Therapists for Teens in Santa Cruz, CA
Shawn Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CADCII, PCI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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.
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.
Hannah Fisher
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
If you are a teen or young adult in need of guidance and support, let us talk about how to empower you on your mental health journey.
Partnering with teens, adolescents, and young adults on their mental health journey, I will create a safe space for my clients and to walk through the challenges they identify. Trust, privacy, safety, and security ensure strong therapeutic relationships; these are my values as a therapist. I am committed to honoring clients' authenticity and willingness to share their stories.
If you are a teen or young adult in need of guidance and support, let us talk about how to empower you on your mental health journey.
Partnering with teens, adolescents, and young adults on their mental health journey, I will create a safe space for my clients and to walk through the challenges they identify. Trust, privacy, safety, and security ensure strong therapeutic relationships; these are my values as a therapist. I am committed to honoring clients' authenticity and willingness to share their stories.
Katelyn Cleveland
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, change, or your self-esteem? Do you often feel misunderstood or rejected by others? Is feeling withdrawn or upset a common experience in your life? Or maybe your child/ teen holds these struggles. I serve those who deserve a fulfilling life but can’t seem to figure out how to reach it on their own. I specialize in aiding those who feel like they don't fit into this world, highly sensitive humans, and those who cannot seem to find their footing due to chronic stress and loss. It is my truest honor to help teens and adults find their inner resilience when all feels hopeless.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, change, or your self-esteem? Do you often feel misunderstood or rejected by others? Is feeling withdrawn or upset a common experience in your life? Or maybe your child/ teen holds these struggles. I serve those who deserve a fulfilling life but can’t seem to figure out how to reach it on their own. I specialize in aiding those who feel like they don't fit into this world, highly sensitive humans, and those who cannot seem to find their footing due to chronic stress and loss. It is my truest honor to help teens and adults find their inner resilience when all feels hopeless.
Starting therapy can feel exciting and intimidating—especially when trying to find the right fit for yourself, your child/ teen, or your family. As part of Santa Cruz Therapy Collective, my heartfelt intent is to uplift people to find peace, compassion, & deep connection in life. Imagine breaking free from repetitive, scary, or hurtful thoughts & feelings; feeling secure & supported even on hard days; knowing you're capable, worthy, & connected to love. If you or your child struggle with isolation, hopelessness, worry, unworthiness, people pleasing, or feeling "out of control" or “stuck”, I would love to support you to thrive.
Starting therapy can feel exciting and intimidating—especially when trying to find the right fit for yourself, your child/ teen, or your family. As part of Santa Cruz Therapy Collective, my heartfelt intent is to uplift people to find peace, compassion, & deep connection in life. Imagine breaking free from repetitive, scary, or hurtful thoughts & feelings; feeling secure & supported even on hard days; knowing you're capable, worthy, & connected to love. If you or your child struggle with isolation, hopelessness, worry, unworthiness, people pleasing, or feeling "out of control" or “stuck”, I would love to support you to thrive.
Sometimes life throws us situations we never imagined for ourselves. The death of a parent, spouse, or best friend. Frequent calls from your child’s teacher about their “bad behavior." A surprise announcement from your teen that they’re not comfortable in the gender you always thought they were. You’re not alone, and you or your child don’t have to go through these experiences alone, either. Together, we’ll find ways to cope with the days where it feels too hard to get out of bed, to explore what feelings are coming up when you’re crying alone in the shower, or to come up with strategies to see the “good” in your child.
Sometimes life throws us situations we never imagined for ourselves. The death of a parent, spouse, or best friend. Frequent calls from your child’s teacher about their “bad behavior." A surprise announcement from your teen that they’re not comfortable in the gender you always thought they were. You’re not alone, and you or your child don’t have to go through these experiences alone, either. Together, we’ll find ways to cope with the days where it feels too hard to get out of bed, to explore what feelings are coming up when you’re crying alone in the shower, or to come up with strategies to see the “good” in your child.
Margaret De Lara
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/ Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/ Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Specialties include childhood & adolescent development, cultural identity formation, attachment, anxiety, & Queer inclusive sexual health, rematriation and decolonial approaches.
