Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA

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.

I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in a safe, judgment-free space.

I am so happy to meet you and look forward to working with you. My approach as a Mental Health Clinician is warm, empathetic, compassionate and affirming. I have had over 30 years of experience in the field of Mental Health and substance use treatment. I have worked at Women's Recovery Association with women and children. Many years in School Based Counseling and individual counseling.

Hey hey hey, I’m Ariel Wilson Gbenedio, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, transformational speaker, and author dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and step into their power.

I have nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, working across a wide range of settings including crisis residential treatment, outpatient care, and program development. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My work is rooted in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care—blended with a deeply human, compassionate approach.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have served in both clinical and leadership roles, including Clinical Director. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and safe enough to do the real work of healing.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, empowering, and honest. I believe healing isn’t about “fixing” you—because you are not broken. It’s about understanding your story, shifting limiting beliefs, and helping you build a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and authentic. I specialize in working with high-achieving women, individuals struggling with self-worth, trauma recovery, and those feeling stuck in cycles that no longer serve them.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or ready for something more in your life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. My goal is to help you develop the insight, tools, and confidence to create lasting change—and to remind you of the strength that already exists within you.

Maybe what aches most is not the change itself, but the fear that someone you love is slipping out of reach — even if that someone is you. Everything feels different, yet somehow the same. One minute you are putting on pajamas, and the next you are spiraling because it is the first moment of quiet you have had all day. There is this gut feeling that your heart can no longer be bound with band-aids, but soul-searching is a lot before the alarm goes off tomorrow. You do not have to make sense of it all alone at midnight — that is what I am here for.

I am a licensed clinician specializing in trauma recovery. I work with adolescents and adults who are experiencing emotional and difficult experiences. My goal is to provide a supportive space where clients can begin to heal.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 4 years of experience. I have experience working with clients facing a variety of emotional and life challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment difficulties, trauma-related concerns, and postpartum disorders. I provide evidence-based psychotherapy that supports emotional wellbeing, healthy coping skills, and personal growth in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

My therapeutic approach is integrated and tailored to meet your unique needs. I often draw from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational interviewing.

I'm Tabitha — a licensed therapist, former competitive athlete, and a mom who has lived through many of the transitions my clients face. I work primarily with adults navigating anxiety, depression, major life changes, maternal mental health challenges, and the kind of stress that builds quietly until it isn't quiet anymore.

What makes my approach different is that I don't just help you understand your patterns — I help you actually change them. Using CBT, strengths-based work, and creative tools, I tailor each session to what's genuinely useful for you. Therapy with me feels more like a focused, honest conversation with someone in your corner than a clinical process.

I've worked with athletes who've lost their identity after injury, new mothers in the fog of postpartum, women rebuilding after divorce or loss, and high-achievers who've hit a wall they can't push through alone. If any of that sounds like where you are — you're in the right place.

My work centers on helping clients navigate difficult transitions, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with their capacity for growth and healing. As a social worker with five years of experience, I believe every person deserves to feel heard, supported, and empowered. I’m passionate about creating a space where clients can show up as they are and feel met with compassion, curiosity, and care.