The nickname of Goleta, California is “the Good Land,” and those who live there tend to agree. Right on the coast, the Pacific Ocean plays a big part in why so many people like to hang out in Goleta. The town was named after a sailing ship that wrecked at the mouth of the lagoon. In fact, Goleta is Spanish for schooner.
What’s more, Katy Perry, the pop singer and songwriter and Danny Duffy, from the Kansas City Royals, are both from Goleta. Whether you enjoy pop music, baseball, the ocean, or whatever, when you are feeling down or lost, you may need someone to talk to. Goleta has many devoted therapists ready to help you right now.

Dr. Wanda Boutte
As a compassionate supportive therapist, over the past 20 plus years, I have counselled clients from diverse backgrounds with a wide variety of issues and backgrounds. I am competent in providing therapeutic services to individuals, adolescents, and families with an array of diverse psychosocial and mental health needs. My specialties are working with Addictions, Grief/Loss, Medical conditions, Mid-Life Crisis, Abuse, Relational issues, Parent-Teen issues, Self-esteem, Victims of Crime, Mood Disorders, Faith, LBGT, including Life Coaching, professional, communication, and career planning.

Marina Alexander
Hello and Welcome, I am so glad you are here - because you are in the right place! It takes an intelligent person to seek out a guide when passing through challenging terrain. I know this is the right time for you to begin your journey into a deeper understanding of who YOU are as a unique person, and what YOU need to start making positive changes in your life. A life that “works” is largely a result of making the right choices. It is the choices we make every day - that bring about the consequences which we call our life experience. But sometimes it is difficult to see clearly and there may be a multitude of opinions about “what’s the right thing to do is” for YOU. Often, when we are not sure what to do, so we end up not doing anything. Feeling stuck in a “bad place” and not acting to change it can deepen feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and depression. On the other hand, getting help in understanding the situation you are facing and making a clear decision for corrective action - will always make you feel more empowered and happier because you are taking responsible action. I am here to help you gain more clarity into your situation, provide tools that you can use immediately to start feeling better, and support you in making the choices which are right for you. In working with me you will have a safe space of unconditional positive regard where you can share your thoughts and feelings without reservation. I know that we all long to feel accepted, validated, and understood, and that when we are given this kind of nurturing space, we can begin the exciting adventure toward healing and happiness. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have been working as psychotherapist for over 16 years. I counsel adults of all ages, specializing in the treatment of life transitions, anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, parenting challenges, relationship and marital conflicts, grief and loss. Some of the therapeutic approaches I have been trained in include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based and Solution-Focused Therapy, and Triple P – Positive Parenting Program and have successfully helped parents of children of all ages to manage disruptive behaviors. In addition to my training, I have been through a lot of transitions in my personal life, and lived in different countries. This experience has been priceless in helping me understand and relate to people in a culturally sensitive manner. I believe that my job as a therapist is to meet you where you are - in order to help you get to where you want to be. I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you!

Dr. Sandra Firth
Dr. Sandra Firth is a licensed child, adolescent and adult Psychologist. She was born and raised in Virginia with a large extended family with good family values and beliefs. She worked as a dental assistant while going to High School and from her graduation from HS until age 20 and 11 mo. At that time she join American Airlines as a Stewardess and this took her to Los Angeles, CA. and the West Coast where she has lived the most part of her life since raising her brother whom she adopted when her mother passed away with cancer. Her brother was age 7 at that time and she adopted him in order to obtain benefits from the airline to help her with financially supporting him. She went back to school attending Culver City City College part time while still flying for American. In 1977 she married and moved to Sun Valley, Idaho where she taught skiing. While teaching skiing on weekends she enrolled in Boise State University where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Dr. Firth loves the outdoors both winter and summer sports, her Abyssinian cat and her Psychiatric Schnoodle dog, Tinka. She also has a love for cooking and entertaining and being around people. Her diverse life experiences has enhanced her education as a Psychologist. She loves working with Patients helping them better navigate the road of life. She returned to California 6 years ago from Idaho and is currently practicing in Palm Desert. She is licensed in Idaho and California and at this time her residence is split between the two states. I am a Clinical Psychologist and therefore have experience in treatment of all mental health conditions. I have worked with many patients with mood disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar and schizophrenia and I have a positive history of treating bipolar disorder. I treat patients age 3 and up with behavioral modification and cognitive behavioral approaches. Since returning to Palm Springs CA. 6 years ago I have expanded my practice to include Seniors.

Bianca Bannerman
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Renee Lewis
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Darren Cooke
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Dawn De La Mater
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Elaine Collins
I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I consider it a privilege and honor to walk alongside you in your healing journey. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Terri Lee
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Joan Maltese
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step towards a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, a willingness to become more self-aware, and the confidence to challenge old belief systems. I am here to support you in that process.
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in Goleta?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Goleta that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Goleta available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Goleta therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Goleta therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Goleta region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Goleta can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Goleta may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Goleta offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.