Child Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

Photo of Ceila Aguilar, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ceila Aguilar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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
(831) 661-9615 View (831) 661-9615
Photo of Lauren Nicole Webb, APCC
Lauren Nicole Webb
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Her work started teaching young children throughout the Bay Area before shifting into the mental health field with youth and their families from diverse backgrounds.
Lauren seeks to meet clients where they are by creating a supportive and nurturing space that allows for the client to share their narrative of their life. Lauren believes individuals all have the ability to reach their full potential and hopes to guide individuals towards a balanced approach to wellness goals. Leading with gentle compassion, Lauren is passionate about working with children, teens, parents, and women to address a range of concerns including anxiety, complex trauma, neurodivergence, family conflict, and self-esteem.
Her work started teaching young children throughout the Bay Area before shifting into the mental health field with youth and their families from diverse backgrounds.
Lauren seeks to meet clients where they are by creating a supportive and nurturing space that allows for the client to share their narrative of their life. Lauren believes individuals all have the ability to reach their full potential and hopes to guide individuals towards a balanced approach to wellness goals. Leading with gentle compassion, Lauren is passionate about working with children, teens, parents, and women to address a range of concerns including anxiety, complex trauma, neurodivergence, family conflict, and self-esteem.
(831) 618-0913 View (831) 618-0913
Photo of Karen L Binnings, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karen L Binnings
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are you concerned about your young child's changes in behaviors at home and school? Is your child possibly struggling with Anxiety or Sadness? Are you looking for professional support from a warm, child friendly, experienced professional? Are you concerned about your young child's changes in behaviors at home and school? Is your child possibly struggling with Anxiety of Sadness? Are you looking for professional support from a warm, child friendly, experienced professional?
Are you concerned about your young child's changes in behaviors at home and school? Is your child possibly struggling with Anxiety or Sadness? Are you looking for professional support from a warm, child friendly, experienced professional? Are you concerned about your young child's changes in behaviors at home and school? Is your child possibly struggling with Anxiety of Sadness? Are you looking for professional support from a warm, child friendly, experienced professional?
(831) 208-3543 View (831) 208-3543
Photo of Natalie Hanneman, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie Hanneman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I specialize in working with children, youth, and families, and offer a variety of options including parenting support, individual and couples therapy, equine assisted psychotherapy and nature based meetings for those who are looking for both the wisdom of the outdoors and an alternative to indoor or online therapy meetings.
My work centers around helping people achieve their goals. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and I easily connect with others and believe that through relationship building you are able to facilitate positive changes in your life. My varied experience over the past twenty years as a school counselor, parent, Therapeutic Foster Parent, Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and Challenge Course Facilitator have shaped my eclectic style of working with people. Based on your specific needs and areas of desired growth, together we will tailor a plan to best meet your needs as we move forward through the therapy.
I specialize in working with children, youth, and families, and offer a variety of options including parenting support, individual and couples therapy, equine assisted psychotherapy and nature based meetings for those who are looking for both the wisdom of the outdoors and an alternative to indoor or online therapy meetings.
My work centers around helping people achieve their goals. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and I easily connect with others and believe that through relationship building you are able to facilitate positive changes in your life. My varied experience over the past twenty years as a school counselor, parent, Therapeutic Foster Parent, Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and Challenge Course Facilitator have shaped my eclectic style of working with people. Based on your specific needs and areas of desired growth, together we will tailor a plan to best meet your needs as we move forward through the therapy.
(831) 607-9717 View (831) 607-9717
Photo of Cindy Hedlin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cindy Hedlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Is your child struggling at home or in school? Are you having a hard time understanding what you/your child are going through? Are you looking for strategies to help your child thrive? If a parent or teacher is concerned about your child's mental health, social skills, or development, I'm here to help. Sometimes this may be a temporary worry relating to natural growing pains that are part of every child's development, an event in the child’s life, such as the loss of a loved one, or the beginning of a deeper issue. I understand the emotional stress a family experiences when a child is struggling.
