Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Amara Santos
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We are relational beings; it is in relation to others that we experience our wounding and our healing. The quality of our relationships across the lifespan shapes our experiences and influence our story, beginning with our family of origin, followed by friends and partners, along with cultural and societal constructs. How we make sense of our experiences impacts the way we move through the world, our perception of self and other, how we feel in our body, and how we become activated.
We are relational beings; it is in relation to others that we experience our wounding and our healing. The quality of our relationships across the lifespan shapes our experiences and influence our story, beginning with our family of origin, followed by friends and partners, along with cultural and societal constructs. How we make sense of our experiences impacts the way we move through the world, our perception of self and other, how we feel in our body, and how we become activated.
Jeannie Hofstetter
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
There comes a time for many of us when we need to seek additional help, even if we have a strong, loving support network. Therapy is different than other types of support. It is goal-directed, and aimed toward self-discovery and accessing your own internal abilities. It is a collaboration between you, the expert on yourself, and a skilled therapist who can assist you in navigating through difficult situations and healing painful parts of yourself. I have significant expertise in treating individuals with infertility and associated treatments; depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship/marriage challenges (including infidelity).
There comes a time for many of us when we need to seek additional help, even if we have a strong, loving support network. Therapy is different than other types of support. It is goal-directed, and aimed toward self-discovery and accessing your own internal abilities. It is a collaboration between you, the expert on yourself, and a skilled therapist who can assist you in navigating through difficult situations and healing painful parts of yourself. I have significant expertise in treating individuals with infertility and associated treatments; depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship/marriage challenges (including infidelity).
Harper Cheaney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MAEd, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
My primary goal is to create a safe, open, judgment free environment. It is my belief that people at every age are the experts of their experiences and have the answers they seek already within themselves. I work with you to uncover your unique truth, while helping you gain tools to more wholly experience your daily life.
My primary goal is to create a safe, open, judgment free environment. It is my belief that people at every age are the experts of their experiences and have the answers they seek already within themselves. I work with you to uncover your unique truth, while helping you gain tools to more wholly experience your daily life.
HH & Co.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
HH & Co. is a therapy practice with EMDR available, located in Santa Cruz, CA. We believe that growth and sustained change happens when people experience genuineness (openness, self-disclosure), acceptance (being seen with unconditional positive regard), and empathy (being listened to and understood). Holly is a general practitioner who treats people, not problems, so we encourage you to come just as you are. Together, we will work to define your goals, identify thoughts and behaviors that may may hinder the achievement of these goals, track progress, and tap into your inner strength and resilience.
HH & Co. is a therapy practice with EMDR available, located in Santa Cruz, CA. We believe that growth and sustained change happens when people experience genuineness (openness, self-disclosure), acceptance (being seen with unconditional positive regard), and empathy (being listened to and understood). Holly is a general practitioner who treats people, not problems, so we encourage you to come just as you are. Together, we will work to define your goals, identify thoughts and behaviors that may may hinder the achievement of these goals, track progress, and tap into your inner strength and resilience.
Lauren Reppy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I provide support for new or expecting mothers and partners, couples, individuals struggling with body image and disordered eating, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, and women's issues. I do this work because I believe that it is every human being's right and potential to live a fulfilled and healthy life, and often, we just need to feel safe, seen, and heard in order to find our way there. If you are ready to experience relief, cultivate new tools that support your healing and growth, and claim your vitality and purpose, I am here to partner with you on your journey.
I provide support for new or expecting mothers and partners, couples, individuals struggling with body image and disordered eating, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, and women's issues. I do this work because I believe that it is every human being's right and potential to live a fulfilled and healthy life, and often, we just need to feel safe, seen, and heard in order to find our way there. If you are ready to experience relief, cultivate new tools that support your healing and growth, and claim your vitality and purpose, I am here to partner with you on your journey.
Bree Gwinner
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Now onboarding new clients in-person - I believe you have the ability to resolve anything and to do so you must consider looking inward first. I believe that your natural state of being is blissful and free of suffering and I am here to support you in remembering that state. I work well with those looking to expand their awareness through self inquiry with the ultimate goal of living their most authentic and empowered life.
Now onboarding new clients in-person - I believe you have the ability to resolve anything and to do so you must consider looking inward first. I believe that your natural state of being is blissful and free of suffering and I am here to support you in remembering that state. I work well with those looking to expand their awareness through self inquiry with the ultimate goal of living their most authentic and empowered life.
Louisa Squires
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Feeling STUCK? I'd like to help. Maybe you're struggling with an important relationship, tired of feeling stressed or depressed all the time, wondering why a past trauma keeps haunting you or why you continue to do those things that keep you from being the person you want to be. My clients are teens and adults who are seeking greater satisfaction and meaning in their lives. People see me for different reasons--healing, growth, life transitions, clarity. Whatever the problem that brings you to therapy, you'll find my office to be a safe, supportive and accepting space, a sanctuary.
