Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Elizabeth A. Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
4 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.
“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
Michelle Abodeely
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Imagine knowing how to read your own body cues, how to trust yourself, how to move through your relationships with confidence and boundaries, compassion and wisdom. Feeling out of touch with your core self, not feeling grounded, or sure of your decisions is a hard way to go through the day. Earn your own trust again, come back to your core self. Interns and associates, this goes for you too. Your best therapist is in there, forming itself while you gain experience. You deserve guidance as you develop and learn. Allow me to support you in this exciting time.
Imagine knowing how to read your own body cues, how to trust yourself, how to move through your relationships with confidence and boundaries, compassion and wisdom. Feeling out of touch with your core self, not feeling grounded, or sure of your decisions is a hard way to go through the day. Earn your own trust again, come back to your core self. Interns and associates, this goes for you too. Your best therapist is in there, forming itself while you gain experience. You deserve guidance as you develop and learn. Allow me to support you in this exciting time.
Erika Abrahamian
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFA, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Not accepting new clients
Welcome. Finding a therapist is not always an easy process; I am glad you've found your way here. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or have experienced trauma and adversity, I offer a safe and supportive space where you can find some relief. I specialize in treating complex trauma and PTSD, depression and anxiety. My clients include adolescents, adults and couples, with a special interest in working with immigrants and children of immigrants. Working with couples navigating life transitions is also a passion of mine.
Welcome. Finding a therapist is not always an easy process; I am glad you've found your way here. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or have experienced trauma and adversity, I offer a safe and supportive space where you can find some relief. I specialize in treating complex trauma and PTSD, depression and anxiety. My clients include adolescents, adults and couples, with a special interest in working with immigrants and children of immigrants. Working with couples navigating life transitions is also a passion of mine.
Jeremy Lansing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Waitlist for new clients
If you are an individual or couple facing challenges with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, panic, burnout, communication difficulties, mood regulation, men's issues, parenting, life transitions/crisis, psychedelic integration, spirituality practices, or physical health, I can guide you on a path to feeling more balance and clarity in your everyday experiences. I offer both short-term and long-term support and our sessions will be tailored to your unique goals and timelines. You will receive gender, sexuality, and identity affirming care.
If you are an individual or couple facing challenges with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, panic, burnout, communication difficulties, mood regulation, men's issues, parenting, life transitions/crisis, psychedelic integration, spirituality practices, or physical health, I can guide you on a path to feeling more balance and clarity in your everyday experiences. I offer both short-term and long-term support and our sessions will be tailored to your unique goals and timelines. You will receive gender, sexuality, and identity affirming care.
People seek therapy for all kinds of reasons, but common to all of them is the fact that their life is not working as well as they want. This can be for a multitude of reasons; anxieties, depression, relationship issues, lack of fulfillment, purpose or meaning. Psychological symptoms are signals that alert us to examine the obstacles that hinder us from moving through life more freely with a sense of aliveness and agency.
People seek therapy for all kinds of reasons, but common to all of them is the fact that their life is not working as well as they want. This can be for a multitude of reasons; anxieties, depression, relationship issues, lack of fulfillment, purpose or meaning. Psychological symptoms are signals that alert us to examine the obstacles that hinder us from moving through life more freely with a sense of aliveness and agency.
Our struggles and stories we tell about ourselves can be entry points to where our patterns, thoughts, values, actions, attitudes, reactions, and emotions originate. Our struggles can stem from: our families, our childhood, our communities, our cultures and more. My role is to help my clients explore the stories and struggles that continue to make them feel stuck, and that prevent them from living the lives they are seeking. By learning about ourselves, we can find more agency and choice. We can discover new ways to relate to ourselves and others.
Our struggles and stories we tell about ourselves can be entry points to where our patterns, thoughts, values, actions, attitudes, reactions, and emotions originate. Our struggles can stem from: our families, our childhood, our communities, our cultures and more. My role is to help my clients explore the stories and struggles that continue to make them feel stuck, and that prevent them from living the lives they are seeking. By learning about ourselves, we can find more agency and choice. We can discover new ways to relate to ourselves and others.
Aude Castagna
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95063 (Online Only)
Life is complicated. It's full of twists and turns and sometimes we lose our way. My passion is to support you along this path and honor your courage to start a process of self-discovery. I can assist you in emerging from a life perspective where you feel stuck into an understanding of your choices that will help you heal, have more fulfilling relationships. A good therapist can help! My life experiences have taught me a lesson: that it's hard to be human and as such, my clients will always deserve all my empathy and attention.
Life is complicated. It's full of twists and turns and sometimes we lose our way. My passion is to support you along this path and honor your courage to start a process of self-discovery. I can assist you in emerging from a life perspective where you feel stuck into an understanding of your choices that will help you heal, have more fulfilling relationships. A good therapist can help! My life experiences have taught me a lesson: that it's hard to be human and as such, my clients will always deserve all my empathy and attention.
