Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Santa Cruz, CA covered by Aetna

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Arce is a licensed clinical psychologist, experienced in working with multicultural individuals, and catering treatment to patient's needs. She has worked in multiple settings including: university counseling, hospitals, medical school, and community mental health agencies. Dr. Arce specializes in ADHD assessment, couples pre-marital counseling, life transitions, anxiety disorders, depression, heath-related difficulties, relationships, and spiritual development. Communication of needs and progress are reviewed regularly to ensure that each patient finds value in the time spent in treatment.

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
• Struggling with performance related anxiety
• Contemplating career pivot or life after sport among athletes

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

Sheila C. Brown has extensive experience working with teens and adults, providing a safe space where individuals can be themselves and feel heard and valued, Sheila has lived experience with ADHD and late in life diagnosis.

I'm Deidre, and for over two decades I've helped people move through some of life's most painful and disorienting transitions — loss, illness, divorce, relationship struggles, aging, and the quiet fears that come with facing mortality. My clients often tell me that what they needed most wasn't advice — it was someone who truly listened, who could help them make sense of what they were feeling and find a path forward. That's what I'm here to do!

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.