Business Details
42 Years
experience
Holistic Massage School in Santa Barbara, CA
Since 1984, Body Therapy Institute has been a leader in holistic massage education, dedicated to transforming lives through comprehensive training programs. Our institute offers students personalized instruction in traditional and energy-based modalities, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Craniosacral Therapy, with flexible day and evening formats to accommodate busy schedules. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, we prioritize hands-on learning and individualized attention, evidenced by our 90.9% first-time pass rate on the MBLEx exam compared to the state average of 69.8%.Our graduates are highly sought after by local spas, medical facilities, and private practices, with over 3,000 alumni trained since our founding. As a BPPE-licensed institution since 2010, we participate in federal and state financial aid programs, ensuring accessible education for aspiring massage professionals. Our commitment extends beyond technical skills, fostering personal growth and self-care practices that empower students to become compassionate, skilled healers in their communities.
Services
Massage Practitioner Program
Massage Therapist Program
Holistic Health Practitioner Program
Student Massage Clinics
Continuing Education Courses
CAMTC Certification Preparation
Out of Country Program
Business Skills Training
Trigger Point Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 1:6 student-to-instructor ratios for personalized learning.
- Our graduates achieve a 90.9% first-time MBLEx exam pass rate.
- We provide flexible day and evening program formats for working adults.
- Our alumni network includes 3,000+ massage professionals in local spas and clinics.
- We combine technical training with personal development and self-care practices.
Associations and certifications
- California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)
What people say
Excellent training
Best massage experience
Transformative educational journey
Highly skilled instructors
Affordable quality care
Services
Massage Practitioner Program
Our 250-hour program provides foundational skills in Swedish massage, ethics, and anatomy. Students learn essential techniques through hands-on practice and interactive coursework. Ideal for those seeking entry-level certification in massage therapy.
Massage Therapist Program
The 550-hour curriculum expands on basic techniques with specialized modalities like trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Includes business skills training and clinical practice for comprehensive professional development.
Student Massage Clinics
Affordable massage sessions performed by supervised students, offering Swedish, deep tissue, and specialty techniques. Clients receive quality care while students gain practical experience in a professional setting.
CAMTC Certification Preparation
Designed for international graduates seeking California licensure, this program validates prior training hours and meets state certification requirements through targeted coursework and evaluations.
Out of Country Program
Specialized program for massage professionals trained outside the US to complete CAMTC certification requirements. Combines prior learning validation with supplemental training to meet California standards.
People
Katie Mickey
Owner/Director
Leading educator in massage and holistic health since 1989, training over 3,000 students. Director of SBBTI since 1989, specializing in self-healing mechanisms and holistic education.
Gael Ashwood
Office Manager
SBBTI graduate with dual roles in operations and student support. Manages financial matters, clinic requests, and academic records while pursuing advanced massage training.
Cy Anderson
Compliance Coordinator
Certified massage therapist and SBBTI graduate. Handles admissions, marketing, and student outreach while completing advanced coursework in integrated massage therapy.
Questions
What massage programs do you offer?
We offer 250-hour, 550-hour, and 1000-hour programs for Massage Practitioners, Therapists, and Holistic Health Practitioners with flexible scheduling options.
Are your programs state-approved?
Yes, we're licensed by California's Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education since 2010 and prepare students for CAMTC certification.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We participate in federal/state aid programs including VA benefits, vocational rehab, and workforce investment acts for qualifying students.
Can I receive a student massage?
Yes, our public clinics offer $40 sessions performed by supervised students in various modalities like Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy.
What's your cancellation policy?
We require 24-hour notice for cancellations; late cancellations or no-shows incur full session charges unless the appointment can be rebooked.
Do you help with career placement?
Our graduates are employed at local spas, medical facilities, and private practices with many alumni starting successful independent practices.
