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 1,044 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 am board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing telehealth services throughout California. I believe mental health care should feel supportive, respectful, and tailored to your unique needs.
IMPORTANT: For current availability, visit https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/ or call or 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. You can text us your info or email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!
Hi! I'm Christina Stelly, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC — a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Martinez, CA. With over 15 years of clinical experience across inpatient psychiatry, maternal health, and advanced practice, I am deeply committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to every person I serve.
I specialize in treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc.
My academic background includes a Post-Certificate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University. I also completed an intensive NP residency focused on advanced psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and forensic psychiatry, which further strengthened my clinical expertise.
Earlier in my career, I specialized in maternal mental health, serving as a Patient Care Director for high-risk obstetric populations and contributing to perinatal mental health policy at the state and national levels. This background gives me a uniquely broad, whole-person perspective on psychiatric care across the lifespan.
My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, individualized care. I take time to fully understand your history, concerns, and goals before collaboratively building a treatment plan tailored to you. I have also served on health policy committees and presented at national nursing conferences, reflecting my commitment to psychiatric care.
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.
Helping people reclaim their mental health and quality of life is not just my profession — it is my purpose. I am Christina Stelly, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in Martinez, California, with a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care. My path to this work has been shaped by years of experience across diverse, high-acuity clinical settings, and I bring both clinical expertise and genuine care to every patient I serve.
My educational foundation includes a Post-Certificate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University — all built upon over a decade of hands-on clinical nursing experience.
I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and crisis intervention for veterans navigating conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Prior to this role, I completed an advanced NP residency focused on forensic psychiatry and crisis stabilization, and served as Patient Care Director overseeing high-risk maternal mental health at the University of Illinois Chicago.
I specialize in caring for diverse and underserved populations, including veterans, individuals with severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and those in acute psychiatric crisis. My perinatal psychiatry background also provides a unique perspective for supporting individuals through some of life's most vulnerable transitions.
Beyond direct patient care, I am an active mental health policy advocate, contributing to state advisory councils and national nursing organizations. I believe every person deserves dignified, individualized care — and if you are ready to take the next step, I warmly welcome the opportunity to connect and support you.
I’m a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with clients across the lifespan. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Arizona and have experience caring for individuals in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and higher-acuity mental health settings. My background includes treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related concerns, OCD, mood disorders, and substance use. I take a thoughtful, practical, and individualized approach to care, with the goal of helping clients feel understood, safe, supported, and comfortable being honest when feeling emotionally vulnerable.
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.
Great to meet you! I am Tammy D. Moijueh, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am pleased to serve with the best of my expertise and commitment to your well-being, offering training in outpatient psychiatry, ambulatory care, and telemedicine. My goal is to make communications easy, insightful, and encouraging. My Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, combined with over 10 years of experience in the field, enhances behavioral health training and promotes the most positive treatment outcomes.
Hello! I'm Amanda Long, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to serving families through compassionate, culturally sensitive mental health care. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and have been practicing as a PMHNP since 2019, with over a decade of nursing experience beginning in 2011. My educational foundation also includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois in Springfield, which broadened my understanding of human behavior and community dynamics. My journey in mental health has taken me through diverse settings that have shaped my comprehensive approach to care. I've worked in psychiatric emergency services at a major hospital, 23-hour crisis stabilization units, outpatient clinics, correctional facilities, and forensic mental health centers, including fitness-to-stand-trial evaluations. This varied experience has equipped me to understand mental health from multiple perspectives and meet people wherever they are in their journey, whether they're facing an acute crisis or seeking ongoing support. I specialize in medication management for individuals across the lifespan—from children and adolescents to adults and older adults. My treatment areas include depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, psychotic disorders, and other mental health concerns. I'm experienced in both telehealth and in-person care, making quality psychiatric services accessible and convenient for your lifestyle. What drives me is the belief that everyone deserves competent, caring mental health support that honors their unique background and circumstances. I'm committed to improving the communities I serve, one individual and family at a time, through evidence-based practice combined with genuine human connection. My approach centers on partnership and creating a safe environment for healing. I look forward to supporting you and your family's wellness journey.
Hi, I’m Wendy Agyapong, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in nursing and a passion for helping adults navigate depression, anxiety, and life’s daily stressors. I completed my master’s in nursing and have years of experience supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. My goal is to help you feel balanced, confident, and understood in every step of your care.
Hi, I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I provide thoughtful, personalized care for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other common mental health concerns. My approach is warm, respectful, and judgment-free — I believe real healing starts with feeling heard and understood. I work closely with each client to create a treatment plan that feels supportive, practical, and tailored to their unique needs.
About our psychiatrists serving Santa Cruz, CA



- 99%Depression
- 99%Anxiety
- 87%ADD/ADHD
- 85%PTSD
- 85%Bipolar disorder

- 98%Aetna
- 96%Cigna
- 89%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 85%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 57%United Healthcare

- 99%English
- 8%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
- 18%Family therapy
- 7%Couples therapy
- 7%Child or adolescent 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 Therapist in Santa Cruz
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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