Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Katie Jacobson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Verified
It takes courage to make it here, and I’m so glad you did.
We all hit points in life where we feel stuck or uncertain of how to cope and move forward. As humans, stress and pain is inevitable, but you don’t have to work through it alone. I'm here to help you navigate your challenges and experience greater ease, satisfaction, and intimacy with life. My work is focused on supporting you to connect with your inner wisdom, shift how you relate with yourself, and remember your unique gifts. With a holistic approach, honoring mind, body, spirit, I believe that you are whole, resilient, and capable of growing and healing.
Christine 'chris' Lang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Entering into therapy can be a big decision and confusing process. I offer direction that can help you determine your best course for meaningful and effective change. Through attentiveness, compassion, and collaboration, I focus on helping individuals, couples, & children gain awareness of themselves, and provide an avenue that leads toward personal exploration and healing.
Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I work with those who long for a deeper understanding of and intimacy with themselves and others. Especially those who are ready to embrace the undertaking of becoming more fully oneself. Among the issues that people bring into therapy are grief and bereavement, navigating challenging transitions, relationship issues, educational and vocational questions, and support in following their dreams in the search for meaning.
Julia Pinsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
I guide people in exploring challenges, discovering what means most, and effecting lasting change in their lives. I offer a safe relationship in which you can explore, discover, and grow. Therapy offers a way out of confusion, pain and suffering: it is absolutely possible to shift your thinking, your feelings, and relationship patterns and to feel more at ease in your own skin!
Elizabeth Scott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS-S
Verified
Verified
I have been practicing psychotherapy since 1988 and I love my work. I work with adults who suffer with depression and anxiety, trauma and grief. I also have 25 years of experience helping people become free of eating disorders and body image problems. I love to work with adults in transition. I no longer treat children and teens under 18. I am practical, generous and warm in my style. I believe that our struggles can be used to shape us into wiser, more empathic, loving people. I never blame people for their suffering, I don't like theoretical models that do. I live in Santa Cruz and work entirely on Zoom.
Dayna Lea
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
There's nothing hurt that can't be healed and there's nothing broken that can't be fixed. With insight, compassion and humor, I will support you on your journey towards right relationship with yourself and others. I am comfortable sitting with people who are having a challenging time and will create a safe space for us to move together towards deep healing and change. I invite a co-creative experience where together we hold the vision of your highest good and best possible life.
Lisa Holden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Life presents unexpected challenges which can cause anxiety, depression, hopelessness, difficulties with relationships and problems with self esteem. These unresolved issues can derail us with feelings of being overwhelmed. Therapy can help you learn to manage trauma in order to deal with stressors and move through challenges with confidence so you can get back on track with your life.
Cameron Jackson
Psychologist, PhD, JD
Verified
Verified
Hello! Need help for children with autism, ADHD and other issues? Need an accurate diagnosis and report? Want assistance connecting with resources -- school, government, medical -- to help you?
Jayla Klein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Compassion and curiosity are the starting place for our exploration. Life is inherently challenging and difficult, and we all suffer from hurts large and small, past and present. And most of us are plagued by a strong inner critic who thinks they are helping but often shames and limits us. In spite of our best efforts, cycles of expectation and disappointment can leave us feeling confused, isolated, frustrated, and trapped in our habitual patterns. As Ta-Nehisi Coates put it, "I am marked by old codes, which shielded me in one world and then chained me in the next."
Eva Rider ReclaimingSoul Jungian Depth Psychology
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified
Verified
In our challenging era, new trauma may emerge, activating old grief. Are you feeling lost, seeking meaning or direction? If you feel trapped in patterns that no longer reflect who you are becoming , a Jungian depth psycho-spiritual lens may call you. Since 1997, I have aided individuals in soul exploration. grief, crisis and loss of meaning with dreamwork, astrology, alchemy, creative exploration and BodySoul. I trained with Marion Woodman's BodySoul Leadership Program, Hypnotherapy and TRE ( Trauma Releasing) and have over 40 years of esoteric systems study.
Aude Castagna
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Life is complicated. It's full of twists and turns and sometimes we lose our way. My passion is to support you along this path and honor your courage to start a process of self-discovery. I can assist you in emerging from a life perspective where you feel stuck into an understanding of your choices that will help you heal, have more fulfilling relationships. A good therapist can help! My life experiences have taught me a lesson: that it's hard to be human and as such, my clients will always deserve all my empathy and attention.