Amber Thuston
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MSc, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
As a part of your journey, my focus is to partner with you from a person-centered and holistic approach, integrating mind, body, and spirit. I strongly believe that you have all the answers hidden within yourself and with some guidance, skills, and support you will be able to achieve the goals you have set.
As a part of your journey, my focus is to partner with you from a person-centered and holistic approach, integrating mind, body, and spirit. I strongly believe that you have all the answers hidden within yourself and with some guidance, skills, and support you will be able to achieve the goals you have set.
Laurie A Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, EMDR, C-Hypno, Somatic
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95065 (Online Only)
If you are experiencing sensitives, trauma, depression, life-changes or anxiety, support is here. Compassion, honor of you as a unique individual, plus methods to navigate positively, heal wounds, make valuable shifts offered. Do you seek ways to change emotional, spiritual and mental habits while navigating real life difficulties? Respect for uniqueness and privacy given. I have effectively helped people from a vast array of cultural backgrounds with positive life change. Go deeper than talk therapy with tools. IFS, EMDR, hypnotherapy, somatic, expressive arts, cognitive/emotional, spiritual, and additional modalities offered.
If you are experiencing sensitives, trauma, depression, life-changes or anxiety, support is here. Compassion, honor of you as a unique individual, plus methods to navigate positively, heal wounds, make valuable shifts offered. Do you seek ways to change emotional, spiritual and mental habits while navigating real life difficulties? Respect for uniqueness and privacy given. I have effectively helped people from a vast array of cultural backgrounds with positive life change. Go deeper than talk therapy with tools. IFS, EMDR, hypnotherapy, somatic, expressive arts, cognitive/emotional, spiritual, and additional modalities offered.
I have been working in the mental health field for over 17 years. I want to help you figure out what is getting in the way of you and the life you want to live. Painful experiences you go through can cause you to feel stuck, and this can become frustrating and at times paralyzing. Everyone experiences a range of challenges throughout their life. Addressing these challenges alone can make it difficult to move forward. I want to join you as you begin this process. I am EMDR trained and this can be a useful intervention when working with trauma.
I have been working in the mental health field for over 17 years. I want to help you figure out what is getting in the way of you and the life you want to live. Painful experiences you go through can cause you to feel stuck, and this can become frustrating and at times paralyzing. Everyone experiences a range of challenges throughout their life. Addressing these challenges alone can make it difficult to move forward. I want to join you as you begin this process. I am EMDR trained and this can be a useful intervention when working with trauma.
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Michelle Krezanoski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Waitlist for new clients
I’m forever rediscovering the power of intention. Simply devoting space every week to our inner growth fertilizes a mysterious process with its own trajectory. What we originally feel as pain in our lives may actually be a portal inviting us to love more deeply, live more freely, and be less like everyone else. I love sitting with sensitive individuals with intuitive abilities, unwieldy minds, and a wonderment about how to be their true selves on this bewildering planet because I never know what is going to unfold. I especially enjoy working with spiritual practitioners who want their insights to be wholly embodied in their lives.
I’m forever rediscovering the power of intention. Simply devoting space every week to our inner growth fertilizes a mysterious process with its own trajectory. What we originally feel as pain in our lives may actually be a portal inviting us to love more deeply, live more freely, and be less like everyone else. I love sitting with sensitive individuals with intuitive abilities, unwieldy minds, and a wonderment about how to be their true selves on this bewildering planet because I never know what is going to unfold. I especially enjoy working with spiritual practitioners who want their insights to be wholly embodied in their lives.
I am a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist that specialize in depression, managing self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, self-esteem, divorce, sexual abuse, interpersonal violence/domestic violence, educational issues and coping skills to manage stress. The theoretical approaches I use in my practice include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Behavioral Therapy. I have over 7 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. In my clinical practice I place importance in empowering clients to find their own strength
I am a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist that specialize in depression, managing self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, self-esteem, divorce, sexual abuse, interpersonal violence/domestic violence, educational issues and coping skills to manage stress. The theoretical approaches I use in my practice include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Behavioral Therapy. I have over 7 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. In my clinical practice I place importance in empowering clients to find their own strength
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.
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.
I approach my role as therapist with the fundamental belief that each and every one of us are inherently whole, worthy, good enough, and deserving of love and connection. Often our lived experiences, grief, personal or generational trauma, our identities and the systems we live in cloud this truth - and we find ourselves feeling stuck, numb, angry, or in a deep state of disconnection. We may find ourselves filled with shame, doubt, frustration, troubled in our relationships and in our work or school. The demands of life & the roles we play may leave us feeling burnt out - struggling to find meaning, purpose, or clear direction.
