Anxiety Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
See all therapists in Santa Cruz
Monika Martynska
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have helped people change negative patterns, heal trauma,
anxiety
, depression, and repair relationships.
Congratulations for taking a step towards creating change. Finding a therapist can be challenging and it is important to find one who is right for you. I offer a free introductory session which we use to get to know each other. Clients often come into my office feeling hopeless or nervous, but usually leave feeling more hopeful and relaxed. I love to see people grow and thrive with the support of therapy. My style is warm, empathic, and collaborative. In our work together we draw on your strengths and wisdom and my goal is to empower you to create a more joyful and fulfilling life.
April Kirkhart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified
Verified
We are in the midst of great change, which can bring uncertainty and feelings of
anxiety
. Any grief, life transitions, relational issues,
anxiety
, depression or old patterns you were already dealing with, may feel compounded by the current climate. Therapy can help you stay connected and gain much needed support and perspective. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW no. 104585), and bring a strengths-based and person-centered approach to my clients. I'm accepting new clients on private pay basis.
Lisa Navarra
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I provide individual therapy to treat
anxiety
, depression, gender dysphoria and low self-esteem.
**PLEASE READ: PRIVATE PAY only and no insurances or superbills. Sliding scale waitlist for gender diverse folx** Hi there, I'm Lisa - my pronouns are they/them. I believe you have everything you need inside of you; I support you seeing this. I'm a coach and therapist. I've been a mental health worker for over six years in adult residential center, school-based, and community-based, as a behavior coach, and individual/family therapist. My approach is warm, direct, strengths- and mindfulness-based. I work primarily with teens and young adults, which may also include family. My work is neurodiversity affirming and LGTBQIA+ affirming.
Elizabeth A. Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I enjoy working with people navigating grief, depression,
anxiety
, and stress related to life transitions.
I work with adults and children providing psychotherapy to folks who are curious about the growth potential within this realm of treatment. If you are interested in exploring the curative elements of this work, I hope to generate positive change and wellness with you. I have a master's in psychology from CIIS in San Francisco, CA, and am a Fellowship Year Graduate from the Palo Alto Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy Training Program. I am now in their Two-Year certificate Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program at Stanford University.
Micheen Levee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Sometimes in an effort to manage painful experiences in life, we end up getting stuck in roles and patterns that do not serve us. Sometimes we don't know where to start, but we know we want something else. I will listen with curiosity and compassion and offer support in your journey to understand what serves you now. I can help with
anxiety
, depression, history of abuse, lack of motivation and self-destructive habits among other issues. I have a strong interest in healing the effects of trauma so clients can increase their sense of empowerment in the world.
Bethany Sala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have a holistic treatment approach based on my training in yoga, meditation, attachment theory, somatic experiencing, sandplay, EMDR, parts work/IFS, and Jungian psychology. I specialize in working with couples, adults, and children 10 and older. I work with people looking to deepen their emotional connection and live an authentic life. I specialize in working with highly sensitive neuro-types, pre/postnatal mental health concerns,
anxiety
, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and disordered eating/body image concerns.
Lauren Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
You are uncomfortable - Something is bothering you. You need resolution about an issue, event, experience or relationship. I work in a collaborative/relational model with people who have had experiences that they have not fully integrated yet. I use talk therapy, imagery, metaphor, hypnosis, EMDR, Positive Psychology, and Sensorimotor. Often clients report being disinterested in a formerly distressing topic after treatment. I'm comfortable working many types of issues including trauma, PTSD, ACA, sexual abuse,
panic
attacks or phobias,
anxiety
or depression, losses or relationship breakups, people with mysterious physical ailments.
Erin Elizabeth Wilkie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFTI
Verified
Verified
If you are dealing with depression,
anxiety
, medical stressors or any related frustrations, I am here to support YOU in working through the daily struggles that come your way. It isn't an easy journey and many in your life may not understand how to help you. I will give you the support and understanding that you are looking for.
Riitta de Los Santos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I help adults who struggle with complex trauma (personal or intergenerational),
anxiety
, or depression, to heal emotional wounds, transform self-defeating patterns into positive actions, and attain a sense of control, connection, and harmony. We will go beyond quick fixes and explore parts of you that carry burdens from the past, get to know them, and learn to understand how they developed and why, so they can be healed.
Amy Schmidt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I help people with a variety of issues including depression,
anxiety
, trauma, relationship issues, lack of purpose or meaning, addiction &/or alcoholism and many other challenges. I use my knowledge and experience combined with empathy and compassion to support your therapeutic journey. I want to help you better understand yourself, develop coping skills for improved daily living and healthier relationships, and achieve a greater sense of inner peace. I use holistic techniques and client-centered therapy to support you in finding self-awareness, self-compassion, and balance, all of which are keys to the growth and healing process.
Darrin Gene Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I offer a variety of evidence-based tools to help you through your problems, tools that will help curb the negative thinking that causes depression,
anxiety
, and insomnia.
