Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
![Photo of J. Sarah MacEwan, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d397d95-5a0e-4116-b24c-d216bb94e913/2/320x400.jpeg)
J. Sarah MacEwan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Your soul is ready to heal. Too many of us are suffering in isolation, with complex challenges and big feelings we were never meant to carry on our own. That's where therapy comes in. I love supporting people with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, co-dependance, and issues around self-worth and self-esteem. Bring me your grief, your sadness, your anxiety and your overwhelm. Bring me your wounded parts, and let's hold them close, together. Once you have a place where you feel seen, heard and held without judgment, you will naturally begin to heal. Allow me to be that place for you today.
Your soul is ready to heal. Too many of us are suffering in isolation, with complex challenges and big feelings we were never meant to carry on our own. That's where therapy comes in. I love supporting people with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, co-dependance, and issues around self-worth and self-esteem. Bring me your grief, your sadness, your anxiety and your overwhelm. Bring me your wounded parts, and let's hold them close, together. Once you have a place where you feel seen, heard and held without judgment, you will naturally begin to heal. Allow me to be that place for you today.
![Photo of Jillian Chesley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56b26b7e-3487-4d96-81c8-95d8d88eb448/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Nadine Emami, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d57d6faa-e923-445f-b0e1-459b7a16aa5e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nadine Emami
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Not accepting new clients
I provide individual, couples, and group therapy to a wide array of individuals with varying issues they are seeking support around. I support clients in developing self-awareness, increasing self-esteem, and managing anxiety in their lives. My clients often report goals of increased feelings of life satisfaction, more fulfilling relationships, and confidence in themselves. My clients are looking to feel self-assured in their decisions and direction in life. I offer a secure, supportive environment where my client's whole selves, as well as their goals are accepted without judgement, but with curiosity and compassion.
I provide individual, couples, and group therapy to a wide array of individuals with varying issues they are seeking support around. I support clients in developing self-awareness, increasing self-esteem, and managing anxiety in their lives. My clients often report goals of increased feelings of life satisfaction, more fulfilling relationships, and confidence in themselves. My clients are looking to feel self-assured in their decisions and direction in life. I offer a secure, supportive environment where my client's whole selves, as well as their goals are accepted without judgement, but with curiosity and compassion.
![Photo of Veronica K. Tonay, PhD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dfde33c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Veronica K. Tonay
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95061 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Taking only returning clients. For 30 years, I've successfully treated those suffering with the pain and frustration of depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, creative blocks, and life transitions (several of these overlap!). I earned my doctorate at UC Berkeley, and, in addition to my psychotherapy practice, taught clinical psychology at UCSC until 2018. Psychologists are ethically required to use demonstrated treatments for clients' backgrounds and difficulties. I'm fortunate to have trained in many effective therapeutic methods, tailored to each client's needs & personality. I'm available only via video/phone sessions.
Taking only returning clients. For 30 years, I've successfully treated those suffering with the pain and frustration of depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, creative blocks, and life transitions (several of these overlap!). I earned my doctorate at UC Berkeley, and, in addition to my psychotherapy practice, taught clinical psychology at UCSC until 2018. Psychologists are ethically required to use demonstrated treatments for clients' backgrounds and difficulties. I'm fortunate to have trained in many effective therapeutic methods, tailored to each client's needs & personality. I'm available only via video/phone sessions.
![Photo of Kerena Saltzman, CGP, LCSW, Coach, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42eb6c72-032a-4279-a11d-ee03fe32ce84/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kerena Saltzman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CGP, LCSW, Coach
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or going through a major life transition. I work with high achievers who are juggling multiple responsibilities and want to succeed in all areas of their life. Sometimes with outer success comes a desire for more inner joy and insight into what matters most. You may be struggling in your marriage or partnership and desire more ease. I have been a therapist for 20 years, I help couples build the skills to communicate more clearly, repair easier, and feel closer to one another. I have had success in supporting couples to navigate connection after infidelity.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or going through a major life transition. I work with high achievers who are juggling multiple responsibilities and want to succeed in all areas of their life. Sometimes with outer success comes a desire for more inner joy and insight into what matters most. You may be struggling in your marriage or partnership and desire more ease. I have been a therapist for 20 years, I help couples build the skills to communicate more clearly, repair easier, and feel closer to one another. I have had success in supporting couples to navigate connection after infidelity.
![Photo of Elizabeth M Walker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d45ab3f5-580c-4f52-9343-eb9b26afc82a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth M Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
I understand trauma, the difficulties faced by us all when we try to learn past our intergenerational patterns. I am here for parents and caregivers who want to do their best for their families. I also welcome clients who want to be better caregivers to themselves. This includes anyone dealing with depression, anxiety, addictive behavior, unprocessed childhood experiences, or failure to create healthy connections with others.
I understand trauma, the difficulties faced by us all when we try to learn past our intergenerational patterns. I am here for parents and caregivers who want to do their best for their families. I also welcome clients who want to be better caregivers to themselves. This includes anyone dealing with depression, anxiety, addictive behavior, unprocessed childhood experiences, or failure to create healthy connections with others.
