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 957 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.
good listener , kind , open mind
I have 6 years of experience in mental health with focus on addiction medicine in patient and out patient , mental health stabilization in patient
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.
Vanessa Diaz is a board-certified, licensed provider who offers expert mental health care for anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, stressful life events, and many more conditions. Her goal is to help her clients live their best lives using modern, evidence-based solutions.
I am a board-certified nurse practitioner with many years of experience in healthcare, including primary care, psychiatric mental health, leadership, and wellness-based practice. My background has allowed me to work with individuals facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and medical concerns, and I understand how closely mental health and physical health are connected.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, 20+ years. Metabolic & functional approach — nutrition, sleep, exercise alongside medication management. Telepsychiatry: CA, AZ, WA, IL, SC. Cancer survivor with personal insight into holistic wellness. Book, insurance & free parent community: https://linktr.ee/carlosbarriosmd.com
I know how heavy life can feel when you’re carrying pain, uncertainty, or self-doubt. But I believe, as a wise old wizard once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My role is to help you find that light again. I work with Gen Z and Millennial adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Through integrative, culturally responsive care, I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic strategies to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that aligns with your true self.
Mental health and physical health impact each other profoundly. I have a keen understanding of that with years of experience as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner at the same time. I specialize in depressive, mood, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. I am fascinated with integrative medicine and oriental philosophy and their utility in current evidence-based psychotherapy.
Welcome, I'm Britney Jackson, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to helping adolescents and adults achieve better mental health through compassionate, evidence-based care. I understand that seeking help can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where you feel comfortable sharing your story.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma-related disorders, mood disorders, stress, insomnia, and other common mental health concerns. Whether you're struggling with persistent worry, low motivation, difficulty focusing, emotional ups and downs, or life transitions, I am committed to helping you find practical solutions that fit your unique needs.
Before becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I spent several years as a registered nurse caring for patients in both inpatient medical and behavioral health settings. These experiences strengthened my ability to recognize complex mental health needs while providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Today, I combine psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, and patient education to help individuals achieve lasting emotional wellness.
My philosophy is simple: every person deserves to feel heard, respected, and empowered. Healing begins with trust, collaboration, and a treatment plan tailored to your goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
I know how heavy life can feel when you’re carrying pain, uncertainty, or self-doubt. But I believe, as a wise old wizard once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My role is to help you find that light again. I work with Gen Z and Millennial adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Through integrative, culturally responsive care, I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic strategies to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that aligns with your true self.
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.
About our psychiatrists serving Santa Cruz, CA



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

- 99%Aetna
- 95%Cigna
- 89%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 85%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 59%United Healthcare

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

- 89%Online only
- 10%In-person or online

- 72%Woman
- 28%Man

- 90%Nurse Practitioner
- 9%Medical Doctor
- 1%Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

- 96%Individual therapy
- 17%Family therapy
- 7%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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