slightly twisted joke) when the moment calls for it.

Hi! My name is Dr. Katherine Alvarez and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in helping individuals navigate challenges related to anxiety, relationship stress, social difficulties, OCD, life transitions, graduate student stress, self-esteem, cultural and racial identity. I also offer support for parents seeking guidance on how to best support their children with learning disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and behavioral difficulties.

I received my Master’s in Education and my Doctorate in combined School-Clinical Psychology from Pace University. My training spans a variety of public and private institutions across New York and California, including therapeutic day school programs, community mental health clinics, and foster care agencies. This diverse background has deeply shaped my clinical perspective and inspired my special interest in exploring intergenerational trauma and how it impacts the way we experience the world. I am passionate about creating a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to explore your identity and its influence on your journey of self-understanding. Additionally, I have completed specialized training in ERP for treating OCD and anxiety disorders, and I am deeply committed to providing education on and de-stigmatizing OCD.

Richard Perez is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. For over 15 years, he has dedicated his career to serving the healthcare needs of Long Beach and Los Angeles County. Richard wants to continue improving the lives of each patient by providing professional, compassionate, and person-centered care.

Richard has spent the last two years providing mental health care to underserved populations. This experience has significantly sharpened his clinical skills, which he now aims to bring to the general patient population.

Hi I'm Michelle. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing for 10 years. I tend to find fulfillment working with adults needing support working through adjustments and challenges life brings. I encourage you throughout your journey, whether facing challenges with depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, work, trauma, or family conflict.

Some things you've been carrying for so long they've started to feel like part of who you are. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults who are navigating trauma, grief, loss, and the weight of experiences that don't just go away on their own. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic situations, gender expressions, and sexual orientations find a real home in my practice, including folks within the LGBTQIA+ community. Clients often tell me they feel genuinely heard in a way they haven't before.

I use family systems thinking to understand how relationships shape your experiences, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I'm also interested in how attachment styles influence your choices and connections. I believe in meeting you where you are and tailoring our work to what fits you best.

I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) LCSW who helps individuals navigate anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I will strive to meet my client's needs. Life tends to take us on various journeys. Not all clients are the same, and everyone has the right to their healing process. We will work as a team to overcome challenges. I will strive to meet my client's needs. Life tends to take us on various journeys. Not all clients are the same, and everyone has the right to their healing process. We will work as a team to overcome challenges. My goal is to maintain a safe and confidential environment to help overcome adversity.

I believe therapy is most effective when you feel accepted, understood, and empowered. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can be yourself while also feeling challenged to grow. I meet clients where they are, recognizing that everyone comes to therapy with unique experiences, strengths, and goals.

My counseling style has been described as warm, affirming and genuine, with a strengths-based perspective and occasional touches of humor. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have been working in Private Practice as a therapist for 6 years. In the past I've worked with adults who are experiencing the need to make adjustments to life situations, as well as individuals who are requesting help in overcoming anxiety, depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

I'm Setareh Sassani, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 151973), providing individual therapy in California via telehealth. I specialize in anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, communication, and life transitions, helping clients build healthier relationships and live more fulfilling lives.