ADHD Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
See all therapists in Santa Cruz
Serene Silva
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Verified
If you have
ADHD
or identify as neurodiverse, on the spectrum, or are autistic & wanting to understand your strengths & superpowers around this.
You are already whole, and I believe the process of psychotherapy is to shed the self limiting beliefs we hold of ourselves that keep us fractured and compartmentalized. The process of integrating our disavowed parts creates the space for our wholeness to emerge. We make meaning through our experiences, but shame and trauma can distort our way of relating to ourselves and the world. Through the therapeutic container of safety one can begin to deconstruct the strategies adopted along the way to keep one feeling “safe” and “in control”, while also in many ways, keeping one from meeting the world with an open and curious heart.
Waitlist for new clients

Ride The Wave Recovery
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, LCPC, LPC, LMHC, CGP
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Kat Zwick also offers
ADHD
/AuDHD solutions therapy for executive functioning challenges.
Ride The Wave Recovery can serve clients in greater Santa Cruz, CA; Seattle/Tacoma, WA; and Chicago, IL. RtW offers solutions-oriented group and individual therapy to clients of all genders and sexualities living with
ADHD
and AuDHD and recovering from eating disorders, substance misuse and relational/attachment disorders.

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?
Waitlist for new clients

Kat Zwick
Counselor, MA, LPCC, LCPC, LMHC, LPC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I provide
ADHD
/AuDHD solutions-focused therapy to gender expansive, queer, and neurodivergent adult clients. This work is skills-based, fun, sometimes hilarious, compassionate, non-judgmental and meant to help clients reach their goals with distress tolerance, behavior change, executive functioning challenges, task completion, short-term blocks or hurdles, and long-term planning, organization, and emotion regulation. I also offer short-term DBT 'tune-up' individual therapy for those who already have DBT skills training and are seeking some short-term assistance with a particular challenge.

Gregory Rowe-Pasos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
For
ADHD
I do one-off coaching sessions at your convenience.
I do short-term tele-health therapy. Often with ketamine, an FDA approved psychedelic medicine that has been proven to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression rather quickly, in some cases immediately. How it works: I pair you with a psychiatrist who evaluates you then writes a prescription. You receive the medication at your home. When you're ready we set up a one hour preparation session, then a three hour journey session, followed by a one hour integration session. You do all of the this over several days from the comfort of your own home. You decide how much or how little feels right to you.

Gerard Anthony Chambers Jr
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
Verified
Verified
**Dr. Chambers is not a therapist and he does not do therapy or any form of treatment. My Philosophy is that you need to diagnose the problem accurately before you can fix the problem! Neuropsychological Evaluations,
ADHD
Testing, Learning Disability Evaluations, Mental Health Diagnostic Testing, Expert Testimony, Civil Litigation, Court Related Testing, 504 Plans, IEP's, IDEA Accommodations, MCAT Accommodations, Workplace Accommodations, Capacity Evaluations, Wills & Trusts, and much more!

Wendy Richardson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CAS
Verified
Verified
I wrote the first book on
Attention Deficit
-Disorder and co-occurring addiction entitled, The Link Between
ADD
and Addiction (1997), followed by, When Too Much Isn't Enough: Ending the Destructive Cycle of AD/HD and Addictive Behavior (2005).
I am a compassionate, empathetic, engaging, and challenging therapist. I utilize the many disciplines I have integrated over the almost 30 years of practicing as a Licensed, Marriage, Family therapist. I am also a Certified Addiction Specialist #C-4020. I tailor treatment to each individual, couple, and family. I will help guide you on your journey of change.
Waitlist for new clients

Rebecca Schultheis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ADHD-CC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I enjoy working with individuals, teens & children who experience fear, anxiety, obsessions, trauma, depression,
ADHD
& learning disabilities. In addition, a large portion of my work is with couples including new parents & seasoned partners alike. I am gentle & calm natured, corky, & pragmatic which clients find grounding and refreshing. My clients know that I take our work very seriously & I also don’t shy away from moments for us to laugh at life together.

Cindy May
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I have a specialty interest and comprehensive clinical experience with diagnostic testing for
ADHD
and autism.
Perfectionism, procrastination, social withdrawal, and oppositional behaviors can be a common part of child development in today's culture of hyper-achievement combined with technology. Child and adolescent behaviors viewed as problematic are frequently communications to those closest to them about a difficulty they are experiencing in their world. I work with children and with families who are struggling to understand their child's academic, behavioral, and emotional struggles.

Erik Kaul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
In my twenty years as a psychotherapist I have been dedicated to helping a diverse population of clients, including: survivors of trauma and abuse; families in conflict; teens and children with social, emotional, or behavior challenges; individuals experiencing stress and frustration related to work or relationships; anxiety; depression; and
ADHD
.
Do you want to create practical solutions for solving problems in you or your family's life? Ambivalent about which therapist to choose? I help struggling teens, children, frustrated parents, and individuals, feel comfortable and at ease using innovative methods and a straightforward style of therapy. My interventions are drawn from evidenced based theories like Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Interested in alternatives to talk therapy? I also offer "walk and talk sessions" outside of the office, play/art therapy, and distance counseling via Zoom or phone.

