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

Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or empty or even struggling to get through the day? I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I am a compassionate, understanding, and good listener. I help individuals navigate emotional struggles using a holistic and evidence-based approach to mental health care. I conduct psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and provide brief psychotherapy. I work with individuals of all ages who are struggling with conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, and coping skills. I love to support you in your journey to better mental health.

Hi, I'm Chidinma! I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I bring over 14 years of diverse clinical experience, including more than 9 years practicing independently as an advanced practice nurse.

My background spans complex healthcare settings—including the VA Healthcare System, Primary care, Urgent care, and Correctional medicine—where I have proudly delivered comprehensive care across the lifespan.

I firmly believe that physical health and mental well-being are deeply intertwined. By combining my extensive primary care and psychiatric expertise, I provide thorough, comprehensive evaluations for individuals of all ages, ensuring you receive safe, well-rounded care that honors your unique background.

I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in a safe, judgment-free space.

I am a double board-certified family and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. As a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I believe that healing begins with understanding. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can share your story without judgment and work toward meaningful, lasting change. I provide individualized, evidence-based care for adults facing depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorders, ADHD/ADD, and sleep disorders.

I'm Sinat Aleje, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of experience in the mental health field. I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals across a variety of clinical settings, which has deepened my understanding of the emotional, psychological, and social challenges people face. I specialize in treating adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder.

Clients often tell me they feel truly seen and heard during our sessions. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where healing can begin, and where clients are empowered to take an active role in their care. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and am committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care that evolves with your journey.

If you're looking for a thoughtful, collaborative partner in your mental health care, I’d be honored to work with you.

IMPORTANT: For current availability, visit https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/ or call/text us anytime at 415-968-6515—we make it super easy! Intake forms are required before your first appointment and will be emailed to you when you book online. Please be sure to send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!

I'm Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes mental health care should be accessible, compassionate, and tailored to each individual. Over the past 15+ years, I've worked with diverse populations—from adolescents facing their first mental health crisis to adults navigating complex psychiatric conditions, and seniors experiencing cognitive and emotional challenges.

My practice is grounded in the belief that effective treatment goes beyond symptom management. I take time to understand your unique story, your strengths, and the factors that shape your mental health. Whether you're dealing with a new diagnosis or have been managing symptoms for years, I meet you where you are with respect and without judgment.

I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, substance use concerns, and behavioral issues related to dementia. I've completed advanced certification training because I'm committed to staying current with evidence-based treatments—ensuring you receive care that reflects the latest research.

Beyond clinical work, I'm passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare providers. I've mentored nursing and nurse practitioner students from multiple universities, which keeps me grounded and reminds me why this work matters.

When you work with me, you're getting someone who genuinely cares, who's seen mental health challenges from many angles, and who believes deeply in your capacity for healing and growth.

I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.

For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.

I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.

My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.

Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.