![Photo of Bree Gwinner, MA, APCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/459f25e8-6660-4168-9de4-f0bb5fdf0b9b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe we have the ability to resolve anything and to do so we must consider looking inward first. I believe that our 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 and curiosity with the ultimate goal of living their most empowered, authentic, and peaceful life.
I believe we have the ability to resolve anything and to do so we must consider looking inward first. I believe that our 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 and curiosity with the ultimate goal of living their most empowered, authentic, and peaceful life.
![Photo of Katrina Tattenham, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/053f2743-1731-41dd-b590-56bb6b1ae836/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katrina Tattenham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Have you ever wondered, "why did I just do that?" or felt conflicted with different sides of yourself? Have you ever felt completely confused why others seem to live easy lives and you don't? We can work together to understand what's important to you and how you want to live your best life. I offer a safe space for people of all ages (3-103!) to be understood and cared for without judgement or pressure. Sometimes this is working through stress within a family and it's affect on family members. Sometimes this work looks like learning new ways to cope with anxiety or improve how we talk to ourselves.
Have you ever wondered, "why did I just do that?" or felt conflicted with different sides of yourself? Have you ever felt completely confused why others seem to live easy lives and you don't? We can work together to understand what's important to you and how you want to live your best life. I offer a safe space for people of all ages (3-103!) to be understood and cared for without judgement or pressure. Sometimes this is working through stress within a family and it's affect on family members. Sometimes this work looks like learning new ways to cope with anxiety or improve how we talk to ourselves.
![Photo of Megan Hernandez, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3cfb36c-3e14-4936-b83d-22e7b914ed68/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Megan leads with hope and curiosity to empower her clients to grow into their best selves. She works collaboratively with clients in order to understand them as a whole person, not just their problems. Megan believes patience, authenticity, and transparency are essential to build trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship. Megan specializes in working with adults and youth who identify as neurodivergent and/or on the autism spectrum, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. Megan works with clients who are coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship struggles.
Megan leads with hope and curiosity to empower her clients to grow into their best selves. She works collaboratively with clients in order to understand them as a whole person, not just their problems. Megan believes patience, authenticity, and transparency are essential to build trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship. Megan specializes in working with adults and youth who identify as neurodivergent and/or on the autism spectrum, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. Megan works with clients who are coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship struggles.
![Photo of Bryan Sanchez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47e3eec2-f82d-463b-8dac-d78eaf536b54/1/320x400.png)
Hello. My name is Bryan Sanchez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (146686) based in Northern California. I work with clients throughout California via Telehealth. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. My focus areas of practice are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy for treating Trauma, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and Depression.
Hello. My name is Bryan Sanchez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (146686) based in Northern California. I work with clients throughout California via Telehealth. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. My focus areas of practice are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy for treating Trauma, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and Depression.
![Photo of Stacey Alonzo, LMFT, LPCC, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a16ffbdf-27e6-480f-baca-d8f67963e74d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stacey Alonzo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Welcome! I value you taking the first step in this new chapter of your life. Recognizing a desire for change and reaching out for support isn’t an easy process, but so many doors open when we’re in a space where we feel safe, seen, heard, understood, validated, and truly cared for. We could all use more compassion, empathy, and encouragement in our lives, especially during difficult times. My approach to counseling is warm, collaborative, curious, and non-judgmental. I am passionate about learning what your unique gifts are and supporting you in living a more authentic life.
Welcome! I value you taking the first step in this new chapter of your life. Recognizing a desire for change and reaching out for support isn’t an easy process, but so many doors open when we’re in a space where we feel safe, seen, heard, understood, validated, and truly cared for. We could all use more compassion, empathy, and encouragement in our lives, especially during difficult times. My approach to counseling is warm, collaborative, curious, and non-judgmental. I am passionate about learning what your unique gifts are and supporting you in living a more authentic life.
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![Photo of Robin Beltran, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48bdd38e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We've all had moments when we felt lost, confused, stressed, depressed or anxious and longed to feel better. I believe that within every person is a core foundation of strength, and that with guidance and support we can use that strength to find health and happiness. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience helping people cope with emotional distress and discover a better quality of life. My approach to therapy involves working with you to create a set of strategies and skills to help you move forward toward better emotional, spiritual, physical and mental health.
We've all had moments when we felt lost, confused, stressed, depressed or anxious and longed to feel better. I believe that within every person is a core foundation of strength, and that with guidance and support we can use that strength to find health and happiness. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience helping people cope with emotional distress and discover a better quality of life. My approach to therapy involves working with you to create a set of strategies and skills to help you move forward toward better emotional, spiritual, physical and mental health.
![Photo of Chevalisa Bruzzone, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f27b12e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have a somatic focus, which means I can help you discover what is happening in your body as a fast track to healing whatever is on your mind. By slowing down and getting present, we can unwind difficulties, move through stuckness and create more capacity for closeness and connection. I have specialized training in Hakomi, EMDR, EFT, PACT and Stanford GSB's Interpersonal Dynamics Facilitator Program. Please call me for a free phone consultation.
