Evidence-based psychologist in the Santa Ynez Valley & Santa Barbara
Dr. Emily McGrath — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for accomplished adults ready for real, meaningful change
I'm a UCLA-trained psychologist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, working with high-achieving college students, young professionals, and adults who want more than just coping strategies. I help clients understand what is getting in the way and make lasting progress. In-person sessions are available in the Santa Ynez Valley, with secure online therapy throughout California.
Compassionate care, proven results
While my credentials are well established (Ph.D. from UCLA, NIMH Postdoctoral Fellowship at UCLA's Semel Institute, Clinical Instructor at UCLA's School of Medicine), what clients tend to value most is something harder to capture on a résumé: feeling deeply understood, challenged in the right ways, and helped toward real movement. I work particularly well with people who are motivated to understand themselves more deeply and who are ready for therapy to be an active, engaged process, especially those who have tried therapy before but found that it did not fully resonate.
Before private practice, I served as a Clinical Instructor at UCLA's School of Medicine and as Senior Vice President on the executive leadership team at Sycamores, where I oversaw clinical training and evidence-based practices across one of Los Angeles' largest mental health agencies.
Learn More About My Background
You are capable. But something is not working.
My clients are typically high-functioning, thoughtful individuals—successful in their careers, accomplished students, and people others rely on. Yet beneath the surface: persistent anxiety, sadness, patterns that keep repeating, a recent life setback, or simply a lingering sense of feeling stuck.
Some have tried therapy before without finding the right fit. Others are reaching out for the first time and are not sure what to expect. What they share is a genuine desire to understand themselves more deeply and to be actively engaged in the process—not just manage symptoms, but create a richer, more meaningful life.
If this sounds like you, I'd be happy to talk with you.
Thinking, feeling, doing
My treatment approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — a structured, evidence-based method that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, behaviors, and feelings — combined with a framework I've developed called Reflect, Revive, and Thrive. Rather than focusing primarily on the past, I work collaboratively with clients to understand current patterns and create change that is practical, meaningful, and lasting.
I provide a thoughtful, structured, and confidential environment. My approach is collaborative and engaged — I work best with clients who are willing to reflect, experiment, and apply what we discuss between sessions. Whether you are navigating a difficult period, struggling with imposter syndrome, or working toward long-term growth, I offer both practical tools and thoughtful guidance.
Request a ConsultationCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Reorganizing patterns of thinking and behavior that interfere with emotional well-being.
Strength-Based Assessment
Identifying what is already working and building from existing strengths.
Individual Therapy
Focused, one-on-one work tailored to your specific goals and challenges.
Online Therapy Sessions
Available throughout California — private, flexible, and effective.
How I can help
If you are managing the pressures of a demanding career, navigating academic stress, dealing with intense emotions, or simply feeling stuck and unsure, I offer a structured, personalized path forward.
Where we can meet
I see Santa Barbara–area clients in person at my Santa Ynez Valley office — a scenic forty-minute drive north through the Santa Ynez Mountains. For clients who prefer to skip the drive, I offer secure online therapy throughout California, including Santa Barbara, Montecito, Los Angeles, and Pasadena.
In Person
After twenty years of private practice in Pasadena, I have relocated to the Santa Ynez Valley. In-person sessions are available locally, and I welcome clients from Santa Barbara, Montecito, Solvang, and Los Olivos. Specific location details are shared upon booking.
Santa Barbara County
Online Therapy
Secure, flexible online therapy for clients throughout California — including Santa Barbara, Montecito, Los Angeles, and Pasadena. Many Santa Barbara–area clients find online sessions more practical than the drive to the Valley, particularly for weekly work.
Take the first step
I'm happy to answer questions and discuss whether we may be a good fit. Finding the right fit matters, and I'm glad to talk through what you're looking for and how I work. I understand that reaching out can feel like a significant step, and my goal is to make the process straightforward, comfortable, and clear.
Some clients meet with me weekly; others work more flexibly — a mix of consultation and ongoing support, shaped around what they need right now.
Individual Session · 45 minutes
$400 per sessionI'm not in-network with insurance. On request, I provide a detailed superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Thank you for reaching out
I'll be in touch within one or two business days.