Evidence-based counseling in Santa Barbara – in person or online.
You might be navigating a tough life transition, facing relationship issues, or trying to manage symptoms of depression or anxiety. Individual counseling can help you feel more stable, supported, and equipped to move through life with greater ease. At Riviera Therapy in Santa Barbara, we provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care tailored to your unique needs.
Counseling vs. Therapy – What’s the Difference?
People often ask about the difference between counseling and therapy. While they’re similar, there are some distinctions.
Counseling usually focuses on short-term goals and practical support for specific challenges like stress, transitions, or relationship concerns.
Therapy (also called psychotherapy) often explores deeper emotional patterns and may involve long-term work to support healing, growth, or mental health recovery.
At Riviera Therapy, we offer both approaches. Your therapist will help determine the right path based on your needs and goals.
Supporting Your Mental Health Through Individual Counseling
Individual therapy gives you a safe space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface without judgment or pressure. Whether you’re dealing with unresolved trauma, ongoing stress, substance abuse concerns, or painful relationship dynamics, talk therapy can help you better understand your patterns and build meaningful coping skills.
At Riviera Therapy, our experienced therapists draw from a variety of research-backed approaches, including CBT, EMDR, and psychodynamic therapy. Sessions are personalized to meet you where you are. You may be working through anxiety, depression, eating disorders, anger management, or identity-related concerns. We also support individuals navigating sex addiction recovery, trust issues, or the healing process after major life events.
With time, many clients begin sleeping better, feeling more self-compassionate, managing emotions more effectively, and seeing improvements in their personal relationships. Our Santa Barbara therapists provide support in person or through secure telehealth services across California.
What We Do in Individual Counseling
- Help you manage stress, anxiety, and depression
- Support personal growth and healing from trauma
- Navigate life transitions like divorce, grief, or career change
- Provide coping strategies for substance abuse and addiction recovery
- Explore identity, sexuality, and relationship issues
- Improve self-esteem, boundary-setting, and behavior patterns
Individual therapy is designed to help you feel more in control of your emotions and decisions. This work supports long-term well-being, personal growth, and more fulfilling relationships.
Why Choose Riviera Therapy?
At Riviera Therapy, we offer real support rather than trendy advice or surface-level fixes. Our licensed, professional therapists are committed to delivering thoughtful, trauma-informed care that honors your lived experience.
- LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally responsive
- Compassionate, direct, and collaborative communication
- Flexible options for in-person or telehealth counseling
- We can help you understand insurance options and accept some out-of-network plans
We believe in mental health services that are accessible, honest, and grounded in clinical expertise. Whether you’re an individual, couple, or part of a family system, our therapists provide support you can trust.
Serving Santa Barbara and Beyond
Located near the Riviera Theatre and convenient to neighborhoods like the Upper East Side and downtown Santa Barbara, our office offers a calm and private setting for in-person therapy. We also offer virtual therapy statewide, making it easy to stay consistent whether you’re local or elsewhere in California.
Reach Out to Schedule Your First Appointment
Curious about therapy but not sure where to start? Let’s talk. We offer free consultations to help you explore whether individual counseling is the right fit. No commitment is required. Schedule your first appointment or contact us with questions. We’re here to provide support.
FAQs About Individual Counseling in Santa Barbara
Our therapy services support a wide range of concerns, including treating anxiety, depression anxiety, trauma, life transitions, addiction recovery, and more. Sessions are personalized to match your specific goals and emotional needs. At every point in the process, we focus on practical solutions that foster long-term growth.
Yes. We offer secure telehealth counseling to clients across California. Many people find online sessions convenient and effective, especially for managing stress and maintaining consistent support. Whether in person or online, our therapy practice is designed to meet you where you are.
You can contact us by phone or email to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you determine the right therapist and service based on your concerns, availability, and preferences. This initial step is a key point in beginning the healing process.
Riviera Therapy is an out-of-network provider, but we can help you submit claims to insurance if your plan offers reimbursement for mental health services. We’re happy to walk you through the process so you can access the treatment you need.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or dealing with challenges like relationship conflict, past trauma, or major life changes, therapy might help. Our therapists are trained to assess what kind of support or treatment is most appropriate. We also offer referrals to family therapists, group therapy, or other services if needed.
Some people notice benefits within a few sessions, while others find that deeper issues require longer-term work. Your therapist will check in regularly to make sure the process is working for you and adjust the approach as needed. There’s no single solution, we treat each client as a unique individual on their own journey.
