Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA

I believe therapy works best when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I work with individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, relationship challenges, and difficult life transitions. With 4 years of experience, I strive to create a supportive and judgment-free space where clients can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and emotions at their own pace.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I work with adolescents, teenagers, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, and emotional burnout.

My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I understand that mental health is deeply connected to daily life, relationships, culture, and personal experiences, and I take a compassionate, whole-person approach to care.

I feel this work is a vocation driven by humility, love, patience, and integrity. I enjoy developing relationships and assisting people on their way to living life to their fullest potential. I believe the world can change one person at a time through mindful, values-based living. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors, with my family and my three little furry friends.

I have 40 years experience in the mental health field in multiple roles, I believe listening and believing in the person is the most important way to practice therapy.

My name is Dianne Fontaine, MSN, APRN, and I'm a Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified (PMHNP-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). I obtained my Master’s Degree from Walden University and has undergone advanced clinical training, equipping me to assess, diagnose, and treat a spectrum of psychiatric illnesses, as well as provide psychotherapy.

Taking the courageous step to care for your mental health is the foundation for overcoming life’s challenges. As a skilled and dedicated therapist, I will guide you in unlocking your inner strengths and building the tools you need to create a fulfilling and balanced life. I gained experience by working in outpatient and residential facilities throughout the Los Angeles community, providing individual and group support to those managing co-occurring disorders and family system challenges. I am especially passionate about working with individuals who are managing anxiety and depression, feelings of low self- worth, relationship difficulties, and impulsive behaviors. I received a BS from Boston University, and a MS in Counseling from California State University, Northridge, graduating with honors.

My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported. I believe mental wellness is an essential part of overall health, and that healing begins by moving from survival to thriving through nervous system regulation, processing past experiences, and strengthening the mind-body connection. Meaningful change and healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, addiction, performance anxiety, work-related stress... or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, we'll work together to build insight, process difficult experiences when appropriate, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.