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

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 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.

My name is Briauna and I have a diverse clinical background spanning over 9 years. I have showcased my expertise in various domains, notably in critical care, which has lead to my decision to become a dedicated provider. I am both a family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Prior to Grow Therapy, I have provided invaluable assistance to patients in psychiatric crisis in both the emergency and urgent care settings. These experiences have given me profound insight into the intricate interplay between one’s mental health and physical well-being.

I attended Michigan State University for undergraduate studies before earning my Bachelor of Science degree from KMC International Center, Manipal University. I obtained an MD from American University of Antigua College of Medicine. Following medical school, I completed a residency in Psychiatry at Detroit Wayne County Authority Health, where my training focused on serving medically underserved communities. During residency, I also earned a certificate in Population Health and Health Equity from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. I served as chief resident in my third year of training. I am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. My clinical background spans psychiatric care, primary care, emergency medicine, intensive care, and telehealth. This broad experience helps me recognize how mental health can be affected by physical illness, chronic pain, trauma, sleep, substance use, medications, and other aspects of overall health.

I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and OCD in adolescents and adults. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I bring more than 20 years of nursing experience, including extensive work in critical care and neuro-trauma medicine. My approach combines evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy, and practical lifestyle interventions to help patients achieve meaningful and lasting improvement.

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.

Hi! Thanks so much for visiting. I am a board-certified psychiatrist who has been in practice since 2012, and before that I practiced internal medicine. I treat individuals age 10 and up in an adult setting. I went to Duke University for pre-med (BS psychology) and then Emory University School of Medicine. I did my internal medicine residency at Emory also, was on staff at Emory, and was also in private practice before I went back to my psychiatry residency (State University at Stony Brook, Chief Resident, 2012).

I bring the dual training and years of experience treating the breadth and depth of psychiatry. I enjoy helping those who have had treatment-resistant conditions, and have a friendly, kind, and collaborative approach.

I treat anyone who is motivated to get better. I manage the entire spectrum of conditions, and manage tough-to-fix things like OCD and bipolar depression. Because of my personal background, I really get the gender-divergent and neuro-divergent folks, and folks with anxiety. :).

Please note:

-Self-pay rates are $500 for intakes and $250 for follow up appointments.

-Starting 7/29/26, I am based primarily in the SF Bay area, and so appointments might seem at odd hours for those on the east coast. If the times don't align with your needs, make the first appointment and we will make follow-ups together that fits for both of us.

-Given I am primarily providing care for those in a wonderful community center in San Jose, CA, (Camara), I will see folks in this practice part-time.

-I will be in Atlanta to see patients live if needed but know it may not be more than once every 6-8 weeks. On-line is primary.

I have two locations in the Bay Area for live visits. If an in-person session is needed, we will book that after the first on-line appointment.

-If a Florida client needs a controlled substance, one visit to the Atlanta or SF office will be necessary.