Feeling STUCK? I'd like to help. Maybe you're struggling with an important relationship, tired of feeling stressed or depressed all the time, wondering why a past trauma keeps haunting you or why you continue to do those things that keep you from being the person you want to be. My clients are teens and adults who are seeking greater satisfaction and meaning in their lives. People see me for different reasons--healing, growth, life transitions, clarity. Whatever the problem that brings you to therapy, you'll find my office to be a safe, supportive and accepting space, a sanctuary.
Celena Allison
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Waitlist for new clients
Perhaps you are feeling stuck, trapped or anxious. Maybe you believe you don't measure up to what you assume others expect of you or what you expect of yourself. These feelings and beliefs frequently indicate aspects in your life rooted in early life trauma that are trying to get your attention, but can feel intolerable and unbearable at times. Growing the ability to connect with the many parts and experiences of your life in a new way could be key. Learning to relate with compassion to the beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and concerns that arise can be an invitation for new understanding, meaning, and creativity.
Perhaps you are feeling stuck, trapped or anxious. Maybe you believe you don't measure up to what you assume others expect of you or what you expect of yourself. These feelings and beliefs frequently indicate aspects in your life rooted in early life trauma that are trying to get your attention, but can feel intolerable and unbearable at times. Growing the ability to connect with the many parts and experiences of your life in a new way could be key. Learning to relate with compassion to the beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and concerns that arise can be an invitation for new understanding, meaning, and creativity.
Rachel Jordana Horodezky
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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. I also offer tele-health sessions and movement workshops. Please message me or check out my website to find out more. www.centerforembodimentmedicine.com
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. I also offer tele-health sessions and movement workshops. Please message me or check out my website to find out more. www.centerforembodimentmedicine.com
Sequoia Prindle - Neurodiversity Affirming Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Please note: emailing me via Psychology Today is preferred to calling, thank you! I know it's exhausting to live in a world that asks us to mask our true identities, needs, and the most unique and beautiful parts of ourselves. We all deserve to have a safe space where we can explore the masks that we wear and the selves beneath them. I have lived experience with neurodivergence, dissociation, polyamory, and am queer and nonbinary, so I understand how valuable it is to have a therapist who understands intersectional experiences and can provide a space for non-judgmental authenticity in healing.
Please note: emailing me via Psychology Today is preferred to calling, thank you! I know it's exhausting to live in a world that asks us to mask our true identities, needs, and the most unique and beautiful parts of ourselves. We all deserve to have a safe space where we can explore the masks that we wear and the selves beneath them. I have lived experience with neurodivergence, dissociation, polyamory, and am queer and nonbinary, so I understand how valuable it is to have a therapist who understands intersectional experiences and can provide a space for non-judgmental authenticity in healing.
Cari Browning
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RN, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, I’m Cari and I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, and trauma.. I believe everyone has the skills and capabilities to get through life's challenges and I'm here to help you discover and use those strengths. Drawing from my background in nursing and therapy, I offer a unique scientific approach that provides practical strategies for building a better life. My practice is a place where you will be supported, valued, and understood. All are welcome!
Hello, I’m Cari and I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, and trauma.. I believe everyone has the skills and capabilities to get through life's challenges and I'm here to help you discover and use those strengths. Drawing from my background in nursing and therapy, I offer a unique scientific approach that provides practical strategies for building a better life. My practice is a place where you will be supported, valued, and understood. All are welcome!
15 Second Videos
Tim Desmond
Elio Scudieri
Eileen Retzloff
Bianca Filion
Rena Bonesio
Bridges Therapy Group of California
Darrin Gene Scott
Michelle L Bakalarski
Lisa DiBello
J. Sarah MacEwan
Karin Leonard
Dennis Patton Couples Counseling
Cas Chamberlain
Rory Valentine Diller
Inner Calm Therapy Center
Jessica Reynolds
Molly Pearl
Sebastian Beca
Liza Smith
Kirsten Juel
Annette Barnett
Bethany Sala
Jeremy Lansing
Barbara Lutz
Lisa Black
Katy Wann
G. Katie Dashtban
Silvi Integrative Health
Kerena Saltzman
Thistle Hofvendahl
Dana Ingersoll
Karen Nelsen
Hannah Fisher
Self Discovery Jungian Psychotherapy
Elisabeth Powell
Imuri Pacheco
Dr. Thomas Lucking, PhD
Amanda Cortez
Roots of Resilience Therapy, Chelsea Moyer
Liz Vines
Chiara V. Cabiglio
Ivan W Foote
Lacy Elizabeth Warne
Shelley Dukes
Patricia S Dolan
Janet Huh
Joshua Lowe
Ellen Garfield, LMFT. Specializing in EMDR
Suzanne Lerner
Jen Sims
Melissa Lehrich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hello, my name is Melissa Lehrich, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have an admiration for those who seek to heal and create a more meaningful life, My focus is to help individuals find peace in themselves and become aware of their inner strengths. We will work together to help you grow from your struggles, increase your quality of life and move forward to where you would like to be. My treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
Hello, my name is Melissa Lehrich, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have an admiration for those who seek to heal and create a more meaningful life, My focus is to help individuals find peace in themselves and become aware of their inner strengths. We will work together to help you grow from your struggles, increase your quality of life and move forward to where you would like to be. My treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
Kelly Jo Sumner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We all possess the innate potential for healing and transformation. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to address personal, relational, or mental health concerns and provides valuable support in your journey towards greater wellbeing. I support individuals, couples, and families in cultivating personal insight and growth, and strengthening their relationships. I believe that genuineness, empathy, and collaboration are cornerstones of successful therapy and provide a welcoming and inclusive space where you feel comfortable bringing your whole self.
