Find a psychiatrist in Santa Cruz, CA — covered by insurance


Top psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA accepting new patients
Headway serves Santa Cruz across all neighborhoods, connecting you with 982 warm and solution-oriented providers. Get started with a free intake call, find availability as soon as tomorrow, and benefit from insurance coverage that can reduce your session costs significantly.
I believe that meaningful mental health care starts with trust, compassion, and genuine connection. Over the past 15 years, I have worked across a variety of healthcare settings, including trauma nursing, emergency nursing, and nurse leadership roles, caring for individuals and families during some of life's most challenging moments. These experiences have reinforced my belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, empathy, and respect.
My commitment to mental health care is also shaped by personal experience. Like many people, I have witnessed the impact of mental health challenges in my own life and among loved ones, which has deepened my understanding of the courage it takes to seek help. I strive to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where clients feel comfortable discussing difficult thoughts, emotions, and life experiences.
I'm Melody Claiborne, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in Washington and California. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, and depression, offering thorough diagnostic evaluations and personalized medication management for adults. I believe in care that sees the whole person — not just a diagnosis. Having witnessed patients go unheard during their most vulnerable moments, I built my practice around genuine advocacy and connection. I work at your pace, in a safe and supportive environment where your concerns are fully heard and your goals guide your treatment.
As a Nurse Practitioner, I believe healthcare should be a partnership, not a prescription. My approach combines advanced clinical skills with a deep commitment to patient advocacy, ensuring every individual has the tools and confidence to take charge of their health. I specialize in creating personalized treatment plans that honor the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. Whether I’m diagnosing, prescribing, or simply listening, my mission is to make every patient feel seen, heard, and cared for. I strive to turn sessions into moments of trust, learning, and hope."
I am board certified in Family Practice as well as Psychiatry and have been in practice for 25 year. I work with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, bipolar disorder, as well as address physical symptoms or issues that may affect mental health. I hold a Doctorate degree in education and Master Degrees in Advance Practice Nursing and education.
Reclaiming control of your life is possible with the right tools, support team, and treatment plan.
Hi, I’m Lina, and I’m an ANCC Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in mental health concerns across folks of all ages. My experience in psychiatry began years ago in the inpatient setting, where I worked with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, from mild concerns to more complex and severe symptoms. Over time, my training in psychotherapy and medication management has allowed me to support clients dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, PTSD, substance use, and ADHD.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives
I'm Saby Kirpal, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management.
What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.
I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.
Hello! I’m Najwa Azizi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and support. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, stress, and burnout through a personalized and collaborative approach to care. With a background in both behavioral health and critical care nursing, I understand the importance of treating the whole person — emotionally, mentally, and physically. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to grow, heal, and reach their full potential.
Hello! I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing personalized care through telehealth. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD and stress-related challenges. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported without judgment. I take a collaborative approach to care and include medication management when appropriate. I also offer services in both English and Spanish.
About our psychiatrists serving Santa Cruz, CA



- 99%Depression
- 99%Anxiety
- 86%ADD/ADHD
- 86%Bipolar disorder
- 85%PTSD

- 98%Aetna
- 95%Cigna
- 90%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 85%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 58%United Healthcare

- 98%English
- 9%Spanish
- 5%Tagalog
- 4%Igbo
- 3%Hindi

- 90%Online only
- 10%In-person or online

- 73%Woman
- 27%Man

- 91%Nurse Practitioner
- 8%Medical Doctor
- 1%Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

- 96%Individual therapy
- 17%Family therapy
- 6%Child or adolescent therapy
- 6%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right psychiatrist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Psychiatrist in Santa Cruz, CA
Finding psychiatrists in Santa Cruz starts with knowing what type of care fits your needs. Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage psychiatric care. Therapists provide talk therapy and related support. Both can be helpful entry points depending on what you are looking for. If you are seeking care for anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, or medication management, look for a psychiatrist whose listed specialties and training match your needs.
Santa Cruz is a smaller city, so local psychiatry options may be more limited than in larger California markets. Virtual appointments can expand your options while still letting you choose someone licensed to provide care in California. Psychiatry visits for medication management are usually shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, and some psychiatrists also offer therapy. Some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber. As you compare options, review appointment availability, whether the psychiatrist is accepting new patients, and each bio’s description of care style, session structure, and areas of focus.
Psychiatric care in Santa Cruz can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you find psychiatrists who match your preferences and accept your insurance, then shows your estimated out-of-pocket cost before you book. Every provider listed is accepting new patients, so you can review bios, compare availability, and book directly when you are ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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