Life can be overwhelming. It can feel like you’re slowly sinking into an ocean of worries and despair. You just want to catch your breath. It can keep you awake at night, or make you not want to get out of bed. I’m here to provide a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship so you can find relief from your struggles.
Not accepting new clients
Jolene Odile Jensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
I am open to many issues, though have a particular passion and knowledge base with the following: those trying to come into their sexual/gender identity, life transitions, trauma, self esteem, parenting, depression,
anxiety
, relationship discord, infertility.
Hi. My name is Jolene Jensen. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Santa Cruz, CA. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health profession, serving a diverse range of clients.
Malinda Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in treatment for eating disorders, mood (irritability/anger),
anxiety
and depression.
The most important person in the therapy session is you. The most mysterious person in the therapy session is you. And the most powerful insight will eventually come from you. You may feel stuck, angry, lonely, confused, hopeless or numb. Maybe you feel too much? Perhaps you're losing hours on tik tok or porn sites? you dissociate, sleep too much; can't sleep. It's okay to reach out. Everyone wants connection, everyone needs connection. Therapy can help you find ways to connect.
Not accepting new clients
Anica Leon-Weil
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have experience working with folks across the lifespan and have particular interest in regards to relational issues including polyamory/open relationships, work stress, self esteem, boundary setting, life transitions, sexuality, substance use, trauma, depression,
anxiety
, & perinatal/postpartum.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here and appreciate that you’ve taken the first step towards finding support. I believe we all have the capacity to experience satisfaction, fulfillment, and joy in our lives by exploring the barriers to these things, learning new ways of self understanding, and developing coping skills for the challenges we face. I use a holistic and varied approach drawing from many modalities including CBT, Mindfulness, Solution Focused, Attachment Theory, and many more, along with a backdrop of trauma focused, racial and social justice informed, compassionate, and self determination based care.
Vanessa U Segovia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
My current work focuses on Individuals, Couples, Families, Groups, Active and Retired First Responders and Military facing Crisis Situations, Relationship Issues, Trauma and Stress,
Anxiety
, Depression, Personal Growth and Self Exploration, Severe Mental Illness, Dual Diagnosis, Addiction & Recovery. I utilize approaches including but not limited to CBT, Systems, Somatic and other models. While I will use pieces from the above mentioned models and theories each individual client will require a different mix of psychotherapy approaches. Individual treatment plans and various interventions will be used to assist each specific client.
Tierney Long
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I provide a calm, non-judgmental, supportive space to help clients process depression,
anxiety
, grief, trauma, stress, separation and difficult life transitions.
I offer nature walk therapy and online therapy to teens and adults. For in person therapy, rather than sitting in an office we meet at a local hiking trail or beach and walk during our session. Being immersed in nature and moving the body while talking provides many additional benefits to the therapeutic process. I utilize effective therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal and Family Therapy in my sessions. I am especially passionate about helping young adults navigate through difficult transitions and emotions.
Shira Stone
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have thirty years experience helping people who are suffering from depression,
anxiety
, trauma, PTSD, relationship conflict, stress, and many other issues that take away from quality of life. My approach goes beyond plain talk therapy. My goal is to help you release old wounds, connect with your true inner self, and find your power. Whether you are completely new to therapy or have had many therapists and are discouraged with a lack of results, I am dedicated to listening and finding the right approach for you, the unique human that you are. I want to empower you to achieve your goals and live the fulfilling life that you deserve.
Share Holland
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, LPC, LCMHC
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
Are you are unhappy with aspects of your life, struggling to break free from old patterns, and unable to move forward? My approach is collaborative, supportive, non-judgmental, and based on your unique needs. I work with a wide array of concerns including:
anxiety
and depression; relationships; self-judgment; loss and grief; addiction and compulsive behaviors; trauma; spirituality; and purpose. I am also certified in Synergetic Play Therapy for children (ages 4-13), and I have helped many clients recover from an eating disorder by offering a unique and intuitive approach that allows clients to reconnect to their internal wisdom.
E. Arlyn Osborne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, #109608
Verified
Verified
I am also experienced working with
anxiety
, depression, life transitions, grief, aging, maintaining recovery, parenting, LGBTQ+ concerns, attachment, and relationships, among other issues and concerns.
I believe the brain constantly seeks healing and balance. In my experience, no matter what happens to a person, the deepest parts of oneself hold wisdom and strengths. Once we accept, appreciate, and access more of what’s inside of us, we can grow into the life we want and into our unique selves. I work from a client-centered, culturally competent, and strengths-based perspective. I meet you where you are; we identify your needs, perspectives, wisdom, and strengths, and collaborate on the goals you set for therapy. I provide a non-judgmental therapeutic space
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.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Anxiety Therapists
What are the most common treatments for anxiety?
Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.
How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?
The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.
When should I seek treatment for anxiety?
Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.
How effective is treatment for anxiety?
Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.