We all possess the innate potential for healing and transformation. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to address personal, relational, or mental health concerns and provides valuable support in your journey towards greater wellbeing. I support individuals, couples, and families in cultivating personal insight and growth, and strengthening their relationships. I believe that genuineness, empathy, and collaboration are cornerstones of successful therapy and provide a welcoming and inclusive space where you feel comfortable bringing your whole self.
Maura Furness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
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.
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.
Heidi Poteet Marini
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, , LMFT, ALPCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Life can be hard but I'm guessing you already knew that. All the hard stuff can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad. Sometimes life's challenges become too difficult to overcome alone. Finding a safe and collaborative place to explore and address what is troubling you is the first step toward healing. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or challenges within a relationship. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience in therapy, research shows that therapy helps people. It works. Psychotherapy can elevate feelings of self worth, purpose, and improve your overall quality of life.
Life can be hard but I'm guessing you already knew that. All the hard stuff can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad. Sometimes life's challenges become too difficult to overcome alone. Finding a safe and collaborative place to explore and address what is troubling you is the first step toward healing. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or challenges within a relationship. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience in therapy, research shows that therapy helps people. It works. Psychotherapy can elevate feelings of self worth, purpose, and improve your overall quality of life.
Erin Williams-McNish
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified 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.
Kelsey Jane Atwood
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Navigating adolescence and young adulthood can be an exciting yet challenging journey. I’m a therapist who is passionate about supporting teens and young adults as they move through these pivotal years with confidence and resilience. Young people today face many unique pressures including academic stress, peer relationships, family conflicts, and identity challenges. Together, we'll explore your experiences, process difficult emotions, and develop coping skills to manage a range of life's challenges. Although I specialize in working with teens, I enjoy working with people across the lifespan.
Navigating adolescence and young adulthood can be an exciting yet challenging journey. I’m a therapist who is passionate about supporting teens and young adults as they move through these pivotal years with confidence and resilience. Young people today face many unique pressures including academic stress, peer relationships, family conflicts, and identity challenges. Together, we'll explore your experiences, process difficult emotions, and develop coping skills to manage a range of life's challenges. Although I specialize in working with teens, I enjoy working with people across the lifespan.
Tim Desmond
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified 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
Leilani Jefferies
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We are taught to constantly go, but sometimes we need to stop, look inside, and find what's keeping us from moving forward. I offer a safe container to do this. You have the knowledge within to choose the right path. It's my job to walk with you, lighting the way. Containment and clarity: this is what I can offer to you as my client. I offer therapy in English/Spanish to individuals, couples, and families. I have advanced training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also offer parenting support.
We are taught to constantly go, but sometimes we need to stop, look inside, and find what's keeping us from moving forward. I offer a safe container to do this. You have the knowledge within to choose the right path. It's my job to walk with you, lighting the way. Containment and clarity: this is what I can offer to you as my client. I offer therapy in English/Spanish to individuals, couples, and families. I have advanced training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also offer parenting support.
Breann Sampson
RN
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Everything you desire to accomplish, become and embody in your one precious life is available to you right now, but not as the version of who you currently are today. The version of you today is an accumulation of your life experiences, your beliefs about yourself, the stories you abide by and familiar programming from your family, culture, and the greater society. I support my clients in becoming more attuned to their inner landscape, more aware of where and why they are getting stuck in repeating the same behaviors and patterns so they can make everlasting change to becoming the version they desire.
Everything you desire to accomplish, become and embody in your one precious life is available to you right now, but not as the version of who you currently are today. The version of you today is an accumulation of your life experiences, your beliefs about yourself, the stories you abide by and familiar programming from your family, culture, and the greater society. I support my clients in becoming more attuned to their inner landscape, more aware of where and why they are getting stuck in repeating the same behaviors and patterns so they can make everlasting change to becoming the version they desire.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Nearby Searches for Santa Cruz
- Aptos
- Ben Lomond
- Boulder Creek
- Campbell
- Capitola
- Felton
- Los Gatos
- Monte Sereno
- Saratoga
- Scotts Valley
- Soquel
- Watsonville
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
600+
Average cost per session
$170
Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
81% | Relationship Issues |
79% | Self Esteem |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
72% | Stress |
69% | Grief |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
44% | Aetna |
42% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
40% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA see their clients
76% | In Person and Online | |
24% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
17% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
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 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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
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.
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.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.