Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

Elio Scudieri
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Sometimes hurts get stacked on each other & we assemble a life that protects against the pain, so it doesn’t ever hurt like that again. But in that process of armoring ourselves, we build a structure that also limits our capacity to enjoy life. We each have a much more unconstrained life that wants us to live it. By knowing ourselves through discovery, we work to be accountable to our own position & condition in life, forgive ourselves & others, & create a life that rewards us for this beautiful & courageous effort. Sessions will likely include mindfulness, humor, creativity, compassion, empathy, accountability, & problem-solving.
Sometimes hurts get stacked on each other & we assemble a life that protects against the pain, so it doesn’t ever hurt like that again. But in that process of armoring ourselves, we build a structure that also limits our capacity to enjoy life. We each have a much more unconstrained life that wants us to live it. By knowing ourselves through discovery, we work to be accountable to our own position & condition in life, forgive ourselves & others, & create a life that rewards us for this beautiful & courageous effort. Sessions will likely include mindfulness, humor, creativity, compassion, empathy, accountability, & problem-solving.

Heather Docker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MBA
Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Not accepting new clients
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.
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.

Katy Wann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Welcome! I specialize in supporting teens and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and difficult life transitions. Through our work, my clients are able to develop a strong sense of self, learn effective relationship skills and master healthy coping skills. I believe that therapy is not just reserved for when you are in crisis, but rather a safe space for reflection, curiosity & growth at any time in life. You are always deserving of this space, and I make it my goal to help you feel seen and heard from the moment we begin our work together.
Welcome! I specialize in supporting teens and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and difficult life transitions. Through our work, my clients are able to develop a strong sense of self, learn effective relationship skills and master healthy coping skills. I believe that therapy is not just reserved for when you are in crisis, but rather a safe space for reflection, curiosity & growth at any time in life. You are always deserving of this space, and I make it my goal to help you feel seen and heard from the moment we begin our work together.

Melinda Marie Martindale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Hi and welcome! A key component to successful therapy and personal change starts with a strong connection between therapist and client. I work with adults in ALL areas of relationships, including your relationship with yourself. I walk with people on the journey to their natural, authentic self with a professional and individual tx plan. I use an integrative model; including humanistic, holistic, CBT, ACT, somatic work and supportive psychotherapy-meeting a person where they are on any specific day. I am a mother, was a single mother, now a step mother, a grandmother, a lover of nature and a survivor of this 'human condition.'
Hi and welcome! A key component to successful therapy and personal change starts with a strong connection between therapist and client. I work with adults in ALL areas of relationships, including your relationship with yourself. I walk with people on the journey to their natural, authentic self with a professional and individual tx plan. I use an integrative model; including humanistic, holistic, CBT, ACT, somatic work and supportive psychotherapy-meeting a person where they are on any specific day. I am a mother, was a single mother, now a step mother, a grandmother, a lover of nature and a survivor of this 'human condition.'

Carol Cochrane Bass
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
VIDEO SESSIONS AVAILABLE FOR ALL CLIENTS . . . . . Initiating therapy can be a daunting and challenging process, and that begins with selecting a therapist around whom you will feel comfortable, safe and respected. To help you with that process, I'll start by sharing a few things about myself. I became a therapist because I discovered that it was a large part of who I am. Even at an early age, I found that I was often the person others felt safe to let their guard down with - to share what was happening below the surface, and to seek out my advice.
VIDEO SESSIONS AVAILABLE FOR ALL CLIENTS . . . . . Initiating therapy can be a daunting and challenging process, and that begins with selecting a therapist around whom you will feel comfortable, safe and respected. To help you with that process, I'll start by sharing a few things about myself. I became a therapist because I discovered that it was a large part of who I am. Even at an early age, I found that I was often the person others felt safe to let their guard down with - to share what was happening below the surface, and to seek out my advice.

Barbara Lutz
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Since 1992, I have counseled families, adults and children. I am an EMDR Institute consultant and facilitator, and use EMDR therapy's adaptive information processing to help clients master the challenges encountered in their lives. I received my PhD in international psychology with trauma focus. My specialties include Trauma, Acculturation and Attachment Disorders in clients of all ages. My immigration experience from Germany has prompted the exploration of the crucial part played by our cultural roots in our decision making process and in our lifestyle choices. I speak English, Spanish and German.
Since 1992, I have counseled families, adults and children. I am an EMDR Institute consultant and facilitator, and use EMDR therapy's adaptive information processing to help clients master the challenges encountered in their lives. I received my PhD in international psychology with trauma focus. My specialties include Trauma, Acculturation and Attachment Disorders in clients of all ages. My immigration experience from Germany has prompted the exploration of the crucial part played by our cultural roots in our decision making process and in our lifestyle choices. I speak English, Spanish and German.

