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

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Top therapists in Santa Cruz, CA accepting new patients

Headway serves Santa Cruz across all neighborhoods, connecting you with 8,366 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.

Jackie Crossley

Jackie Crossley

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


“I believe my role as a therapist is to assist you through difficult moments in your life with the goal of giving you the skills to use even after therapy is complete.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Russell Cowick

Russell Cowick

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


“I have a warm, honest and insightful therapeutic style. I thrive to fully see the client and in return help the client see themselves as capable, possessed of dignity and present in the world for a purpose.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
David Powers

David Powers

Therapist

In-person • <1 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


“My approach is solution focused and direct. From a foundation of behavioral science, empathy and compassion, I enable a safe and transparent experience with an emphasis on empowerment, clarity, and intentionality.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Meghan Smith

Meghan Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


I’m Meghan Smith, LCSW, and I specialize in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, and acute stress. I use EMDR, CBT, ACT, and DBT within a trauma-informed framework — tailoring every treatment plan to you. Therapy with me is collaborative, grounded, and at a pace that feels safe. I’m here to walk alongside you, not push you.

Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Marisa Abzug

Marisa Abzug

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


I have been a licensed MFT for 17 years and have worked in many settings including but not limited to: non-profit, community college, outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, group home and private practice. I got my Masters at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and I’d definitely describe my orientation as eclectic and I honestly taylor my work to each client.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Daniel Christopher Dailey

Daniel Christopher Dailey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


“In sessions, I combine emotional insight with practical skill-building so therapy feels both supportive and useful.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tania Manczarek

Tania Manczarek

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


“I'm a holistic therapist focused on the mind/body connection and I am passionate about women's mental health and empowerment.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, OCD, Panic disorders, PTSD
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dena Ehrlich

Dena Ehrlich

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.2 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


“My practice weaves together talk therapy with body-based awareness, creativity, and mindfulness, supporting clients in connecting more deeply to themselves.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
William Norteye

William Norteye

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.2 mi away • Soquel, CA


“My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and non-judgmental. Drawing from evidenced based methods such as Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Janet Croteau

Janet Croteau

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.2 mi away • Felton, CA


“I'm a "inclusiastic" therapist who invites you to use our relationship as a template to find the sweet spot between safety and your growing edge as a human.”
Anger management, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Ed Croteau

Ed Croteau

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.2 mi away • Felton, CA


“As a warm, mature, safe, and nonjudgmental therapist, I help clients develop strategies to overcome challenges and discover and create the next best version of themselves.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Natalie Hanneman

Natalie Hanneman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


“I can help you choose small shifts in your day and in your thoughts, shifts that allow you to move through your life with more acceptance and grace.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Lorine Bay

Lorine Bay

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Santa Cruz, CA


“Clients often tell me they feel deeply safe, understood, and free to explore all parts of themselves.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues, Identity issues, PTSD
Creative, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Mike Johnson

Mike Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 20 mi away • Los Gatos, CA


“The past is what shaped who you are, but looking at how to move forward can be a difficult proposition.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Maternal mental health
Affirming, Creative, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Eric Bohl

Eric Bohl

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 19 mi away • San Jose, CA


My therapy style is compassionate and supportive. Clients find me engaging, warm and friendly. I've been a licensed psychotherapist since 1987 and I have experience with a variety of clients from differing age groups, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. During my career I've helped clients with relationship challenges, the expression and management of emotion, and improving their quality of life.

Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Lauren Bittner

Lauren Bittner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 23 mi away • San Jose, CA


“I work with adolescents and adults navigating childhood and/or sexual trauma, identity, and the complex terrain of relationships and life transitions.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Robin Love

Robin Love

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • Los Gatos, CA


Please note that although I enjoy working with couples, I will no longer be able to offer couples therapy due to insurance reimbursement issues.


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life and the concerns that arise. I specialize in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are in their process. In my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe meaningful change happens when we honor each person’s lived experience and work together toward self-identified goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable. I meet clients where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore change or looking to deepen their healing and personal growth.

Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Frank Del Fiugo

Frank Del Fiugo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • Los Gatos, CA


“I integrate several theoretical orientations, most of my work utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and neuroscience in order to help clients gain awareness and develop tools and strategies to enhance their personal and work...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Family issues
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Annika Jackson

Annika Jackson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 18 mi away • Los Gatos, CA


I completed my undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego, double majoring in business administration and psychology. I then continued my education and graduated with honors from Pepperdine University with a master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I completed my traineeship through the YWCA, working at a middle school and at YWCA sexual assault/ domestic violence clinic. Post graduation I started my job with LGTC and spent two years in the adult and teen mental health IOP and PHP program as a group and individual therapist . I recently transitioned to working at the outpatient level of care, and I am so excited about this new chapter

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Creative, Direct
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Morgan Brown

Morgan Brown

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 22 mi away • Campbell, CA


You've got the talent. The drive. Maybe you've already reached your dream goal where the pressures & stress-you've got things on lock for some time now. As you step into a new season, this one feels different.

Whether you are an athlete, creative, parent, or entrepreneur, I help multi-potential & high performing individuals who are:

  • Balancing many other responsibilities that are as important
  • Feeling like they are at a plateau
  • Not feeling heard
  • Feels a misalignment in communication
  • Contemplating career pivot or life after sport among athletes
  • Struggling with performance related anxiety

...and are seeking specialized support to navigate these difficulties, especially in moments that matter most whether that’s on the sports pitch, boardroom, conference, at home, on stage or on set.

Morgan Brown, LPCC#22723

Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pardeep Gill

Pardeep Gill

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • Fremont, CA


“I listen first and prescribe thoughtfully. Before recommending medication, I want to understand the full picture...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Johnny Brown

Johnny Brown

Therapist

In-person • 19 mi away • Los Gatos, CA


“My approach is to help you identify what are the thoughts and behaviors that are keeping you from living your best life.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Michelle Ho

Michelle Ho

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • San Jose, CA


I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Robyn Medcalf

Robyn Medcalf

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Los Altos, CA


“With over 35 years of experience, Robyn is a warm and seasoned guide dedicated to helping people find healing and hope.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Eating disorders, End of life care
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pamela Hughes

Pamela Hughes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Monterey, CA


Pamela Hughes received her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and her Masters Degree

in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, California.

Pamela has worked with individuals, couples and families improving their relationships

using the Collaborative Communication Skills as an Instructor. Pamela specializes in Addictions, ADHD, Family Systems and Hoarding.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chester Profeta

Chester Profeta

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Jose, CA


“My approach is warm, honest, and practical. I take time to listen, explain treatment options clearly, and work with you to create a plan that makes sense for your life.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rachel Connett

Rachel Connett

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Jose, CA


“Rachel's passion is to meet each client where they are in their life struggles, including self-esteem, relationships, and work, and guide them through the process of self-actualization to achieve independence so that they can return to full...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Apodaca

Elizabeth Apodaca

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • Pacific Grove, CA


“As a solution focused therapist my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating.”
Anger management, Anxiety, End of life care, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Brian Wainwright , Monterey Peninsula Center For Narrative Therapy www.mpcnt.com

Brian Wainwright , Monterey Peninsula Center For Narrative Therapy www.mpcnt.com

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • Pacific Grove, CA


I've been told I'm an anti-therapist. Done in good humor I suppose, this moniker was given to me as a gesture of appreciation. It's my unyielding commitment to find interesting, and novel ways to support my clients. No two problems are alike and I hope to join you in addressing the unique circumstances of your life in a manner that honors your best hope for finding a way forward.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • San Jose, CA


“I am also a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, (trauma therapy). My focus is helping people manage and heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and more.”
Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Panic disorders, PTSD
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Katherine Stromska

Katherine Stromska

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • Santa Clara, CA


“I specialize in working with women who want to overcome people-pleasing, perfectionism, perinatal/maternal mental health issues, and problematic relationship patterns.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Thomas Kiatta

Thomas Kiatta

Therapist

In-person • 27 mi away • Monterey, CA


Thomas E. Kiatta, is a CA licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. He holds Master's degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Vocational Rehabilitation, and spent three decades with the California Department of Rehab.


Tom helps individuals, couples and families navigate challenges related to communication, conflict, relationships, anxiety, depression and life transitions.