Is your child struggling at home or in school? Are you having a hard time understanding what you/your child are going through? Are you looking for strategies to help your child thrive? If a parent or teacher is concerned about your child's mental health, social skills, or development, I'm here to help. Sometimes this may be a temporary worry relating to natural growing pains that are part of every child's development, an event in the child’s life, such as the loss of a loved one, or the beginning of a deeper issue. I understand the emotional stress a family experiences when a child is struggling.
(408) 868-5284 View (408) 868-5284
Photo of Yvonne D Vermillion, LMFT, MA, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Yvonne D Vermillion
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Blending conventional and alternative approaches I empower children, adolescents, and adults to reach their therapeutic goals. It is my belief that all children, regardless of age or race, speak their own unique language based on their unique life experiences. This language expresses who they are and what they need in order to live a more functional and productive life. My mission is to interpret that language and offer innovative strategies that foster positive growth and maturity. It is not only a challenge to change, grow, and learn. As a member of the human race, I feel it is an obligation!
Blending conventional and alternative approaches I empower children, adolescents, and adults to reach their therapeutic goals. It is my belief that all children, regardless of age or race, speak their own unique language based on their unique life experiences. This language expresses who they are and what they need in order to live a more functional and productive life. My mission is to interpret that language and offer innovative strategies that foster positive growth and maturity. It is not only a challenge to change, grow, and learn. As a member of the human race, I feel it is an obligation!
(831) 272-4956 View (831) 272-4956
Photo of Cyndi Case, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Cyndi Case
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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.
(831) 603-1730 View (831) 603-1730
Photo of Jennifer Wallace Canobbio, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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.
(831) 600-7539 View (831) 600-7539
Photo of Cynthia Nollenberger, MA, LMFT, RAS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia Nollenberger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RAS
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
All of us struggle at times in our lives and need extra suppport. I offer a warm and nurturing enviornment to support healing and growth. I work with a variety of modalities including Cognative Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, along with depth work modalities such as Object Relations Therapy. I help people deal with issues in relationships, addictions, self esteem, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, anger and adjustment, along with a variety of other issues. I work with families, couples and individuals, including adolesents and children. Please feel free to call me to discuss your specific needs.
All of us struggle at times in our lives and need extra suppport. I offer a warm and nurturing enviornment to support healing and growth. I work with a variety of modalities including Cognative Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, along with depth work modalities such as Object Relations Therapy. I help people deal with issues in relationships, addictions, self esteem, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, anger and adjustment, along with a variety of other issues. I work with families, couples and individuals, including adolesents and children. Please feel free to call me to discuss your specific needs.
(831) 298-5835 View (831) 298-5835
Photo of Alea Wise, EdS, LMHC, LPCC, NCC, RPT, Counselor
Alea Wise
Counselor, EdS, LMHC, LPCC, NCC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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.
(352) 507-5855 View (352) 507-5855
Photo of Juno Groves, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Juno Groves
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
This is also the process that I utilize in children's, family and couples therapy, while incorporating how attachment issues affect relationships, and communication skills.
Do you get the feeling that there are parts of yourself that are blocking you from the life you want to live? Do you feel like you over-react to common things? Do you sometimes feel that you just can't get past your past? I offer an opportunity for you to change how you see yourself. Challenges can be seen as opportunities for growth. Aspects of the self and experiences that are feared can be understood as windows to greater wisdom. Through this healing, past wounds are seen as openings for understanding to grow.
This is also the process that I utilize in children's, family and couples therapy, while incorporating how attachment issues affect relationships, and communication skills.
Do you get the feeling that there are parts of yourself that are blocking you from the life you want to live? Do you feel like you over-react to common things? Do you sometimes feel that you just can't get past your past? I offer an opportunity for you to change how you see yourself. Challenges can be seen as opportunities for growth. Aspects of the self and experiences that are feared can be understood as windows to greater wisdom. Through this healing, past wounds are seen as openings for understanding to grow.
