By Cynthia McNulty, LCSW | Program Director
Coast Caregiver Resource Center
At various times along the caregiving journey, we may benefit from the support of mental health counseling. Counseling can help by giving us the time and space to develop coping skills, attend to self-care, process unresolved feelings, and gain perspective in managing relationships and responsibilities.
The stress and issues that surface during caregiving can be overwhelming! Common reasons caregivers seek counseling include:
- Feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- Unmanageable fatigue.
- Difficulty focusing.
- Unreasonable irritation, agitation, and/or anger.
- Social withdrawal.
- Feelings of apathy.
- Anxious or intrusive thoughts.
- Engaging in unhealthy patterns and habits.
Caregivers who wish to participate in ongoing mental health counseling have several options within the Santa Barbara area. Note the many available resources!
Insured and Private Pay Services
If you have insurance, you may contact member services to inquire about mental health providers who accept your insurance so that your only cost is a co-pay.
If you are employed, you might have the option for short-term counseling through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Contact your human resources department to find out if your employer offers this benefit.
Another option for locating a clinician in your area who takes your insurance and/or who might be a good fit at a fee-for-service rate may be found through the following links. You can filter your search as you wish (e.g., according to zip code, specialty, language, etc.):
- Psychology Today: psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
- California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT): counselingcalifornia.com/Find-a-Therapist
- California Psychological Association (CPA): cpapsych.org/page/find
You might also consider connecting with a therapist online. Listed below are a few of many e-therapy programs:
- BetterHelp: betterhelp.com
- Calmerry: calmerry.com
- Brightside Health: brightside.com/therapy
Medi-Cal and Sliding Scale Services
The following is a list of counseling and support group options for caregivers who either have Medi-Cal and/or who desire to work with a counselor who accepts sliding scale fees.
- Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County: 805-965-1001, fsacares.org
- Coast Caregiver Resource Center: 805-569-8950, coastcrc.org
- Hospice of Santa Barbara (bereavement support): 805-563-8820, hospiceofsb.org
- Family Therapy Institute: 805-882-2424, 115, ftisb.org
- New Beginnings Counseling Center: 805-963-7777, sbnbcc.org
- Community Counseling & Education Center: ccecsb.org
- Center for Successful Aging: 805-898-8080, csasb.org
- Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People: 805-472-3950, syvphp.org
- Jewish Family Services: 805-957-1116, x119, jewishsantabarbara.org/jfs-clinical-services-counseling
- Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness: 888-868-1649, countyofsb.org/274/Behavioral-Wellness
Caregiver Associations
Caregiver associations can be another great resource for accessing mental health support, information, and education. Some of the more well-known ones are:
The Alzheimer’s Association (Central Coast Chapter)
- California Caregiver Resource Centers
- National Family Caregivers Association
- The National Alliance for Caregiving
- Caregiver Action Network
- The National Family Caregiver Support Program
- AARP Caregiver Support
Caregiving for a loved one may be one of the hardest things we ever do! We HAVE to take care of ourselves in order to effectively take care of others. Fortunately, help is available. Engaging in counseling is a tangible way in which we can access support. In fact, connecting with a counselor might be the most loving thing you can do for your loved one.