Ryan Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified
Verified
I have over 9 years of experience working with people dealing with depression,
ADHD
, career and life struggles, family conflicts, grief, focus issues, life transitions, stress, self-esteem, and health related issues.
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.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
& Online
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Jonathan Benko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Support for burnout, healing from trauma, and neurodivergent experience (
ADHD
, autism, bipolar). Rumination-Focused ERP for OCD, panic, or health anxiety. Scheduling based on your preference: short term, ‘one-at-a-time,’ or longer term. I often support service providers experiencing burnout, people suffering from systemic or bureaucratic oppression, and those healing from narcissistic abuse. And I may be a good fit for people with unique problems, prior negative experiences in therapy, or those who feel like their struggles are difficult to fully articulate or address.
Not accepting new clients

Ben Geilhufe
Counselor, LPCC
Verified
Verified
Asking for support is not always easy. Whether you are looking for counseling, for resources, or hoping to book a training, I can support you. My clinical practice serves children, teens, and adults struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, gender identity development and exploration, neurodiversity (ASD and
ADHD
), grief and loss, transitions, and much more.
Waitlist for new clients

Susan Matthews Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Treatment specializations includes:
- Depression, Anxiety
- Grief and Loss
-
ADD
/
ADHD
- Relationship Problems
- Trauma and PTSD
- Work and Career Issues
- Stress Management
- Addiction and Recovery
- Parenting and Family Issues
- Eating disorders and Body Image
- Spiritual Issues and Emergence.
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.

Maura Furness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have extensive experience working with teens and adults on issues related to substance use, chronic anxiety, stress, depression,
ADHD
, family transitions, grief/loss, and overwhelm .
I have a straight forward, strength-based, humanistic approach to working with my clients. I believe you have inherent strengths and transformational healing abilities no matter how much pain or suffering you may experience. My goal is to support you to discover and harness these abilities to access healing, freedom from suffering, and a deeper inner knowing.

Shawn Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CADCII, PCI
Verified
Verified
I believe that compassion and collaboration are key to a therapuetic relationship. Through the identification of each persons strengths and resources we are all capable of navigating life's challenges and it is my role to assist in the identification and effective utilization of these strengths and resources. If you are suffering from with
ADHD
, Depression, Conduct Disorder, Parenting issues, Criminal Behavior, adult and adolescent Bi-polar Disorder, addiction, or the effects of trauma, neglect, and abuse please contact me by text, phone or email at 831-588-7063. I have helped many individuals, couples, and families and perhaps I can help you.

Susan Dominguez
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I specialize in testing and diagnosis of Autism and
ADHD
.
Is your child having behavioral issues that seem more extreme than other children? Does he or she have sensory issues and/or difficulty with transitions? Do you wonder whether you are pushing them too hard, or not hard enough? Do you feel that your child's pediatrician/school or others in his or her life are minimizing your concerns for your child? I have dedicated my career to helping parents fully understand their children's developmental, intellectual, social and academic strengths and weaknesses as well as ruling in or out neurodevelopmental diagnoses, thereby enabling your child to qualify for services the may be entitled to.

Mariann C. Tymn, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
Do you need help to make changes in your life? My main areas of interest & experience include parenting issues, LGBTQ issues, sexual abuse, trauma (childhood & recent), marriage/relationship problems, depression,
ADHD
, & career counseling. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultures, ethnicities, and sexual/gender orientation. My work with you begins by providing a safe and non-judging place for you to talk about your needs. We will work together to help you make positive changes in your life. I am happy to answer any questions about how I work and how therapy might work for you.

Lee Denton
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
As your fellow traveler, I can listen to you, offer some resources, and together we can plan a path forward that will
add
more vitality and meaning to your life.
How much do you know about your emotions? Did you know that learning a “feelings” vocabulary to process your experiences supports emotional regulation? Many of us learn adaptive strategies as children, allowing us to survive in a rigid environment while meeting some of our needs. Later you may find that the strategy that kept you safe in childhood interferes with your capacity for connection as an adult. We can explore the patterns that put distance in your relationships despite your desire to increase intimacy. Whatever your childhood lacked should not predetermine your happiness in adulthood. You deserve to thrive.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
& Online

Dr. Thomas Lucking, PhD
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Autism/Asperger’s,
ADHD
, and digital addiction are specialties in my practice.
Change and growth are hard but regressive change is ultimately harder. My approach to change is integrative: mind, body, spirit, social. My decades of experience enable me to bring objectivity, knowledge, and compassion to our task of uncovering your truth and your path to individual and relational health. As a psychology professor I stay current with new research. I use a diverse set of tools to help you achieve your goals: IFS, CBT, EFT, EMDR, trauma-informed therapy, and Neurofeedback. I am a communications expert who uses powerful tools to implement research-backed processes to help your relationships thrive.
See more therapy options for
ADHD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for ADHD?
You should seek treatment for ADHD if you consistently have difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interferes with your daily life. Symptoms of ADHD include the inability to sustain attention during tasks, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, being easily distracted, frequent fidgeting or squirming, and talking or interrupting excessively. If these symptoms interfere with your career, academics, or relationships—for example, consistently failing to complete professional projects on time—you should seek an evaluation for ADHD.
How does treatment for ADHD work?
Effective treatment for ADHD often consists of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin work by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain; higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are known to improve attention and focus. Therapy works by helping people with ADHD understand the condition, discuss their areas of difficulty, and develop behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms. In some cases, modifying one’s diet and exercise can also help improve symptoms.
Are there specific medications for ADHD?
Medications to treat ADHD are generally stimulants, the most common are Adderall and Ritalin. There are two categories of stimulants: Amphetamines include Adderall, Dyanavel, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates include Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin, Quillichew, Quillivant, and Metadate. Non-stimulants and antidepressants may be used as an alternative if stimulants aren’t effective or viable for a particular patient.
How long does treatment for ADHD take?
It’s tough to give an exact time frame because everyone varies. In terms of medications, stimulants begin to work very soon after you take them, generally within the hour. It may take time to identify the right medication and dosage, but the medication itself is fast-acting. In terms of therapy, it takes time to develop skills and put them into practice, but you will likely see improvements within a few weeks or months.