Evidence-based anxiety therapy in Santa Barbara – offered in person or online.
If you’re struggling with constant worry, panic attacks, or a sense of dread that won’t let up, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders can affect every part of life, making it harder to focus, connect with others, or simply feel at ease. At Riviera Therapy in Santa Barbara, CA, we offer compassionate, research-based treatment to help you move forward at your own pace, with support that’s grounded, flexible, and tailored to your needs.
How Anxiety Therapy Works
Anxiety therapy is designed to help you understand the root causes of your distress and build practical tools to manage symptoms like racing thoughts, tension, or emotional reactivity. Our Santa Barbara therapists use evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention, and mindfulness practices to help reduce the intensity of your symptoms over time.
Whether you’re facing panic disorder, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or navigating a difficult life transition, therapy can help you gain clarity, regulate your nervous system, and respond to stress in healthier ways. We also support clients dealing with low self-esteem, identity concerns, and co-occurring challenges such as depression, trauma, or chronic pain.
At Riviera Therapy, we understand that each client brings a unique story. That’s why we offer a tailored approach, blending modalities such as talk therapy, mindfulness, and even acceptance and commitment therapy, to meet your specific goals. Sessions are available in person in Santa Barbara, CA, or online anywhere in the state of California.
What We Help With
- Reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks
- Address social anxiety, specific phobias, or general fear
- Reframe negative thought patterns through CBT
- Support recovery from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Build emotional regulation and self-compassion
- Navigate life transitions, relationship issues, and personal growth
We help clients shift from feeling stuck in cycles of anxiety and stress to feeling more emotionally balanced and present in everyday life. Many begin to sleep better, feel more connected in relationships, and experience less avoidance or reactivity over time. Whether you’re seeking help with long-standing symptoms or sudden life changes, we provide a safe space and a compassionate space to do the work.
Why Choose Riviera Therapy
Riviera Therapy is a collective of licensed, experienced clinicians serving Santa Barbara and beyond. We’re grounded in clinical psychology, not trendy fads or superficial fixes. Our team includes specialists in trauma, anxiety disorders, OCD, and addiction recovery, as well as family therapists and professionals trained in couples therapy and individual therapy.
- Highly trained, licensed therapists with master’s degrees
- A direct, practical approach to therapy with no psychobabble
- Inclusive and LGBTQ+ affirming
- Flexibility for in-person or telehealth therapy in Santa Barbara
- Deep experience supporting adults, children, and families through anxiety and relational issues
We understand how overwhelming it can be to reach out for help. That’s why we make the process as simple and human as possible. Whether you’re dealing with maladaptive behaviors, struggling with self-esteem, or feeling weighed down by stress, our goal is to guide clients toward more sustainable relief and balance.
Therapy in Santa Barbara, CA: Wherever You Are
Our office is centrally located near the Riviera neighborhood in Santa Barbara, just minutes from the Mission and Alameda Park. We welcome clients from all across the region, from Goleta, San Roque, and the Mesa to Montecito and beyond. Can’t make it to the office? We offer virtual therapy sessions to clients anywhere in California.
Let’s Talk About What You Need
You don’t have to navigate anxiety alone. Whether you’re ready to start treatment or just have a few questions, we’re here to help. Reach out for a free consultation with no pressure or commitment. Let’s find the therapist and approach that fits best for you.
FAQ: Anxiety Therapy | Santa Barbara
Anxiety therapy at Riviera Therapy combines evidence-based treatment methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve coping. We customize each approach depending on what you’re experiencing, whether it’s panic attacks, constant worry, or social anxiety.
Yes. We provide secure telehealth therapy across California, including for clients based in Santa Barbara, CA. Many clients find virtual sessions convenient and just as effective as in-person care.
We treat a range of conditions including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, selective mutism, and post traumatic stress disorder. We also support clients managing stress, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
Look for a licensed individual or family therapist with experience in treating anxiety disorders. Our team includes clinicians with backgrounds in clinical psychology, CBT, talk therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
We are an out-of-network provider, but many clients receive partial reimbursement through their PPO plans. We’re happy to provide a superbill to help with insurance claims. Just ask during your consultation.
While every person is different, many clients report improvement after a few sessions, with more sustained results developing over time. Consistency, openness, and the right therapeutic fit all contribute to effective progress.