For over 33 years, CCEC's mission has been to provide low-cost counseling to the Santa Barbara community by matching incoming clients to highly skilled trainee and associate therapists in our Clinical Training Program. The work that we do at CCEC attracts the area's top graduate students and graduate associates, who are guided and advised by some of the most sought-after licensed clinical staff on the Central Coast.
Counseling at CCEC - Everyone needs help and support at some point in their lives. Whether it's managing a life transition, grieving a loss, facing challenges in a relationship, or simply because you need someone to talk to, CCEC is here to help. With the generosity of the Santa Barbara community behind us, CCEC is able to provide confidential and affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, children, teens and families. Our bilingual counseling staff consists of graduate student trainees and associates working under the guidance and supervision of some of the area's most knowledgeable and experienced clinical staff.
Fees and Payment
Counseling at CCEC - The cost per 50-minute counseling session is $95. All sessions are subsidized in part by local donors who stand with you in your journey toward growth and healing. With the generosity of community, clients end up paying between $25 and $75 per session, depending on income.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment:
Were You Able To Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
