Counseling in Santa Barbara, CA. Find the Right Therapist.

Related Sites:
City of Santa Barbara
California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Counseling Santa Barbara California

Therapist Goleta, Summerland, Carpinteria, Oak View, Ventura, Lake Casitas

Located on the coast, Santa Barbara is protected by the Santa Ynez Mountains and has a Mediterranean climate. It is popularly referred to as the American Riviera. The city has around 90,000 residents, but with many unincorporated cities surrounding the area, the population increases to around 200,000.¹ This is a favorite destination spot for many tourists, and has a strong, diverse economy in many different sectors such as technology, education, finance, agriculture, manufacturing, and a large service sector, to name a few. There are also several universities in the area, such as the University of California Santa Barbara, Brooks Institute of Photography, Antioch College, City College, and Westmont College. Located right on Highway 101, the city is easy to get to from either Los Angeles or San Francisco, by car or rail, or for those with less time, there is a local airport.

Mental Health in Santa Barbara

Alcohol and drug abuse is prevalent throughout California, but especially so in Santa Barbara County. More than one-third of county residents engage in binge drinking, which is higher than the state average.² However, the consequences of this behavior go beyond physical ailments. The reduced productivity at work and school, increased tension at home, and reduced income potential can cause many more significant life problems such as divorce, job loss, and homelessness.

The City of Santa Barbara has taken positive steps forward to end intimidation, harassment and bullying in its schools by implementing the Miller Early Childhood Initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to help create a more peaceful and respectful school environment, which is accepting and appreciative of all children. The initiative includes educational programs that teach children about how to prevent bullying, including how to take an active role in stopping it, rather than being a bystander. Students also learn about cyberbullying, and how to protect themselves from harassment online.³

Current Education

The first step to becoming a professional counselor is to obtain a graduate degree in a mental health-related field. Pacifica Graduate Institute offers a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology that prepares students for work as a licensed clinician in the state of California. The program prepares students with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to operate effectively. In addition to valuable classroom learning, students also engage with clients in field-experience settings. The program is aligned with licensure standards for both marriage and family counseling and professional clinical counseling. Call 805-969-3626 extension 103 for more information about the program.⁴

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References

1. United States Census Bureau. (2017). State and County QuickFacts - Santa Barbara, California. Retrieved from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0669070.html.
2. Center for Applied Research Solutions. (2010). Indicators of Alcohol and Other Drug Risk and Consequences for California Counties. Retrieved from http://www.ca-cpi.org/docs/County_Data_Files/Santa_Barbara_10.pdf.
3. Coalition Against Gun Violence. (2017). Santa Barbara's Advocacy Work in the Schools on Bullying. Retrieved from http://sbcoalition.org/2011/10/santa-barbara%E2%80%99s-advocacy-work-in-the-schools-on-bullying/.
4. Pacifica Graduate Institute. (2017). MA Program in Counseling Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.pacifica.edu/counseling.aspx.

Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara County, California. It has a land area of 19.48 square miles and a water area of 22.50 square miles.  The population of Santa Barbara is 91,842 people with 34,973 households and a median annual income of $66,107. .

Therapy Affordability Meter for Santa Barbara, CA

Generally Affordable

Therapists in Santa Barbara are often within budget with some potential challenges for longer term commitments. Your mental health and well being are a top priority. If accessibility is a concern, ask your counselor about sliding scale fees or inquire about accepted insurance plans. Low cost counseling and affordable therapy are also sometimes offered by listed city and university level clinics, check with your local Santa Barbara public health department.