Katie Jacobson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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.
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.

Karin Leonard
CHT, NLP, Coach
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Ready to go beyond talk therapy? Hypnotherapy combined with life coaching gives you access to a powerful yet completely safe portal of positive change and neuroplasticity. It is my joy and privilege to be your guide, mentor and confidant - be it for a few sessions, a few months or a lifetime. Whether you are tired of the same issues blocking your progress, want to tap more of your potential, feel calm and confident, and live a life you LOVE - I am here for you. In working with clients and couples for 30 years, I have developed a highly effective approach combining life coaching, hypnotherapy, NLP and a good dose of intuition.
Ready to go beyond talk therapy? Hypnotherapy combined with life coaching gives you access to a powerful yet completely safe portal of positive change and neuroplasticity. It is my joy and privilege to be your guide, mentor and confidant - be it for a few sessions, a few months or a lifetime. Whether you are tired of the same issues blocking your progress, want to tap more of your potential, feel calm and confident, and live a life you LOVE - I am here for you. In working with clients and couples for 30 years, I have developed a highly effective approach combining life coaching, hypnotherapy, NLP and a good dose of intuition.

Erin Williams-McNish
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95063
I hold the belief that humans possess the resiliency to return to their grounded internal place of peace. Each person has the inherent ability to explore and find their individual tools for healing. I will gently and safely guide you through life's discord and back to your place of peace.
I hold the belief that humans possess the resiliency to return to their grounded internal place of peace. Each person has the inherent ability to explore and find their individual tools for healing. I will gently and safely guide you through life's discord and back to your place of peace.

Elizabeth A. Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I love working with folks who are curious about the growth potential psychoanalytic psychotherapy can unveil. I believe in the curative elements of this approach and hope to generate positive change and wellness with you. Weaving a relational insight-oriented lens with art therapy, we can uncover areas of unconscious suffering, root causes, and establish goals for treatment. By increasing our self-understanding and meaning making capacities, we illuminate new perspectives and intentionality. Together, we can co-create effective pathways to integrate that knowledge towards personal growth and inner healing.
I love working with folks who are curious about the growth potential psychoanalytic psychotherapy can unveil. I believe in the curative elements of this approach and hope to generate positive change and wellness with you. Weaving a relational insight-oriented lens with art therapy, we can uncover areas of unconscious suffering, root causes, and establish goals for treatment. By increasing our self-understanding and meaning making capacities, we illuminate new perspectives and intentionality. Together, we can co-create effective pathways to integrate that knowledge towards personal growth and inner healing.

Dayna Lea
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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.
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.
15 Second Videos
Elio Scudieri
Katy Wann
Barbara Lutz
Karin Leonard
Tim Desmond
G. Katie Dashtban
Bridges Therapy Group of California
Jeremy Lansing
Cari Browning
Darrin Gene Scott
Michelle L Bakalarski
Aude Castagna
Dennis Patton Couples Counseling
Hannah Fisher
Kerena Saltzman
Bianca Filion
Molly Pearl
Sebastian Beca
Eileen Retzloff
Rory Valentine Diller
Stas Fedechkin
Daniel Perry Dryden
Dana Ingersoll
J. Sarah MacEwan
Family Service Agency of the Central Coast
Kirsten Juel
Liza Smith
Bethany Sala
Brian Peter Heery
Jessica Reynolds
Angela Vincent
Self Discovery Jungian Psychotherapy
Amanda Cortez
Elisabeth Powell
Dr. Thomas Lucking, PhD
Ivan W Foote
Gregory Rowe-Pasos
Liz Vines
Lacy Elizabeth Warne
Janet Huh
Joshua Lowe
Shelley Dukes
Patricia S Dolan
Suzanne Lerner
Jen Sims
Sharon Papo
Couples Therapist Anisha Mistry
Sage Swiatek
Ashley Youngblood
Anxiety Experts for Athletes

Yvonne D Vermillion
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PsyD
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Blending conventional and alternative approaches I empower children, adolescents, and adults to reach their therapeutic goals. It is my belief that all children, regardless of age or race, speak their own unique language based on their unique life experiences. This language expresses who they are and what they need in order to live a more functional and productive life. My mission is to interpret that language and offer innovative strategies that foster positive growth and maturity. It is not only a challenge to change, grow, and learn. As a member of the human race, I feel it is an obligation!
Blending conventional and alternative approaches I empower children, adolescents, and adults to reach their therapeutic goals. It is my belief that all children, regardless of age or race, speak their own unique language based on their unique life experiences. This language expresses who they are and what they need in order to live a more functional and productive life. My mission is to interpret that language and offer innovative strategies that foster positive growth and maturity. It is not only a challenge to change, grow, and learn. As a member of the human race, I feel it is an obligation!