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Family Service Agency of the Central Coast
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, AMFT, Trainee
Verified
Verified
At the heart of our practice is a deep belief in the inherent worth and potential of every individual. We understand that each person's journey is unique, and we approach counseling with empathy, respect, and a non-judgmental attitude. By fostering a safe and confidential space, we empower clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, guiding them toward self-discovery and personal transformation. We embrace diversity and understand the importance of cultural competency in counseling and respect the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences of our clients.
Not accepting new clients
Heather Docker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MBA
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
The decision to pursue therapy is a powerful step towards change and personal growth. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by transition, needing to heal past hurts, grieve losses, or learn how to live a more authentic and meaningful life, together we will explore desired areas of change and growth. Even if what needs to change or what is holding you back is unclear, I welcome you to come in and start wherever you are. As your therapist my intention is to help you process life events, increase self-awareness, and discover insights in a safe and supportive environment.
Waitlist for new clients
Susan Matthews Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in individual, couples and family therapy. With over 20 years experience, I work with a broad spectrum of clients.
I have presented at international trainings on how the body stores emotions and trauma, the transforming work of inner identities and living from one's Essential Self.
I am an interactive and dynamic therapist. I provide support and practical feedback to help address life's challenges. I integrate complimentary modalities and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach.
With compassion and understanding I work with each individual to help build and attain the personal growth they're striving for.
Nicole Nemiroff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Are you a healthcare practitioner, nurse, or first responder? I specialize in working with women in the "helping fields". High expectations of us take a toll on our minds and our bodies. Many women I work with talk about losing themselves and feeling frustratingly stuck. You want to feel grounded and confident. You need time to look inward and heal. You’re ready to develop a pathway forward, one where you feel hopeful and in control. You're in the right place. I also have a special interest in working with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I work with first-generation American-born people and "third culture" kids.
Joe Sousa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Hi. I am Joe Sousa, a licensed psychotherapist in the State of CA. I've been providing counseling services in the Santa Cruz area in one form or another since 1993. Here's the issues I work with in therapy: Relationship enhancement, improve communication, sexual intimacy; handling difficulties, such as breakups and divorce; discovering life purpose and build self-esteem; issues relating to school, careers, money, a child or an elderly parent; dealing with powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loss, and panic; addictive or compulsive behavior, with regard to alcohol, drugs, food, sex and/or porn.
Naya McCoy
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT
Verified
Verified
My name is Naya McCoy, and I am a psychotherapist deeply committed to facilitating personal healing and growth. I believe that everyone's unique story informs the direction of their journey, and I view therapy as a powerful tool to access it. My therapeutic approach is rooted in a humanistic and client-centered perspective. I am passionate about empowering individuals to take charge of their own healing journeys. I believe that therapy serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to personal growth and self-discovery. I aim to create a supportive environment where you can feel truly seen and heard.
Stewart Dean
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Need someone to talk to? I'll give you every ounce of my undivided attention and help you conquer your challenges. I'll provide a haven for you to freely express yourself, process your problems and part with your pain. If I have the opportunity to work with you, I won't see you as a diagnosis, I'll see you as a human being, just like me, on a journey through life. My approach is holistic and humanistic and my presence is warm and engaging. My method is practical, results-focused and non-judgmental and has been shaped by a life of athletics, the arts, meditation, fatherhood and travel. I'm here to help you build the life you want.
Melissa Virostko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I feel strongly that we have the capacity to heal and thrive within the context of safe relationships. For this reason, I am passionate about offering therapeutic services to assist in exploring strengths, gifts, and complex challenges. At this time I work with adults and adolescents seeking therapy for a range of issues including relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, and parenting.
Alicia M Foronda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Invest in yourself and your loved ones; therapy is not just a mental health treatment sought when we are suffering from mental distress, or unable to conduct life as wanted. Therapy is also a self discovery process to get a greater and deeper knowledge about ourselves, which will allow to make better choices and become the person that we have wished. Having someone to accompany you in this path, with a professional perspective, non-judgmental listening and accurate interventions, will allow you to cope with painful circumstances, significant life changes / transitions, as well with symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and others.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
How can I find a therapist in Santa Cruz?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist.
Learn more about how to find a therapist.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
What type of therapist is right for me?
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors. Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.