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


Top Aetna-covered therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz residents can access therapy and medication support through Headway's Aetna network. Choose from thousands of providers, schedule sessions as soon as tomorrow, and enjoy flexible virtual or in-person appointments. Average savings reach 75% on sessions with insurance coverage.
Carl Hess is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist offering in-person sessions in the city of Ventura. Carl works with individuals, families, and couples, helping to improve relationships and to discover the path to more rich and meaningful lives. Carl employs knowledge of a wide range of treatment modalities to create individualized treatment plans with practical solutions for life's challenges.
Life and relationships can be complicated. Sometimes you need a space that is just for you—to talk, process, reflect, and figure out what comes next.
I’m a licensed therapist in California with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and couples through depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, communication struggles, and major life transitions.
Therapy can be a place to slow down and make sense of what you’re experiencing—whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, discouraged, or simply unsure of what comes next. Sometimes you need a place outside your usual circle of friends and family where you can be completely honest, talk things through, and gain a fresh perspective without judgment.
Together, we can explore relationships, boundaries, communication, emotions, life experiences, and patterns that may be keeping you stuck. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop practical tools, and feel more confident moving forward.
I also work with couples who want to improve communication, strengthen their connection, work through recurring disagreements, or navigate different parenting styles. The goal isn’t about deciding who is right or wrong—it’s about learning to listen, understand each other, and work together more effectively.
My approach is warm, compassionate, practical, and down-to-earth. I’ll meet you where you are and work alongside you as you navigate whatever life is bringing your way.
Sometimes you just need a place to talk. Sometimes you need a fresh perspective. Sometimes you’re ready for a change.
Whatever brings you through the door, we can start there!
Please note: My practice is not able to provide services for individuals with current or past self-harm, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.
Whether you are going through a life transition, struggling to cope with the challenges thrown your way, or simply needing a space to feel heard, I enjoy supporting clients in becoming the next version of themselves.
Since my undergraduate studies, I have developed a passion for social justice. I wanted to work with people individually to help dismantle social constructs that limit their ability to live fulfilling lives. I am driven by connecting with clients and helping them unlearn unhelpful personal schemas. I have robust experience with adults in treating anxiety and depression. I have substantial experience working alongside the Latinx community, and I am excited to work with an array of diverse populations.
I graduated from UCLA's Social Welfare program and developed a specialty working with adolescents, teens, parents, teachers and school administrators via the LAUSD public school system. Over the course of 15 years, I have developed an expertise in utilizing a trauma-informed lens and attachment theory to address treatment areas such as trauma, depression, parenting, parent-child relationships, behavioral issues and anxiety.
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) providing telehealth services to clients in California. With over 25 years of experience, I firmly believe that my clients are the experts in their own lives. My role as a therapist involves understanding and respecting my client’s experiences and collaboratively developing tools to support their ongoing journey.
I work with individuals seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, women's issues, trauma/PTSD, and chronic illness/pain challenges. I'm experienced in treating relationship and family challenges. I maintain a body-positive, sex-positive, and LGBTQ+ friendly approach, welcoming different lifestyles without judgment.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical director of a non-profit organization. I have a BA, MA, and Ed.D. in Counseling Psychology. My passion is meeting people where they are but not leaving them there. I believe in authenticity which includes acknowledging the good, the bad, and the ugly. My motto is, Life will bring us stressors, but it doesn't have to bring us stress.
If you have been carrying stress, anxiety, or the weight of life's challenges for a long time, you may have wondered whether things can actually change. I believe they can.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with over 30 years of clinical experience working with adults, families, and communities. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I welcome clients from all cultural backgrounds. My work spans a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, trauma, and substance use recovery.
What type of therapy does Aetna cover?
Aetna plans can vary, but many cover a range of therapy types. Below are some common options that may be included in your coverage.
Frequently asked questions


Affordable care that fits you — and your Aetna plan
Headway makes it easy to get affordable in-network mental health care with Aetna — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to booking your first session.








