Ryan Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are everyday struggles blocking you from being your ideal self? I am a therapist who will work in partnership with you to help find the balance, contentedness, and the fulfillment in life you deserve. I utilize a collaborative, empathetic approach while not shying away from occasionally challenging you in a way that respects you as an individual.
Are everyday struggles blocking you from being your ideal self? I am a therapist who will work in partnership with you to help find the balance, contentedness, and the fulfillment in life you deserve. I utilize a collaborative, empathetic approach while not shying away from occasionally challenging you in a way that respects you as an individual.

Terri Lyn Zucker
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Not accepting new clients
Medicare clients accepted for teletherapy (telephone, Facetime, Zoom) . I treat trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. We carefully work through crises and both short and long term issues by using skillful means and tapping into your inner resources.
Medicare clients accepted for teletherapy (telephone, Facetime, Zoom) . I treat trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. We carefully work through crises and both short and long term issues by using skillful means and tapping into your inner resources.

Tim Desmond
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
“A longtime meditator and skilled clinician, Tim Desmond offers exceptionally clear, accessible, and insightful guidance in how to facilitate deep transformation while addressing the spectrum of emotional suffering” — Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
“A longtime meditator and skilled clinician, Tim Desmond offers exceptionally clear, accessible, and insightful guidance in how to facilitate deep transformation while addressing the spectrum of emotional suffering” — Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge

Molly Meadows
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Children and adults enjoy coming to see me and receiving an inviting space to explore their authentic self through play and art based interventions. As a neurodivergent affirming and trauma informed provider I utilize child-centered models to focus on client's strengths and encourage growth through their unique assets. I focus on helping clients re-discover their root sense of resiliency. Within all of us there is a spark to which gives our life meaning, wherever that spark lies for you I am excited to embark on a journey of discovery with you.
Children and adults enjoy coming to see me and receiving an inviting space to explore their authentic self through play and art based interventions. As a neurodivergent affirming and trauma informed provider I utilize child-centered models to focus on client's strengths and encourage growth through their unique assets. I focus on helping clients re-discover their root sense of resiliency. Within all of us there is a spark to which gives our life meaning, wherever that spark lies for you I am excited to embark on a journey of discovery with you.

Isa Reser
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, ATR, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I believe therapy is the development of a safe and trusting relationship between the facilitator and the participant. Therapy can be hard work and getting started can be scary, however making art, using play or being in nature can ease this process. As your therapist I will encourage you to use your creative imagination as a vehicle to understanding your inner turmoil, psychic pain or stagnancy. Along the way we will be implementing these effective tools in cultivating a more fulfilling life experience.
I believe therapy is the development of a safe and trusting relationship between the facilitator and the participant. Therapy can be hard work and getting started can be scary, however making art, using play or being in nature can ease this process. As your therapist I will encourage you to use your creative imagination as a vehicle to understanding your inner turmoil, psychic pain or stagnancy. Along the way we will be implementing these effective tools in cultivating a more fulfilling life experience.

Elizabeth Scott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS-S
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
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.
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.

Rachel Jordana Horodezky
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Welcome! I work with youth and adults using a strength-based, humanistic approach to treatment. It is my belief that YOU are the expert and that it is my job to help you develop your inner strength and knowledge in order to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. My approach involves integrating mind, body and spirit in order for you to take the insight that you receive in therapy and put it into direct action in your life. It would be my pleasure to work with you. Additionally, I'm now offering tele-health sessions. Please message me to find out more.
Welcome! I work with youth and adults using a strength-based, humanistic approach to treatment. It is my belief that YOU are the expert and that it is my job to help you develop your inner strength and knowledge in order to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. My approach involves integrating mind, body and spirit in order for you to take the insight that you receive in therapy and put it into direct action in your life. It would be my pleasure to work with you. Additionally, I'm now offering tele-health sessions. Please message me to find out more.

Liberty Flidais
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Relating with people and witnessing growth is what I love most. It is my honor to support you when you’re feeling stressed out, anxious, invisible or depleted. I hold a somatic (body-based) perspective that is empathetic, patient and curious. I am receptive to that which naturally emerges through thoughts, emotions, sensations, images and memories in each session. I approach personal narratives with openness & compassion.
Relating with people and witnessing growth is what I love most. It is my honor to support you when you’re feeling stressed out, anxious, invisible or depleted. I hold a somatic (body-based) perspective that is empathetic, patient and curious. I am receptive to that which naturally emerges through thoughts, emotions, sensations, images and memories in each session. I approach personal narratives with openness & compassion.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Nearby Searches 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.