Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA

As a board certified psychotherapist, I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering to individuals of all ages. I have 8 years of experience in the field in working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating through depression, anxiety, and everyday life stressors. I am passionate about supporting individuals through my multi-modal therapeutic approach which integrates CBT and solution-focused, reality-based strategies to support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and meaningful change.

If you are struggling with ADHD and/or symptoms of anxiety or depression or are dealing with difficult relationship issues or life transitions, I could be the therapist for you.

Dr. Neal has practiced counseling and psychotherapy in various clinical and hospital settings since 2007. Dr. Neal has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts degree from Argosy University in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctor of Education degree from Argosy University in Counseling Psychology. She has successfully worked with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with a wide range of emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, eating disorders, relationship and attachment issues, parenting difficulties, stress, grief, and trauma. Additionally, Dr. Neal is a certified DBT and trauma therapist, and both a Level 1 Gottman couples therapist and certified Prepare Enrich therapist for couples seeking assessment and counseling. Dr. Neal has successfully helped improve others relationships, marriages and families through multi-modal approaches including Gottman couples therapy, Family Systems, Emotion-focused and Structural Family Therapy.

Another focus area to address in therapy is career counseling and development. Whether you need to change careers or need help with your career path or dynamics, Dr. Neal can assess and assist you with finding the best fit.

With over a decade of acute care experience as a Registered Nurse and a Master’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental

Health Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, neurodiversity, and medication

management.

When working with clients, I strive to make the therapy experience respectful and genuine. Everyone's journey to personal resilience is unique and there is no one size fits all solution. My approach is flexible and client centered. I often explore childhood attachment issues which can assist the client in achieving sustained emotional growth.

I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have over 35 years of experience in clinical practice.

Specialties: Children and Adolescents, Transitional Age Youth, Adults, Self Esteem, Stress and Coping Skills, Trauma and PTSD, Depression and Anxiety, Grief and Life Transitions.

Mental health has long been treated as the forgotten side of healthcare — and for me, that's exactly why it matters so much. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving clients across California through telehealth and in-person care, I specialize in helping people navigate depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. I believe that when mental health struggles go unaddressed, everything else in life suffers — and that healing is not only possible, it's necessary. When I'm not supporting my clients, you'll find me out in nature, getting lost in a good movie, or discovering new music — small reminders of the joy and balance I encourage my clients to find for themselves.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have spent the past eight years walking alongside individuals as they navigate some of life’s most difficult chapters. I have had the honor of supporting survivors of trauma and abuse, individuals living with depression, anxiety, and ADHD, victims of crime, and those carrying the unique challenges of immigration-related stress.

I believe every person has a story that deserves to be heard with compassion and without judgment. My role is not to tell you who to become, but to help you reconnect with the strength, resilience, and wisdom that already exist within you. Together, we create a space where healing can unfold, wounds can be understood, and hope can begin to take root again.

Whether you are carrying the weight of past experiences, feeling overwhelmed by the present, or searching for a path forward, you do not have to walk that journey alone.