I have a somatic focus, which means I can help you discover what is happening in your body as a fast track to healing whatever is on your mind. By slowing down and getting present, we can unwind difficulties, move through stuckness and create more capacity for closeness and connection. I have specialized training in Hakomi, EMDR, EFT, PACT and Stanford GSB's Interpersonal Dynamics Facilitator Program. Please call me for a free phone consultation.
![Photo of Ali Palisca, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fecdb640-d7c9-486c-837d-6147d97477cd/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals and couples to untangle from patterns of drama, criticism, and codependency. I teach clients how to turn arguments into proactive conversations with win-win solutions. Our work together can include healing past hurts and trauma, feeling more sexually connected, and creating positive life changes. I am most interested in supporting my clients in finding relief from suffering and being truly happy.
I work with individuals and couples to untangle from patterns of drama, criticism, and codependency. I teach clients how to turn arguments into proactive conversations with win-win solutions. Our work together can include healing past hurts and trauma, feeling more sexually connected, and creating positive life changes. I am most interested in supporting my clients in finding relief from suffering and being truly happy.
![Photo of Krista Gallagher, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee4c7772-75b2-425e-9102-07e55f3db1ae/2/320x400.jpeg)
Krista Gallagher
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Are you seeking a therapist who is attuned, invested, present and committed to supporting you on your journey toward growth, discovery, and healing? Having been a client myself, I understand how important it is to find a therapist who you feel really "gets you" and with whom you feel safe and comfortable being vulnerable and open. I focus on creating a foundation of presence, safety, and trust in the therapeutic relationship. I am here to see you, hear you, understand you, and support you & will meet you with a non-judgmental, compassionate, and supportive presence as we work together.
Are you seeking a therapist who is attuned, invested, present and committed to supporting you on your journey toward growth, discovery, and healing? Having been a client myself, I understand how important it is to find a therapist who you feel really "gets you" and with whom you feel safe and comfortable being vulnerable and open. I focus on creating a foundation of presence, safety, and trust in the therapeutic relationship. I am here to see you, hear you, understand you, and support you & will meet you with a non-judgmental, compassionate, and supportive presence as we work together.
![Photo of Jeremy Lansing, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9b7d507-9149-446b-a950-c6fb71f7892e/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Liza Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a2eee6f-d43a-482e-887e-2f4231b4f4b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Liza Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Reaching out for support can be a difficult and vulnerable experience. My goal is to help you and your family find calm, connection, and joy again! My therapeutic approach is collaborative, interactive, and warm. Together we will highlight your strengths as parent, child, or teen while identifying areas that may benefit from change. I tailor treatment to your individual, child's, and/or family's needs and use a variety of therapeutic strategies customized to address underlying issues and help you and your family thrive.
Reaching out for support can be a difficult and vulnerable experience. My goal is to help you and your family find calm, connection, and joy again! My therapeutic approach is collaborative, interactive, and warm. Together we will highlight your strengths as parent, child, or teen while identifying areas that may benefit from change. I tailor treatment to your individual, child's, and/or family's needs and use a variety of therapeutic strategies customized to address underlying issues and help you and your family thrive.
![Photo of Heidi Poteet Marini, MA, LMFT, ALPCC, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1ce9a3e-0772-49a6-9753-10d2058efcea/5/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Carolyn A Vitale, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7a33233-5aff-4875-9d42-40d2b821c5c4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn A Vitale
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I like to work with people of all ages. Often with adults I am interested in getting beyond everyday conversation into deeper layers of self, incorporating an inward focus of the body, mind and spirit. I am eclectic and offer a strength-based approach to help with depression, anxiety, transitions, relationship challenges, overall stuckness and other challenges. My approach is humanistic and compassionate, providing the support needed to get through hardships into a more empowered, creative and celebratory self.
I like to work with people of all ages. Often with adults I am interested in getting beyond everyday conversation into deeper layers of self, incorporating an inward focus of the body, mind and spirit. I am eclectic and offer a strength-based approach to help with depression, anxiety, transitions, relationship challenges, overall stuckness and other challenges. My approach is humanistic and compassionate, providing the support needed to get through hardships into a more empowered, creative and celebratory self.
![Photo of Alison Brooks, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cce60d9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
We learn how to regard ourselves from the earliest relationships we have. From the nurturing of our nature or lack thereof, a template of how to treat ourselves and relate to others is set. The good news... this template is not set in permanence and is subject to change with focused intent! I am dedicated to helping you achieve these changes. Therapy is an art form which involves attending to a Client's specific emotional pains. The art of my practice is in knowing when to provide silence or words, when to challenge or encourage, when to include techniques, when to just be.
We learn how to regard ourselves from the earliest relationships we have. From the nurturing of our nature or lack thereof, a template of how to treat ourselves and relate to others is set. The good news... this template is not set in permanence and is subject to change with focused intent! I am dedicated to helping you achieve these changes. Therapy is an art form which involves attending to a Client's specific emotional pains. The art of my practice is in knowing when to provide silence or words, when to challenge or encourage, when to include techniques, when to just be.
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:
93% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
80% | Relationship Issues |
78% | Self Esteem |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
72% | Stress |
69% | Grief |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
46% | 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 |