A non-profit agency
Founded in 1979

Positive, innovative, effective therapy
Individuals - Couples - Families – Children – Groups

FTI Staff

Our Approach Is:

  • Positive… building on the strengths of each client
  • Brief and cost-effective…providing feedback and individualized prescriptions for change
  • Practical… teaching healthy ways to communicate, manage emotions, let go of the past, problem-solve, and get along with others
  • Supportive… aiding families in periods of transition, illness, loss, or crisis
  • Preventative… placing value on dealing with difficult issues before they become overwhelming problems
  • Integrative… addressing personal, interpersonal, and spiritual issues that face clients on physical, emotional, intellectual and philosophical levels
  • Community-oriented… working in close cooperation with schools, physicians, social services, and other professionals
  • Research-based… integrating the latest scientific and clinical research into treatment

Who we can help:

It may come as a surprise, but the Institute sees many healthy individuals who want outside professional guidance before severe problems occur in their family. An ounce of prevention can save many months of suffering!

Other common referrals include:

Children with symptoms such as depression, disruptive behavior, psychosomatic disorders, poor academic performance, attendance problems, unrealistic fears

Adolescents exhibiting uncontrollable behavior, substance abuse, eating disorders, school related problems, social isolation or relationship problems

Couples who are withdrawn from one another, experiencing communication, intimacy or sexual problems, verbally or physically abusive, persistently angry, guilt ridden or depressed, or wanting pre-marital assessment

Families who are having trouble communicating or who are going through difficult transitions such as divorce or separation, remarriage or joining of two families, the loss or illness of a family member

Individuals who are interested in methods to overcome unwanted behavior patterns, who wish to explore the current impact of past events and relationships, or who are seeking growth and enrichment of their lives

  • Directions:



    FTI is located in a brown two story California Craftsman (next door to the Simpson House) at 111 E. Arrellaga St. between Anacapa and Santa Barbara streets.

    If you are coming from the south on US 101, take the Arrellaga street exit and drive straight on Arrellaga. After you pass Anacapa, the building will be on the left side of the street.

    Please allow 10 minutes to find parking on the streets in the event that our spaces are full.

    Click To Enlarge



  • 805-882-2400

    - Sliding fees
    - Insurance accepted   
    - Spanish-speaking

    By appointment only
    9am - 6pm weekdays

    Mission Statement
    A non-profit organization founded in 1979 to serve individuals, couples, children, and families in our community; to train professionals in the use of effective therapies, and to educate the public about issues relevant to the family's improved health and well-being..

    Donations:
    Please send donations to:

    Family Therapy Institute
    of Santa Barbara
    111 E. Arrellaga St.
    Santa Barbara, CA 93101