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Family Therapy
updated: Jan 07, 2013, 11:44 AM

I'm in need of a good referral for family therapy. Ideally, it would be someone who could cover individual, couples and family therapy. I just don't know where to start and whether or not it's something covered by our insurance. Any help out there from someone with solid, first-hand experience? I keep putting this off because I don't know where to turn, but we really need it! Thanks!

Places People Are Talking About:

Claudia Crawford	Dr. Corinne Curtis	Robin Yudelson
Ruth Ackerman

What People Are Saying:

COMMENT 361094P	2013-01-07 11:56 AM
Start by contacting your insurance provider to find out what is covered. Sometimes you need to get things pre-authorized. They can probably give you a list of people who are in their network. Often you get a certain number of visits, it just depends upon the insurance carrier. As far as therapists, I've used Dr. Elizabeth Wolfson (http://www.sbwellnessdirectory.com/wolfson.htm) and was very happy with her. She helped my husband and me a number of years ago when we were having problems with our teenager and I have also seen her when I was suffering from depression. Good luck!
LIZBETH	2013-01-07 12:02 PM
Ask your family physician for a referral as well. And then meet the person once or a few times before you decide whether to continue. Sometimes it just isn't the right fit.
COMMENT 361100	2013-01-07 12:05 PM
www.santabarbaratherapy.org/therapist-directory is a directory of marriage/family therapists. Since I'm one of those listed I won't try tooting my own horn. I suggest you spend 5-10 minutes talking on the phone with someone to see if you get an initial good sense - do ask about insurance. If I were going with my family, I'd see Doyle Hollister.
ROB EGENOLF	2013-01-07 12:09 PM
Don't overlook the Family Service Agency http://fsacares.org/family-services/ Santa Barbara (Administration) 123 West Gutierrez Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 965-1001 Fax: (805) 965-2178
COMMENT 361106P	2013-01-07 12:11 PM
094P here again. I should mention that sometimes it's worth it to pay for someone not in the network. I got a great referral to a pediatric psychiatrist for my teen through our pediatrician. The psychiatrist wasn't on our insurance, but the psychiatrists who were part of the network were terrible. In the long run, we got much better results by paying for it ourselves. It wasn't cheap, but it was worth every penny. And if you do find someone you like who isn't part of your insurance plan, ask if they would be willing to join the plan -- sometimes they will do that.
COMMENT 361111P	2013-01-07 12:15 PM
There are many therapists here and it's not easy to find the one who works best with you. Ask your MD, friends, colleagues; they're probably the best source of referrals, but maybe Edhat readers will have ideas too.
COMMENT 361135	2013-01-07 12:48 PM
I agree with 111. Finding the right therapist for you is a very personal thing and what works for one person/family may not for another. A therapist relationship should always be entered into as a trial basis. Personally I've liked Christine Orpen, and she works with individuals, couples, families. However, her style may or may not be what you are looking for. I found her nice and compassionate but also direct. I believe she's also just an MFT, which doesn't matter to me as much as the right fit. She can always help you get referrals to get meds if that is necessary, but won't be able to prescribe anything.
COMMENT 361137P	2013-01-07 12:55 PM
Mark Dunlap. http://relationshipinstitutesantabarbara.com/About_Mark.html
COMMENT 361140	2013-01-07 01:07 PM
Ask yourself what type of therapy you want/need. For example, cognitive, analytic, jungian. Also what type of payment, cash or insurance. Then go to www.sbpsychologists.org. I suggest interviewing two or three. Best wishes!
COMMENT 361143	2013-01-07 01:19 PM
Call Lani Votaw, an MFT on West Mission. She is kind, compassionate and listens. As a result, she understands and is able to offer the kinds insight a family or person in distress needs. And though I do speak from personal experience I agree with @100's advice, give her a call.
COMMENT 361151	2013-01-07 01:45 PM
Angela Holland - (805) 845.3710 Best wishes on your journey to a healthy life.
COMMENT 361183	2013-01-07 03:12 PM
I saw Christine Orpen through an extremely difficult time with my husband. She was fantastic with us both.
COMMENT 361193P	2013-01-07 03:54 PM
Family therapy institute. You can go to their web page and read the bios of the different therapists. This is a great resource for SB!
COMMENT 361203	2013-01-07 04:32 PM
Wasn't this referral posted a few months back? Oh well, I still recommend Claudia Crawford.
COMMENT 361223	2013-01-07 05:21 PM
Rob Bannister (if you can get in to see him) did it for me.
COMMENT 361242	2013-01-07 06:24 PM
Dr. Corinne Curtis specializes in family dynamics, and works with the children mostly. She is amazing. She can help the parent/family find their counselor. Usually children need their own person, to be their person who is not also seeing the parent. Good luck, and just know that healing and growth are a process. It takes time and is an adjustment, but in hindsight very worth it.
COMMENT 361283	2013-01-08 07:00 AM
Robin Yudelson is the BEST.... I have seen many many councelors over the years and Robin was more help in the year that I saw her than all the others put together! She was also life changing for my teenage daughter!
COMMENT 361287	2013-01-08 07:11 AM
Get a book on Buddhism, read it, believe it, practice it. Therapists are an iffy bunch. With the guarantee though to cash your check.
COMMENT 361294P	2013-01-08 08:00 AM
Depends on the approach a therapist uses that works for your family. Here's a second vote for Claudia Crawford.
COMMENT 361296	2013-01-08 08:01 AM
Claudia Crawford is my personal recommendation. She referred my son and grandchildren to another therapist due to their particular need. She is GOOD and caring.
COMMENT 361301	2013-01-08 08:22 AM
Robin Yudelson 805-453-5108
LOLA	2013-01-08 08:24 AM
Family Therapy Institute, Deborah Manchester is fantastic!
DULCE	2013-01-08 08:37 AM
An MFT is more suited to family therapy than a Psychologist. If additional testing or meds are required the Marriage Family Councilor can make that recommendation. Family therapy can be a long, complicated and very rewarding process since all involved have their own issues. One of its greatest gifts is that that the process provides life-long tools to all involved. Congratulations on seeking this path.
COMMENT 361322	2013-01-08 09:03 AM
Linda Menesez is a wonderful family, individual and couple counselor in Santa Barbara. You'll find her if you do a google search for "Linda Menesez Santa Barbara" (Chapala St.)
COMMENT 361392	2013-01-08 11:11 AM
As other suggested, Family Therapy Institute or Lani Vatow.
COMMENT 361480	2013-01-08 02:54 PM
Ruth Ackerman is great. However, she doesn't take insurance.
COMMENT 361590	2013-01-08 07:40 PM
Another rec for family therapy institute. Dr. Mac and Deborah Manchester were very helpful to our family.
COMMENT 362305	2013-01-10 05:27 PM
I've personal experience with Elaine Jacobs who helped our family. She's very caring and knowledgeable, helps individuals, couples, families. She is a Marriage Family Therapist at 687 6711. Wish you well on your journey.