Counseling and Psychological Services Community Referrals

This page contains lots of information on your options for off campus resources. If you are looking for the fastest way to get connected with an off-campus therapist or psychiatrist and you have insurance, head to this website where you can book an appointment in just a few minutes.

In order to remain accessible to students seeking services, CAPS offers short-term, in house psychological services. For students interested in long term therapy, or when concerns warrant services beyond a brief approach, there are numerous options available. Even if you have been referred off campus, you may come to CAPS in the event you are having a psychological crisis.

There are a wide variety of community providers that you might be interested in working with. Here are a few tips for finding a great local therapist.

How to find a therapist

Determine your payment options by reviewing the section below, whether you use insurance, pay out of pocket, or use a low-cost option
Consider transportation options for getting to appointments (see below)
Review the list of referrals below and/or those provided by your insurance company. Find providers / agencies that fit with your payment options. Learn more about them by clicking links below, or searching them on this resource or by doing a Google search.
Call a few that you find, and see where you find a good fit.

Options for payment

Consider your options for payment for off-campus counseling.

Use your health insurance - Most major insurance companies cover some or all of the costs of individual therapy. You may be required to make a copayment ($10-$30), which will vary according to your insurance plan.
Pay "out of pocket" - Another option is to pay for each session personally. Many providers offer "sliding scales" for those facing financial hardship. Cost per session can range from $50 - $200.
Use a low cost option - There are several low cost agencies in Santa Barbara that offer reduced rates, even as low as $13-$20 per session.

Consider your payment options

Insurance

The Gaede Institute tackles this worrisome national issue at the 18th annual Conversation on the Liberal Arts, “High Anxiety: Liberal Arts and the Race to Success.”

For insurance, do you have PPO or HMO Insurance?

You can find out if you have a PPO or HMO by looking at your insurance card.
If you have an HMO, you will need to see a therapist that is already "in network" with your insurance. Call the phone number on your insurance card for a list of providers (there may be a number indicating "mental health services"). This list may also be available online from your insurance provider.
If you have a PPO, you can choose almost any therapist. Here’s how that works:
- You pay the therapist’s fees up front, or your insurance will pay if the therapist is already contracted with them.
- The therapist will provide you with a Superbill, which is a detailed receipt for your insurance company.
- You can submit that Superbill to your insurance for full or partial reimbursement (depending on your insurance).
- Always consult with your insurance carrier to be sure that they will cover a particular therapist.

Kaiser Permenente

If You Have Kaiser Permanente Insurance

In some instances, Kaiser Permanente will approve its members to receive services from community providers for mental health-related care on an outpatient basis. In order to request this, call the Department of Psychiatry (NOT Member Services) in your Kaiser Permanente service area and explain why you are requesting treatment from a community provider (i.e., discuss your symptoms and lack of access to a Kaiser facility in Santa Barbara). If you are immediately refused, you can ask to speak to the manager and make your request to them. You do not need a referral to the Department of Psychiatry from your PCP.

CenCal and Medi-Cal

If You Have CenCal Medi-Cal Insurance

CenCal Medi-Cal partners with The Holman Group to administer behavioral health benefits for their customers. The Holman Group has a contracted network of behavioral health providers throughout Santa Barbara County who you may contact directly to schedule an appointment. Here is a list of providers contracted with The Holman Group. You may also contact The Holman Group toll free at 1-800-321-2843.

Other options

No insurance? Or not wanting to use your insurance?

Some students do not have health insurance. Others may have concern that if they use their insurance, family at home may be informed about their accessing therapy. If you would like to use your health insurance and are concerned about privacy, many insurance companies have the ability to send documents to your Westmont mailing address, as opposed to your home address. If you do not have insurance or want to pay out of pocket, there are options below, including multiple low cost agencies.

Factors to Consider When Looking For a Therapist

The relationship, or fit, between therapist and client accounts for over 80% of what works in therapy. Make sure you trust your therapist and feel comfortable with them. If you attend 2-3 sessions and you don’t feel good with the therapist, go somewhere else!

Potential questions to ask therapists when you call.

Are you taking new clients?
What is the cost per session? Do you have a sliding scale or special rates for Westmont students? Are you able to provide a Superbill? (This is if you have a PPO Insurance)
What is your therapy style? How do you typically operate in session?
Do you have any experience working with my type of concern?

Transportation to Off Campus Appointments

Not having a car on campus can be an obstacle to off-campus appointments. Here are some tips for ways to make it to your appointment.

Borrow a car or have a friend drive
Contact Westmont Dial-a-ride. No cost to students; must make a reservation.
Ride the Westmont Shuttle. No cost, and some therapist offices are near shuttle stops.
Zip Car - If this option is cost-prohibitive but your only available option, please contact caps@westmont.edu

Community Referrals

Tips for Reaching Out

Advice for Calling an Off Campus Provider

Find 3-5 therapists that seem a good fit for you.
Spend a few minutes and call each one. Most will likely not pick up. Leave a brief message with your name, contact number (maybe even twice), and that you are interested in therapy.
When they call back, they will ask about your needs to make sure their expertise is a good fit. This is also your time to find out if they are someone you feel comfortable talking to (see questions above).
Ask about insurance options, or if paying out of pocket, ask if they have a sliding scale if your finances are limited.
Schedule an appointment, or let them know you want to think about it. Most important is whether you feel it is a good fit!

Westmont CAPS offers this list as a resource; it does not constitute endorsement of any of the listed treatment providers or facilities. Users assume responsibility for evaluating and selecting among the providers. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Contact your insurance company to ensure the clinician is a participating provider. If you need support connecting with an off-campus provider, please contact CAPS at caps@westmont.edu.

Psychologists

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Jessica Roy Reg Psychological Assistant link	Virtual sessions - Former Westmont Alum and CAPS therapist	Sliding Scale - contact for pricing
Lauren Guy, PsyD 805 377 3734 drlaurenguy.com	621 Chapala St. Suite C Santa Barbara	Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Medicare, Other insurance - sliding scale for students
Andrea Gurney, PhD 805 565 6057 andreagurney.com	222 E. Cannon Perdido Street Suite 207A Santa Barbara	Sliding Scale offered; provides superbill for insurance
John Guthrie, PhD website info@trilogypsychotherapy.com	Pasadena based therapist - Telehealth appointments	Contact for payment information
Terrie Furukawa, PhD 805 564 3715 website	22 W. Micheltorena St. Ste D	Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CoreSource, Magellan, Value Options
Marcus Flathman, PhD 805 617 6002 drflathman.com	1225 Coast Village Road Montecito	Call for payment information

MFT, LCSW, LPCC

MFT, LCSW, and LPCC Psychotherapists

Robyn Broadus, LMFT (Westmont alum)

(626) 325-8165

Rehab Centers	For an updated list of rehab centers in Santa Barbara, please follow the link.	https://www.rehab.com/california/santa-barbara
Gauchos for Recovery	In-person groups in Isla Vista, and virtual options as well	https://adp.sa.ucsb.edu/gfr
Young People in Recovery (YPR)	In-person groups in SB and virtual options	link