Play therapists in Santa Barbara, California CA
We are proud to feature top rated Play therapists in Santa Barbara. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
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Play Therapy
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 in Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Online in Santa Barbara, CA California
Play Therapy
Kim Christine Stevens
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
With compassion, presence and warmth, I am here to be your partner and guide on your growth journey. I partner with you to heal emotional trauma and gain self-acceptance through my specialized mind-body approach. I support you through healing limiting beliefs about yourself, developing excellent boundaries, and connecting with your inner-wisdom. You are unique and so is your therapy process, so we tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. I serve empaths and highly sensitive people, supporting you in coming home to who you really are. Somatic. LGBTQ+. Internal Family Systems. Check out my TEDx talk via my website!
11 Years Experience
Online in Santa Barbara, CA California
Play Therapy
Nicole Bermensolo
Marriage and Family Therapist, M.A., AMFT
The therapeutic process has the ability to transform. I am living proof of this. At my lowest point, I was anxious, depressed, suicidal, and trapped in an addiction to alcohol and Adderall. With the help of a skilled therapist, I was able to come out of this darkness - inspiring me to leave a successful business in order to help others who are suffering. I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life. I believe that everyone can change and grow at any time in their lives. I don't believe that there is a limit to human capacity. I believe we are all deserving of unconditional love. I hold the hope for my clients when they are drowning in hopelessness. I approach my life and my work through a feminist, anti-oppression, anti-racist, and body-positive perspective. I am passionate about animal rescue and shelter pets. If any of this resonates with you, please shoot me a message and let's find a time to connect.
7 Years Experience
Online in Santa Barbara, CA California
Play Therapy
Gustavo Olvera SANTOS
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Hello! I'm Gustavo Olvera and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), serving clients via telehealth throughout the State of California. My long time approach to therapy is to meet the client where they are and work with them to identify goals that will help them improve their quality of life. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is key to success, as we often have to make critical decisions on a daily basis. I believe we can all achieve our desired goals by increasing and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health.
9 Years Experience
Online in Santa Barbara, CA California
Play Therapy
Sophie Pierce
Psychologist, Psy.D.
Whether you're adjusting to life with a new baby, wondering if your young child is on track developmentally, worried about your child's anxiety, navigating a difficult transition, or feeling stuck in patterns with your teen, you don't have to figure it out alone.
I believe that behavior always has meaning. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, I work to understand the experiences, relationships, and developmental needs that may be shaping them. Together, we'll build on your family's strengths while helping your child or teen develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
I specialize in working with infants and young children, children, and parents. My approach is grounded in attachment, developmental science, and play therapy, creating a space where children feel safe enough to express themselves and parents feel supported rather than judged. I also have specialized training in infant mental health and enjoy working with families during pregnancy, infancy, and the early years to strengthen the parent-child relationship, support healthy development, and address concerns before they become bigger challenges.
My goal is for every family to leave therapy with a deeper understanding of themselves and one another, along with practical tools and renewed hope for the future.
12 Years Experience
Online in Santa Barbara, CA California
Play Therapy therapists in Santa Barbara, California Statistics
Play Therapy therapists in Santa Barbara, California average 15 years of experience and charge around $197 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Anxiety or Fears (83%), Trauma and PTSD (71%), and Depression (71%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$197
Accept insurance
49%
Offer sliding scale
54%
Gender ID
| 67% |
Female |
|
| 20% |
Male |
|
| 9% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 4% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 89% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 11% |
Online Only |
|
Top Specialties
| 83% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 71% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 71% | Depression |
| 71% | Child or Adolescent Issues |
| 63% | Self Esteem |
| 54% | Relationship and Marriage Counseling |
| 51% | Parenting |
Ages Served
| 97% | Adult |
| 80% | Teen |
| 77% | Children |
| 71% | Young Adult |
| 46% | Senior |
Client Focus
| 54% | Women |
| 40% | LGBTQ+ |
| 34% | Men |
| 29% | Asian |
| 29% | Middle Eastern |