(831) 920-5175 View (831) 920-5175
Photo of Jen Sims, MA, LPCC, RPT, Counselor
Jen Sims
Counselor, MA, LPCC, RPT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
As a non-directive play therapist, I trust a child's ability to know their best path toward healing.
Play therapy creates a safe place for children to try new skills, process emotions, and communicate their needs. The playroom is a great environment for a child's healing and growth because they are able to use their natural mode of communication - play! A Play therapist is specially trained to understand how kids play and and use it to help them make sense of their world. Parents are also involved, learning crucial play and communication skills that help build authentic relationships with their children. Play therapy is recommended for most childhood issues, including grief, anger, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety and more.
As a non-directive play therapist, I trust a child's ability to know their best path toward healing.
Play therapy creates a safe place for children to try new skills, process emotions, and communicate their needs. The playroom is a great environment for a child's healing and growth because they are able to use their natural mode of communication - play! A Play therapist is specially trained to understand how kids play and and use it to help them make sense of their world. Parents are also involved, learning crucial play and communication skills that help build authentic relationships with their children. Play therapy is recommended for most childhood issues, including grief, anger, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety and more.
(831) 661-8100 View (831) 661-8100
Photo of Sue Shirron, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Sue Shirron
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
If you are here because you are concerned with the mental health of your child, or your relationship with them, you are in the right place! I specialize in child, individual, and family therapy, identifying and working toward goals using empathy, compassion, and insight in a safe and non-judgmental environment. By using non-directive and directive play therapy activities, collaboration, promotion of healthy communication and behavior patterns, you will see a shift in your child, and your relationship as a family system.
If you are here because you are concerned with the mental health of your child, or your relationship with them, you are in the right place! I specialize in child, individual, and family therapy, identifying and working toward goals using empathy, compassion, and insight in a safe and non-judgmental environment. By using non-directive and directive play therapy activities, collaboration, promotion of healthy communication and behavior patterns, you will see a shift in your child, and your relationship as a family system.
(831) 888-4135 View (831) 888-4135
Photo of Cindy May, PsyD, Psychologist
Cindy May
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
At the time when a family reaches out for psychological assessment or psychotherapy for their child, the situation has become difficult for those in the child's environment but probably the most so for the child.
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.
At the time when a family reaches out for psychological assessment or psychotherapy for their child, the situation has become difficult for those in the child's environment but probably the most so for the child.
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.
(831) 278-3462 View (831) 278-3462
Photo of Robyn Martinez, LCSW, she/her, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robyn Martinez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, she/her
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I also work with children 4-12 years of age whose parents are concerned about their child’s behavior, academic performance or family and social functioning.
Stuck in a pattern? A pattern that repeats itself almost magically again and again in your relationships, at work, or parenting. These patterns may have been helpful in the past, but now dull creativity and spirit, wearing down confidence, fortitude and hope. Or perhaps you are in the middle of change or in need of change painfully long overdue, but you just can’t...seem...to...fully...step...forward. I work with adults and couples to move through patterns of depression, anxiety, addiction, pain and trauma into growth and long awaited thriving.
I also work with children 4-12 years of age whose parents are concerned about their child’s behavior, academic performance or family and social functioning.
Stuck in a pattern? A pattern that repeats itself almost magically again and again in your relationships, at work, or parenting. These patterns may have been helpful in the past, but now dull creativity and spirit, wearing down confidence, fortitude and hope. Or perhaps you are in the middle of change or in need of change painfully long overdue, but you just can’t...seem...to...fully...step...forward. I work with adults and couples to move through patterns of depression, anxiety, addiction, pain and trauma into growth and long awaited thriving.
(831) 318-5485 View (831) 318-5485
Photo of Alex Meyer, PhD, Psychologist
Alex Meyer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are you frustrated with the amount of anxiety you feel on a daily basis? Is anxiety getting in the way of living your life? Or maybe your child's anxiety is causing your family stress. I can help! I view anxiety as treatable and provide effective and time-limited therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I LOVE helping anxious people lead more value-oriented (and less fearful!) lives. I have been seeing therapy patients for over a decade, using scientifically-based, cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approaches. I use my background in clinical neuroscience to deliver cutting-edge treatment for anxiety.