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Men's issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Sara Mitchell

Dr. Sara Mitchell

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Belmont, CA


“Sara believes that when children, youth and young adults receive support from caring, compassionate, and safe adults, they can find a language to express their story and challenges.”
Anxiety, Grief or loss, OCD, Panic disorders, PTSD
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Inhwa Byun

Inhwa Byun

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 28 mi away • San Jose, CA


“She works with you to access your innate strengths, reveal coping styles, and, ultimately, deepen your understanding of the behavior patterns that keep you stuck.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Alecia Singer

Alecia Singer

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


I’m a licensed therapist in San Francisco with over 15 years in private practice. I specialize in Eating disorders, body image and trauma and work primarily with adults who are exhausted by the cycle of restriction, compulsive eating, shame and self criticism and are ready for something to genuinely shift. My training includes, IFS, Somatic therapy, EMDR, CBT and Expressive Arts therapy, which means we will not only engage in supportive talk therapy, but also have real tools to work with. My clients often express that not only do they heal and find peace with food, disordered eating and body image, but they also become more able to feel and tolerate emotions and regulate moods, while building trust in their bodies and discover true hungers, desires and enhance creativity and vitality. This can lead to more ease and comfort in your own skin, with the potential of more meaningful work and healthy relationships.

Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, End of life care, Family issues
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Samuel Khanukayev

Samuel Khanukayev

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


“Multicultural and bilingual elements of my identity, and a history of enduring ethnic discrimination and immigration, significantly inform how I listen to my clients...”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Melody Claiborne

Melody Claiborne

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Oakland, CA


“My approach is structured and results-oriented. I prioritize getting you the right treatment quickly...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Cristina LaFarre

Dr. Cristina LaFarre

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • San Francisco, CA


“Seeking help for your mental health is a sign of strength, and I am proud of people who advocate for their well-being.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Laurel Fujii

Laurel Fujii

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Berkeley, CA


“I work with Asian American and mixed-race BIPOC adults, and I specialize in racial trauma, PTSD, intergenerational conflict, career burn out, and identity.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lauren Purcell

Lauren Purcell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Berkeley, CA


“I bring compassion, presence and acceptance to my work with clients. I am trained in EMDR, a powerful treatment tool to help resolve trauma.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
1 - 40 of

About our therapists located within 20 miles of Santa Cruz, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Santa Cruz, CA
There are over 20 therapists in Santa Cruz, CA accepting new patients.
20+
Average years in practice
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13 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 95%Anxiety
  • 90%Stress management
  • 85%Family issues
  • 80%Relationship issues
  • 80%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 90%Aetna
  • 65%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 55%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 50%Cigna
  • 50%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
How they see their clients
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  • 90%In-person or online
  • 10%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 55%Woman
  • 45%Man
License types
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  • 80%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 20%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 20%Child or adolescent therapy
  • 20%Family therapy
  • 5%Couples therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right therapist 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

Searching for therapists in Santa Cruz starts with finding someone whose experience matches what you want support with. Therapists may focus on concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, ADHD, or life transitions. As you compare options, look for training and specialties that fit your needs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, or work with a licensed marriage and family therapist. A therapist’s bio can help you understand their approach, communication style, and what sessions may look like.

In a smaller city like Santa Cruz, local in-person therapy options may be more limited by office location, commute, and appointment times. Virtual therapy can expand your choices while still connecting you with a therapist licensed in California. Some people prefer meeting in a physical office, while others choose virtual sessions for scheduling flexibility. To narrow your search, review whether a therapist is accepting new patients, has appointment times that fit your calendar, offers a free phone consultation, and works with the type of support you’re seeking, including couples counseling, marriage counseling, or family therapy.

Therapy in Santa Cruz can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and see your estimated cost before you book. Headway helps you compare therapists who are accepting new patients, review detailed profiles, check insurance coverage, and book directly when you’re ready. This makes it easier to find a Santa Cruz therapist who matches your needs, accepts your plan, and offers care in a format that works for you.

If you're experiencing or worried about violence, threats, or coercion in your relationship, couples therapy isn't usually the right starting point — individual support is safer. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.

If anyone in your family is experiencing or worried about abuse, threats, or coercion, joint family or couples therapy usually isn't the right starting point — individual support is safer. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453) and National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.