Hola! My name is Maya Sol. I am a Xicana activist, dancer, educator, therapist, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated towards raising awareness, political consciousness and empowering our community. I am dedicated towards increasing culturally grounded and decolonial mental health access in California and Colorado with an emphasis on Spanish-speaking & BIPOC communities. I am proud to have a long history in addressing disparities within the community with an intersectional lens and inclusion for LGBTQ2 and Communities of Color.
Specialties include childhood & adolescent development, cultural identity formation, attachment, anxiety, & Queer inclusive sexual health, rematriation and decolonial approaches.
Hola! My name is Maya Sol. I am a Xicana activist, dancer, educator, therapist, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated towards raising awareness, political consciousness and empowering our community. I am dedicated towards increasing culturally grounded and decolonial mental health access in California and Colorado with an emphasis on Spanish-speaking & BIPOC communities. I am proud to have a long history in addressing disparities within the community with an intersectional lens and inclusion for LGBTQ2 and Communities of Color.
Chiara V. Cabiglio
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (Online Only)
Are you an adolescent who feels crippled by anxiety and depression? Or a couple who feels trapped in a cycle of distrust, blame, and feeling unheard, unseen, or misunderstood by your partner? Or maybe you are an adult living with chronic illness and trauma and feel hopeless that you’ll ever truly heal and live your life free of invisible disability? I’ve been where you are and know what it’s like to feel stuck, afraid, lost and alone. Seeking therapy is the beginning of you blooming into a lotus flower and rising from the ashes. You have the answers within you and the capacity to heal. I'm a transpersonal therapist here to walk
Are you an adolescent who feels crippled by anxiety and depression? Or a couple who feels trapped in a cycle of distrust, blame, and feeling unheard, unseen, or misunderstood by your partner? Or maybe you are an adult living with chronic illness and trauma and feel hopeless that you’ll ever truly heal and live your life free of invisible disability? I’ve been where you are and know what it’s like to feel stuck, afraid, lost and alone. Seeking therapy is the beginning of you blooming into a lotus flower and rising from the ashes. You have the answers within you and the capacity to heal. I'm a transpersonal therapist here to walk
Are you seeking counseling for you, your teen, or your family? Considering divorce or developing your will or trust & need support? My name is Keith Britany, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Private practice offices in Los Gatos & Santa Cruz, CA. My goal is assisting you in identifying your strengths, needs & concerns and find ways to use those strengths to build a better outcome for you and those in your life. Keith Britany LMFT, Helping Individuals and Families Live Healthier Lives. Services include: Therapy, Mediation, Collaborative Trusts and Estates, Collaborative Divorce & Communication Coaching. 831-566-3728, www.therapy-and-coaching.com
Are you seeking counseling for you, your teen, or your family? Considering divorce or developing your will or trust & need support? My name is Keith Britany, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Private practice offices in Los Gatos & Santa Cruz, CA. My goal is assisting you in identifying your strengths, needs & concerns and find ways to use those strengths to build a better outcome for you and those in your life. Keith Britany LMFT, Helping Individuals and Families Live Healthier Lives. Services include: Therapy, Mediation, Collaborative Trusts and Estates, Collaborative Divorce & Communication Coaching. 831-566-3728, www.therapy-and-coaching.com
Jennifer Wallace Canobbio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
If you find yourself experiencing worry or conflict in your life or are a parent of a child or teen who is struggling, I may be able to help.
If you find yourself experiencing worry or conflict in your life or are a parent of a child or teen who is struggling, I may be able to help.
We can experience deep healing as a child, adolescent, and adult.
I am a deep heart healer. Clients come to me to support in clearing and transforming the parts of them which are deeply wounded. I work with clients from an intuitive and trauma-informed perspective. My work extends beyond the mental and emotional into the energetic and spiritual realms. I believe we all carry trauma whether it is collective, individual, or ancestral.
We can experience deep healing as a child, adolescent, and adult.
I am a deep heart healer. Clients come to me to support in clearing and transforming the parts of them which are deeply wounded. I work with clients from an intuitive and trauma-informed perspective. My work extends beyond the mental and emotional into the energetic and spiritual realms. I believe we all carry trauma whether it is collective, individual, or ancestral.