Are you frustrated with the amount of anxiety you feel on a daily basis? Is anxiety getting in the way of living your life? Or maybe your child's anxiety is causing your family stress. I can help! I view anxiety as treatable and provide effective and time-limited therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I LOVE helping anxious people lead more value-oriented (and less fearful!) lives. I have been seeing therapy patients for over a decade, using scientifically-based, cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approaches. I use my background in clinical neuroscience to deliver cutting-edge treatment for anxiety.
(831) 586-6645 View (831) 586-6645
Photo of Alham Rodriguez (Bilingual), PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alham Rodriguez (Bilingual)
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with children.
Hello and bienvenidos. I have over 11 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My approach to practice is tailored to the individual needs and style of each client. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds. My style is authentic, attentive, warm, yet playful and humorous. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can feel heard and understood. I enjoy working from an integrated approach that is person-centered, mindfulness-based, and rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I specialize in working with children.
Hello and bienvenidos. I have over 11 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My approach to practice is tailored to the individual needs and style of each client. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds. My style is authentic, attentive, warm, yet playful and humorous. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can feel heard and understood. I enjoy working from an integrated approach that is person-centered, mindfulness-based, and rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
(831) 387-6689 View (831) 387-6689
Photo of Thistle Hofvendahl, MSW, ASW
Thistle Hofvendahl
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Finding the right therapist can feel challenging, whether you’re looking for yourself, your child, or as a couple. I'm here to hold a welcoming, exploratory space where you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and feel more confident. I specialize in working with kids, teens, couples, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have an accepting, collaborative approach. Through out work together, my clients learn to identify and express their emotions and develop healthy coping skills. As a result, their self esteem and communication improve and they feel less overwhelmed.
Finding the right therapist can feel challenging, whether you’re looking for yourself, your child, or as a couple. I'm here to hold a welcoming, exploratory space where you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and feel more confident. I specialize in working with kids, teens, couples, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have an accepting, collaborative approach. Through out work together, my clients learn to identify and express their emotions and develop healthy coping skills. As a result, their self esteem and communication improve and they feel less overwhelmed.
(831) 292-3441 View (831) 292-3441
Photo of Sylvia Yee, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sylvia Yee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Stressed out? Can't focus or sustain your attention? Worried about a family member or friend? Caught between caring for your children and caring for your parents? Can't sleep? Underperforming? Having bothersome thoughts? Can't get going? Disorganized? Distracted? Lost interest in things you once enjoyed? These things don't have to manage your life. You can learn how to manage them instead of them managing you. Working together, you will learn adaptive ways to think and respond to various stressors and develop healthy coping strategies. Get back to life!
Stressed out? Can't focus or sustain your attention? Worried about a family member or friend? Caught between caring for your children and caring for your parents? Can't sleep? Underperforming? Having bothersome thoughts? Can't get going? Disorganized? Distracted? Lost interest in things you once enjoyed? These things don't have to manage your life. You can learn how to manage them instead of them managing you. Working together, you will learn adaptive ways to think and respond to various stressors and develop healthy coping strategies. Get back to life!
(831) 531-2596 View (831) 531-2596
Photo of Margaret De Lara, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
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.
(831) 480-3236 View (831) 480-3236
Child Therapists
Child psychologists in Santa Cruz, CA provide mental health therapy to children and are experts in child development.

Every comprehensive review of therapy with children shows that all credible approaches, when performed by a competent mental health clinician, produce almost the same results. About half of all kids will get better. Of those that improve, 80% will show progress in a relatively short time, while the remaining 20% will need longer-term support.

The best child therapists in Santa Cruz build great relationships with the child and the parent. They also see the child's strengths and are open to hearing the child's possible solutions to the challenges the child faces. Finally, a good therapist appreciates the child's culture and is sensitive to the values of the child's community.