Kristine J. Schwarz
Kristine J. Schwarz, MA, MFT, LPCC
Kristine provides therapeutic services to clients struggling with the challenges of interpersonal relationships and the stresses of every day life. Kristine has worked with adults, youth, couples, and families in various therapeutic settings including: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara County, Goleta Valley Union School District, Working Alternatives Federal Prisoner Reentry Program, and Full Spectrum Recovery. As well, she previously served as Core Faculty and the Masters in Clinical Psychology Clinical Training Director at Antioch University Santa Barbara.
In addition to more than twenty years of intensive education and training in numerous areas of mental health treatment such as trauma, anger management, relational abuse and intimate partner violence, and chemical dependency, Kristine’s professional certifications include: Psychological First Aid for Survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita provided by The Boston Center for Trauma Psychology; School and Community Based Post Traumatic Stress Management provided by The Boston Center for Trauma Psychology; and Domestic Violence Counselor Training provided by Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara County. Kristine remains current on all aspects of mental health treatment by constantly engaging in continuing education.
Santa Barbara Psychotherapy Goals
- Provide a safe place for you to talk about what’s going on.
- Empower you to make change.
- Facilitate your emotional growth.
- Work on what’s important to you.
- Help you feel better.
Kristine has presented at conferences nationally, including: Buddin Praed Foundation, Northwestern University’s CANS Conference; Child Welfare League of America’s Finding Better Ways Conference; Terrorism and Psychosocial Preparedness: Impact on Children and Families Consortium Meeting; the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children’s 12th Annual Colloquium; the California Wellness Foundation’s Conference on Increasing Diversity in the Health Professions; the Housing California Annual Conference; and the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ Solutions for Individual Homeless Adults National Conference.
Prior to pursuing psychotherapy, Kristine worked for 15 years as a producer/executive in the entertainment industry and therefore has a unique ability to understand issues that creative talent encounter. She continues her passion for the creative arts by working with artists of all kinds.
In addition to private practice, Kristine is also the Executive Director of New Beginnings Counseling Center, where she oversees more than 50 counselors and case managers who work with those most vulnerable in the community, and multiple community programs such as the Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Safe Parking Program®.
Founder and Owner of Santa Barbara Psychotherapy®, Kristine J. Schwarz, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License # MFC 44909; and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, License # LPCC 994.