15 Second Videos
Hannah Fisher
Chiara V. Cabiglio
Angelina Nader
Eileen Retzloff
Kirsten Juel
Sonya Ekstrom
Jasmeen Miah
LifeCoach/Shamanic Practioner;Animal Communicator
Thistle Hofvendahl
Lisa Black
Karen Nelsen
J. Sarah MacEwan
Darrin Gene Scott
Luann Peitz
Hart Fae
Dana Ingersoll
Rena Bonesio
Tim Desmond
Bridgette Payne
Bethany Sala
Bianca Filion
Amber Thuston
G. Katie Dashtban
Molly Pearl
Self Discovery Jungian Psychotherapy
Jonathan Benko
Anya Bates
Barbara Lutz
Rory Valentine Diller
Karin Leonard
Kristie Bell Holistic Psychotherapy
Ivan W Foote
Amanda Cortez
Spiral Process Therapy
Roots of Resilience Therapy, Chelsea Moyer
Liz Vines
Imuri Pacheco
Dr. Thomas Lucking, PhD
Katy Wann
Lacy Elizabeth Warne
Joshua Lowe
Janet Huh
Ellen Garfield, LMFT. Specializing in EMDR
Heaven Sent Counseling Jennifer McKay
Jen Sims
Amanda Turull
Ella Danielle Marie Lauser
Couples Therapist Anisha Mistry
Ashley Youngblood
Samantha Rasmusen
I work with individual adult and adolescent clients to heal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, addictions, body image issues, somatic pain or illness, suicidal ideation, parent- child related difficulties, and attachment-based wounding. Through the lens of Internal Family Systems, a non-pathologizing approach to healing trauma, I help clients to align with their internal resource for healing, get to know the true meaning of their symptoms, and unburden the pain they carry. Clients report feeling greater connectedness, expanded perspective on their lives and compassion for themselves and others around them following treatment.
I work with individual adult and adolescent clients to heal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, addictions, body image issues, somatic pain or illness, suicidal ideation, parent- child related difficulties, and attachment-based wounding. Through the lens of Internal Family Systems, a non-pathologizing approach to healing trauma, I help clients to align with their internal resource for healing, get to know the true meaning of their symptoms, and unburden the pain they carry. Clients report feeling greater connectedness, expanded perspective on their lives and compassion for themselves and others around them following treatment.
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.
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.
Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Psychologist, PhD, MEd, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Caring for a child or teen struggling with their mental health is a terrifying and isolating experience.
If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for mental health treatment for your child or teen, we’re here to help. The CCAMH Treatment Center specializes in evidence-based treatments that have been extensively researched and shown to be effective. We will do a full assessment and evaluation to determine the best treatment to address the young person's specific condition. We use evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders and OCD, depression and mood disorders, attention deficit and behavior disorders and trauma. We work with the entire family and provide support and tools for parents including monthly virtual parent-drop in groups.
Caring for a child or teen struggling with their mental health is a terrifying and isolating experience.
If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for mental health treatment for your child or teen, we’re here to help. The CCAMH Treatment Center specializes in evidence-based treatments that have been extensively researched and shown to be effective. We will do a full assessment and evaluation to determine the best treatment to address the young person's specific condition. We use evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders and OCD, depression and mood disorders, attention deficit and behavior disorders and trauma. We work with the entire family and provide support and tools for parents including monthly virtual parent-drop in groups.
Hello my name is Yoselin Ortiz-Luna, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked with children, teen, adults and families. I've helped clients experiencing depression, anxiety, anger and behavioral issues, oppositional defiance, family conflict, life transitions, parenting, self-esteem and women's issues. Psychotherapy is a process in which a therapist and client can explore many areas of life, with the purpose of working towards positive change. I provide a strength-based, interculturally competent, and person centered approach using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution focused and attachment based therapy.
Hello my name is Yoselin Ortiz-Luna, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked with children, teen, adults and families. I've helped clients experiencing depression, anxiety, anger and behavioral issues, oppositional defiance, family conflict, life transitions, parenting, self-esteem and women's issues. Psychotherapy is a process in which a therapist and client can explore many areas of life, with the purpose of working towards positive change. I provide a strength-based, interculturally competent, and person centered approach using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution focused and attachment based therapy.
Jenna E Wolfson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, C-PAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
For the last 20 years my clinical training and experience has been focused on family system dynamics, child development, teen and adult substance use, and improving healthy communication.
The work you and I will do together is focused on your goals and needs and capitalizes on your strengths. My assessment process takes into account the biological, psychological, social, emotional, spiritual, and cultural aspects of your life. Once that assessment is completed, you and I will explore the issues and needs that you are trying to manage by utilizing a "motivational interviewing" approach. We then work to discover the maladaptive behaviors and coping mechanisms; and explore healthy, productive, and strengths-based strategies for getting these needs met.
