Find a therapist in Santa Barbara, CA — covered by insurance
Top therapists in Santa Barbara, CA accepting new patients
Discover personalized mental health care in Santa Barbara's vibrant communities including Montecito, Carpinteria, and Goleta. Headway connects you with 8,098 providers offering talk therapy and medication management with free consultations and next-day availability.
I support teens, adults, and families who are navigating life transitions, emotional overwhelm, relationship challenges, grief, identity exploration, anxiety, depression, and the lasting impact of difficult or traumatic experiences. Whether you are feeling disconnected from yourself, struggling to break painful relational patterns, or simply trying to find steadiness during a difficult season of life, therapy can become a space where healing and clarity begin to emerge.
Hello, my name is Debbie Grace Lugtu. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have my master's degree in counseling. I graduated from Palo Alto University in 2020 with Counseling Honor Society. I am a compassionate-focused and strength-based therapist. I use a psychodynamic (insight-oriented) and narrative therapeutic orientation.
I specialize in working with adults, who are struggling with depression, self-esteem issues, anxiety, and trauma.
I am a warm, friendly and empathetic trauma therapist who has a passion for helping hurting people. I have a BA in Psychology, a MA in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Life Coaching, and a MA in Marriage & Family Therapy. I am a Licensed Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2. I utilize evidenced based modalities such as EMDR, Somatic and Restorative Yoga, Trauma Focused CBT and mindfulness to name a few.
If trauma is still running your life, OCD has you trapped in cycles you can't break, or depression has left you feeling numb, stuck, and disconnected from the life you used to want—I want you to know: this can change, and you don't have to face it alone.
My path to this work started with my own mental health journey. I know what it feels like to struggle from the inside—and I know how life-changing the right support can be. That's exactly why I bring deep empathy, zero judgment, and evidence-based tools designed to create real, lasting change—not just coping, but building a life that feels like yours again.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and I have a passion for working with people in all stages of life. I always knew I wanted to help people from a very early age. What that looked like changed a dozen times before I decided on a career. I do this work because it's vital to hold space for people who don't have another human they can trust to share their innermost thoughts and feelings without being judged.
I'm driven by the knowledge, that mental illness doesn't decipher between black and white, rich or poor, sick or healthy, it just happens, and when it does people need a safe space to heal.
My hope, my goal is to be that space for others. It's a beautiful gift to be a part of another human's healing process! My approach to therapy is client-centered, open-minded, and non-judgmental with compassion and empathy. I believe everyone deserves a life worth living!
I'm comfortable working with clients across the lifespan children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors. I've been described as warm, caring, friendly, non-assuming, accepting, and patient.
With 30+ years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, I offer a compassionate and integrative approach to therapy. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, humanistic, and relational modalities, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life’s transitions and challenges.
I provide clients with tools. discernment, and hope for the future. My sessions are supportive, helping to guide, and encourage you with a caring. compassionate, and non-judgmental approach. When you feel that your train has gotten off track, I will help you get back on track. Christian counseling is also available upon request.
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California. I received my Doctorate Degree from Alliant International University in Fresno. I was born in Southern California and raised in the Bay Area. I have been practicing for 10 years and I enjoy empowering adults in their journey of overcoming their mental health challenges. I motivate clients for change and promote their personal growth.
Frequently asked questions
Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Santa Barbara
Finding the right therapist in Santa Barbara starts with getting clear on what you're looking for. Consider whether you want support for a specific concern — such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges — or whether you're looking for more general talk therapy. From there, look for a licensed provider (such as an LMFT, LCSW, psychologist, or psychiatrist) whose specialty and approach match your needs. Reading a provider's bio can help you understand their style and decide if they're a good match before your first session.
Santa Barbara has a wide range of mental health providers, including therapists in nearby communities like Goleta, Montecito, and Carpinteria. Many providers offer both in-person and virtual sessions, which can make scheduling easier. Practical factors like location, availability, and whether a provider is accepting new patients are worth considering early in your search.
Therapy in Santa Barbara can be expensive without insurance — but affordable options exist when you use in-network coverage. Checking whether a provider accepts your specific plan is one of the most reliable ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs upfront, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find a provider who fits both your clinical needs and your budget.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.