Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Ojai, CA
Browse Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Ojai, California. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
MI
New Beginnings Counseling Center (NBCC)
Pre-Licensed Professional
At New Beginnings Counseling Center's (NBCC) Donald J. Willfong Community Counseling Center, we are deeply committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges with compassionate, accessible, and culturally attuned mental health care. For over 50 years, our nonprofit clinic has been a cornerstone of the Santa Barbara community, offering confidential counseling and therapeutic services that empower people to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Our diverse team of masters- and doctoral-level counselors — supported by experienced clinical supervisors — provides evidence-informed therapy in a traineeship setting, helping clients explore life transitions, relationship concerns, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, compulsive behaviors, substance use challenges, stress, anger management, isolation, and more. We offer individual, couples, family, and group counseling, available both in person and through telehealth to meet the varied needs of our community.
We believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health support, regardless of financial means. That’s why we provide one of the most affordable sliding-scale fee structures in the region — many clients pay less than $15 per session — and we never turn anyone away due to inability to pay. Counseling is available in both English and Spanish.
In addition to our clinical services, New Beginnings is dedicated to fostering community well-being through training the next generation of clinicians, integrating trauma-informed practices, and ensuring that our services are responsive, respectful, and strength-based. Our mission is to help individuals not just cope, but truly thrive, by supporting their emotional growth, resilience, and overall wellness.
We warmly welcome you to begin your journey toward healing and self-discovery with us.
66 Years Experience
In-Person Near Ojai, CA
Online in Ojai, CA
MI
Elnaz Mayeh (WellBeCounseling)
Marriage and Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, EMDR Trained
What makes my practice different is the genuine, human connection I bring into the therapy space, along with a direct and honest approach. I’m not here to “fix” you or simply tell you what you want to hear. I’m here to meet you where you are—with warmth, compassion, and without judgment, while also being willing to challenge you when it can help you grow.
My approach is deeply humanistic, which means I see you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis or a set of problems. I create a space where you can be yourself, speak openly, and feel truly seen and understood.
I keep therapy down-to-earth, authentic, and collaborative, while helping you build greater self-awareness and reconnect with your own strength, clarity, and resilience. I’ll listen deeply, ask the hard questions, and offer honest perspective when it’s needed. Because sometimes growth means having someone in your corner who can both support you and gently push you forward.
9 Years Experience
Online in Ojai, CA (Online Only)
MI
Kristin Robert
Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT
At a personal level, I value substance over presentation, meaningful connection over polished appearances, and honesty delivered with care. I am curious about people, loyal in my relationships, and rarely interested in the easy or rehearsed answer. I appreciate intelligence, humor, directness, and the kind of conversation that makes time disappear.
My life has made me attentive to what people carry quietly and to the distance that can exist between how a life appears and how it actually feels. I believe in accountability without shame, depth without intensity for its own sake, and care that respects autonomy. I have a deep respect for the courage it takes to question what we have inherited, live with greater intention, and build something honest from the experiences that have changed us.
I am committed to showing up thoughtfully and consistently, honoring the responsibility that comes with being invited into someone’s inner life. This work matters to me because it offers the possibility of greater clarity, connection, and integrity, both within ourselves and in how we relate to others. I believe there is something quietly powerful about understanding yourself well enough to make choices rooted in truth rather than fear, expectation, or approval.
3 Years Experience
In-Person Near Ojai, CA
Online in Ojai, CA
MI
Jennifer Warkentin
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
I love my job as a therapist! I sincerely care about the outcome of therapy; I'm invested in making sure my clients feel supported and are getting the help they need. My colleagues describe me as warm, empathic, friendly, honest, knowledgeable, and even funny. I look forward to the opportunity to be helpful to you.
18 Years Experience
Online in Ojai, CA (Online Only)
MI
Jennifer Pudlo Therapy & Wellness Consulting
Marriage and Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Seeking therapy is a courageous first step, and I know how important it is to find someone you feel comfortable trusting. My hope is that from our very first conversation, you'll experience a space where you can exhale, feel genuinely heard, and know that you don't have to carry life's challenges alone.
I believe meaningful change happens within the safety of a trusting therapeutic relationship. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, combining evidence-based practices with deep respect for your unique story, strengths, and values. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we'll work together to understand the patterns that have shaped your experiences and discover new ways of responding that promote lasting healing and growth.
I work with adults and couples navigating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, betrayal and infidelity, trauma, infertility, postpartum challenges, perimenopause, grief, body image concerns, and major life transitions. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply ready for something to change, therapy can provide a place to gain clarity, strengthen resilience, and reconnect with yourself and the people who matter most.
Clients often tell me they appreciate having a therapist who is both compassionate and practical—someone who offers thoughtful guidance while creating space for reflection, insight, and meaningful change. My goal is not to tell you how to live your life, but to walk alongside you as you discover your own path toward greater peace, confidence, and connection.
If you're considering therapy, I invite you to reach out. Finding the right therapist matters, and I would be honored to learn more about your story, answer your questions, and help you determine whether we're a good fit. Even if you're unsure where to begin, you don't have to have it all figured out before taking that first step.
16 Years Experience
Online in Ojai, CA (Online Only)
Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Ojai, CA Statistics
Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Ojai, CA average 13 years of experience and charge around $194 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Anxiety or Fears (82%), Trauma and PTSD (73%), and Depression (69%).
Average years in practice
13 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$194
Accept insurance
45%
Offer sliding scale
51%
Gender ID
| 68% |
Female |
|
| 22% |
Male |
|
| 5% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 5% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 57% |
Online Only |
|
| 43% |
In Person and Online |
|
Top Specialties
| 82% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 73% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 69% | Depression |
| 55% | Relationship and Marriage Counseling |
| 53% | Stress |
| 51% | Loss or Grief |
| 49% | Self Esteem |
Ages Served
| 96% | Adult |
| 80% | Young Adult |
| 53% | Senior |
| 33% | Teen |
| 18% | Children |
Client Focus
| 65% | Women |
| 51% | LGBTQ+ |
| 41% | Men |
| 37% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 31% | Asian |