For the last 20 years my clinical training and experience has been focused on family system dynamics, child development, teen and adult substance use, and improving healthy communication.
The work you and I will do together is focused on your goals and needs and capitalizes on your strengths. My assessment process takes into account the biological, psychological, social, emotional, spiritual, and cultural aspects of your life. Once that assessment is completed, you and I will explore the issues and needs that you are trying to manage by utilizing a "motivational interviewing" approach. We then work to discover the maladaptive behaviors and coping mechanisms; and explore healthy, productive, and strengths-based strategies for getting these needs met.
Angelina Nader
Art Therapist, MA, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Have you recently experienced a traumatic loss and are feeling lost and overwhelmed with grief? Are you in the midst of a major life transition with your career or relationship? Perhaps you are an artist experiencing a creative block? Art Therapy may be the answer for your or your teen. As an Art Therapist, I specialize in guiding clients through grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and blocks in creativity and self exploration. I help my clients to harness the power of creativity to deepen emotional exploration and uncover feelings that may be challenging to otherwise articulate with words.
Have you recently experienced a traumatic loss and are feeling lost and overwhelmed with grief? Are you in the midst of a major life transition with your career or relationship? Perhaps you are an artist experiencing a creative block? Art Therapy may be the answer for your or your teen. As an Art Therapist, I specialize in guiding clients through grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and blocks in creativity and self exploration. I help my clients to harness the power of creativity to deepen emotional exploration and uncover feelings that may be challenging to otherwise articulate with words.
Dr. Lori Butterworth
Psychological Associate, PsyD, MEd, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Parenting a child or teen with mental illness or emotional challenges can be a terrifying and isolating experience.
If you’re a parent looking for mental health support for your child or teen, I'm here to help. My experience with youth mental health has spanned three decades. As a former high school teacher, founder of Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer, the Children's Hospice Coalition, and the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, I have worked with hundreds of youth and families. I use evidence-based, family-centered care and specialize in youth-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Parenting a child or teen with mental illness or emotional challenges can be a terrifying and isolating experience.
If you’re a parent looking for mental health support for your child or teen, I'm here to help. My experience with youth mental health has spanned three decades. As a former high school teacher, founder of Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer, the Children's Hospice Coalition, and the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, I have worked with hundreds of youth and families. I use evidence-based, family-centered care and specialize in youth-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
With deep listening, together we will collaborate to identify your unique therapy goals. Coming into connection with distressing symptoms, making meaning of parts of yourself and your life brings forward opportunity for growth and transformation. Individual adult clients and adolescent clients, couples and families are all welcome.
With deep listening, together we will collaborate to identify your unique therapy goals. Coming into connection with distressing symptoms, making meaning of parts of yourself and your life brings forward opportunity for growth and transformation. Individual adult clients and adolescent clients, couples and families are all welcome.
With a passion for inspiring individuals to claim their own personal excellence, my expertise is in understanding interpersonal dynamics, and successfully coaching individuals, couples, families and groups into reaching their highest self. My background includes a degree in Organizational Communication, a ten year career as a Technical/Corporate Instructor, and fifteen years of coaching/Therapy with a Master of Arts in MFT. Along with my private practice, I teach Zumba (dance inspired group fitness). I look forward to our meeting and becoming part of your journey.
With a passion for inspiring individuals to claim their own personal excellence, my expertise is in understanding interpersonal dynamics, and successfully coaching individuals, couples, families and groups into reaching their highest self. My background includes a degree in Organizational Communication, a ten year career as a Technical/Corporate Instructor, and fifteen years of coaching/Therapy with a Master of Arts in MFT. Along with my private practice, I teach Zumba (dance inspired group fitness). I look forward to our meeting and becoming part of your journey.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Nearby Teen Therapists Searches for Santa Cruz
- Aptos
- Ben Lomond
- Boulder Creek
- Campbell
- Capitola
- Felton
- Los Gatos
- Morgan Hill
- Saratoga
- Scotts Valley
- Soquel
- Watsonville
Teen Therapists
What does therapy for teenagers look like?
When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.
How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?
There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.
How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.
How do you prepare teens for therapy?
You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.