I approach my role as therapist with the fundamental belief that each and every one of us are inherently whole, worthy, good enough, and deserving of love and connection. Often our lived experiences, grief, personal or generational trauma, our identities and the systems we live in cloud this truth - and we find ourselves feeling stuck, numb, angry, or in a deep state of disconnection. We may find ourselves filled with shame, doubt, frustration, troubled in our relationships and in our work or school. The demands of life & the roles we play may leave us feeling burnt out - struggling to find meaning, purpose, or clear direction.
Ilana Sheats
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I believe the therapeutic relationship creates healing through the power of connection. Whether you're navigating life transitions, facing challenges in relationships, or seeking personal growth, I honor the relationship with each of my clients and tailor each session to each individual’s unique needs.
I believe the therapeutic relationship creates healing through the power of connection. Whether you're navigating life transitions, facing challenges in relationships, or seeking personal growth, I honor the relationship with each of my clients and tailor each session to each individual’s unique needs.
Sliding scale and some pro bono sessions for front line workers. Video and phone are currently available. Feelings of anxiety and stress need support at this time. My approach is based on the belief that you are naturally intelligent and resourceful. Connect to strengths within you. The quality of your relationship with yourself and others leads to greater freedom, clarity, and peace. Free yourself from stress and conflict that so often occurs in relationships and work. Compassion, insight, and intuition represent my style. Building inner resources and tools to manage emotions improve professional and personal relationships.
Sliding scale and some pro bono sessions for front line workers. Video and phone are currently available. Feelings of anxiety and stress need support at this time. My approach is based on the belief that you are naturally intelligent and resourceful. Connect to strengths within you. The quality of your relationship with yourself and others leads to greater freedom, clarity, and peace. Free yourself from stress and conflict that so often occurs in relationships and work. Compassion, insight, and intuition represent my style. Building inner resources and tools to manage emotions improve professional and personal relationships.
Marissa Mirbach
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
As you build towards a life of authenticity and aliveness, you may be in need of support in identifying the blocks that are getting in your way. You may have a part of you that is feeling anxious, another part of you that feels frustrated that you're feeling anxious, and another part of you that feels overwhelmed by the conflict and wants the other two parts to pipe down. You may have been trying to get rid of these parts of you or ignore them, because they are causing so much trouble in your life. It might work for a little while, but often not for long.
As you build towards a life of authenticity and aliveness, you may be in need of support in identifying the blocks that are getting in your way. You may have a part of you that is feeling anxious, another part of you that feels frustrated that you're feeling anxious, and another part of you that feels overwhelmed by the conflict and wants the other two parts to pipe down. You may have been trying to get rid of these parts of you or ignore them, because they are causing so much trouble in your life. It might work for a little while, but often not for long.
Kaila Hattis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Kaila brings a warm and welcoming energy to her practice at Pacific Coast Therapy. She understands that entering into therapy can often feel overwhelming and acknowledges the courage it takes to come to therapy and begin a journey towards growth and healing. Kaila works with adults, adolescents (13+), families, and couples. She offers a safe and trusting place to process trauma and grief.
Kaila brings a warm and welcoming energy to her practice at Pacific Coast Therapy. She understands that entering into therapy can often feel overwhelming and acknowledges the courage it takes to come to therapy and begin a journey towards growth and healing. Kaila works with adults, adolescents (13+), families, and couples. She offers a safe and trusting place to process trauma and grief.
I work primarily one-on-one with adults. My philosophical approach recognizes the struggles and pains we share as humans. To quote Joseph Campbell, "I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive." This therapy is potent for people feeling stuck, inhibited by uncertainty or self-doubt, often with nagging low-grade symptoms of depression and anxiety, and/or patterns of procrastination, avoidance, and self-criticism. We look with curiosity at what is important to you - your wants and the obstacles that hinder you.
I work primarily one-on-one with adults. My philosophical approach recognizes the struggles and pains we share as humans. To quote Joseph Campbell, "I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive." This therapy is potent for people feeling stuck, inhibited by uncertainty or self-doubt, often with nagging low-grade symptoms of depression and anxiety, and/or patterns of procrastination, avoidance, and self-criticism. We look with curiosity at what is important to you - your wants and the obstacles that hinder you.
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
$175
Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA who prioritize treating:
| 92% | Anxiety |
| 85% | Depression |
| 80% | Relationship Issues |
| 78% | Self Esteem |
| 74% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 72% | Stress |
| 68% | Grief |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 46% | Aetna |
| 41% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
| 37% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA see their clients
| 75% | In Person and Online | |
| 25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 81% | Female | |
| 17% | Male | |
| 2% | Non-Binary |