Therapy has many benefits, but there can be multiple barriers to finding effective mental health treatment. For one, your in-person options might be limited. Finding an open appointment with a local provider can be challenging. You may be put on a waiting list or be unable to find a time slot that fits your schedule, and if you do find an opening, the commute can make it even more time-consuming. If you’re looking for a therapist in Santa Maria, CA, consider an online platform like BetterHelp.
BetterHelp providers are experienced with various aspects of counseling psychology and use a client-centered approach to help you experience growth. If you need support overcoming domestic violence, emotional abuse, or other traumatic events of the past, or if you want to learn to focus on the present and have more self-compassion, consider working with a therapist online.
Whether you need help prioritizing self-care or learning to manage the symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, therapy can help you feel heard and give you the tools you need to live your best life. Connect with one of the Santa Maria-based counselors below to learn more.

Sophia Burton
Welcome! My name is Sophia and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. You have taken the first step on the journey to building a better life for yourself . Together we will create a space where you can figure out the changes you would like to make in your life to become happier and more fulfilled. In a non-judgmental, compassionate atmosphere we will talk about what has brought you to counseling at this time, review your strengths, explore what is really important to you and build the skills that will enable you to cope with the difficulties of daily living. Every person is unique and I will draw from a variety of treatment modalities that I am experienced in to find the best fit for you. The different types of therapy I use all have in common a focus on building on a person’s strengths to help them let go of what is getting in the way of them living their best life. The therapeutic approaches I use most frequently are: Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology. I have extensive experience working with young adults, adults, parents and families. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both California and Rhode Island. If this sounds like a good fit for you let me tell you a bit about myself. I was born and raised in the United Kingdom and attended Oxford University for my undergraduate degree. I have been in the US for over twenty years and during that time I have lived on the east and west coast and am now settled in California. I completed my Master of Social Work degree at Rhode Island College. I have worked in a variety of settings including a high school, a community mental health center and a group private practice. My experiences of relocating, being lonely, learning to live in a new culture and raising a family all give me first hand experience of how hard life can be. These life events have brought me to a place where I listen with compassion and without judgement. I look forward to working with you.

Dr. Megan Tsang
I am a clinical psychologist in the state of California, and I have been licensed since 2009. I have trained and worked in a variety of settings helping individuals with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment disorders, as well as other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder. I enjoy helping and supporting others through challenging episodes in their life. My therapy style can be described as judgment free and supportive yet goal oriented and solution focused. The approaches to therapy that I often utilize include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and client centered therapy; however, depending on the presenting concerns and goals may sometimes utilize an analytical or existential approach. I think that seeking out support takes courage, and my goal is to create a safe and welcoming experience. I look forward to working with you.

Lisa Lee-Briggs
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. 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. I believe that everybody has their own answers but there are times in our lives when we need assistance in discovering those answers. I take a straightforward approach to that exploration and help people advance in life. I specialize in couple's and family communication where assigning blame is replaced with a clearer understanding of each person and more effective ways to convey meaning. All relationships can be repaired if all members are willing to work towards that goal. I use a wide range of techniques from Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Gestalt techniques as well as a mix of additional therapies specifically suited to the client and the situation. I will find the techniques that fit with you!

Richard Pais
I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for declaring your courage in addressing what has not been working and taking the first steps in changing what is needed in order to find self, and i feel honored to be able to join that journey with you.

Anne Taylor-Spitzer
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching. 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. 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.

Beth Williams
I am passionate about helping the clients I serve as they navigate life challenges. With nearly two decades of experience in wilderness settings as well as clinical settings, I have helped my clients with trauma, interpersonal relationship issues, addiction, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, aging, and family dynamics. I seek to build a connection of trust, understanding, and empathy with my clients. Listening to your concerns and helping you discover the best path for your circumstances is always my primary focus. I use a variety of techniques in treatment, tailoring to best meet the individual needs of the client. Some of my favorites combine mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy such as meditation, mindfulness practices, identifying unproductive thought patterns and reshaping them to create new behavioral patterns.

Ryan Melone
I am licensed as an LPCC in California and an LMHC in New York with 6 years of professional work experience. My primary focus has been on helping survivors of abuse and trauma, and I also have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, and coping with life changes. I employ a client-centered approach to therapy, following my clients' lead in sessions. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, all while maintaining a space of non-judgement, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to seek help and work towards a more peaceful, fulfilling, and happier life. I am here to support, guide, and empower you in that journey.

Cena Hoban
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with depression. 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 to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Heather Lopez
I am licensed in California and New York with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, communication deficits, addiction and eating disorders. I use evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My goal in treatment is for us to work through the fear and anxiety in order for you to understand yourself on a deeper level, emotionally and behaviorally. I use compassion and take a nonjudgmental stance while balancing change and acceptance by encouraging clients to gently work toward their own individual goals.

Alexis Clark
I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California, bringing over five years of diverse experience to my role. I have a profound commitment to serving children, families, and individuals, leveraging my extensive background in non-profit agencies, community-based clinical work, and medical social work. I integrate a client-centered approach, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and tailored interventions. I believe in the transformative power of therapy, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. Seeking out therapy can often be a daunting and challenging step for many individuals, as it requires confronting personal struggles and vulnerabilities. I understand the courage it takes to embark on this journey, and it is my sincere hope to provide a safe, open, and trusting space where clients feel comfortable and supported. My approach emphasizes building a genuine connection with those I work with, honoring their autonomy and allowing them to guide the direction and pace of our sessions. Our time together can involve processing, identifying new coping skills, assigning homework (if that is your thing!), role-playing, and any other technique that will set you up for success. I look forward to connecting with you!
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in Santa Maria?
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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Santa Maria 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, Santa Maria therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria 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.