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Find an Aetna therapist in Santa Cruz, CA

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

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

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.

Susan Word

Susan Word

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • South San Francisco, CA


“Although I have 3 years as an NP I have over 40 years in almost all areas of Psychiatric Nursing most often in Bipolar, ADHD, trauma, crisis resolution and PTSD.”
Aetna + 3 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Carl Hess

Carl Hess

Therapist

Virtual • Ventura, CA


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.

Aetna + 12 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Debra Gionet

Debra Gionet

Therapist

Virtual • Gilroy, CA


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.

Aetna + 7 others
Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues, Infertility
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Mariella Gonzalez

Mariella Gonzalez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Whittier, CA


“As a bilingual therapist, I provide therapy in both English and Spanish, creating a space where clients can express themselves authentically and feel fully understood.”
Aetna + 4 others
Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lisa Lott

Lisa Lott

Therapist

Virtual • Thousand Oaks, CA


“I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, but you can also call me a parent supporter, a behavior calmer, trauma tamer and attachment builder.”
Aetna + 3 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kieu “Q” Balthasar

Kieu “Q” Balthasar

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work collaboratively with each of my client to explore their strengths and challenges to create a treatment plan that tailor to each client's unique situation.”
Aetna + 7 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Dr. Abimbola Ogundeji

Dr. Abimbola Ogundeji

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I walk alongside each person as a cheerleader, advocate, and transformational presence—committed to fostering resilience, insight, and meaningful change.”
Aetna + 8 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Panic disorders
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jezreel Supetran

Jezreel Supetran

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me is not just about talking—it's about helping you gain insight and take steps toward real change.”
Aetna + 6 others
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues, PTSD
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Kathryn Feigin

Kathryn Feigin

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

Aetna + 10 others
Anger management, Relationship issues, Stress management, Trauma, Women's issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Clairessa Spencer

Clairessa Spencer

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a strengths-based therapist who will work with you to increase your confidence and coping skills as you navigate life.”
Aetna + 7 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Maternal mental health, Stress management
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Emily Olszewski

Emily Olszewski

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, compassionate, and judgment-free to support you in rediscovering the connection between your mind and body through mental health counseling that honors your whole self.”
Aetna + 7 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christina Auer-Arriaga

Christina Auer-Arriaga

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm dedicated to supporting you in reaching your personal goals through a holistic approach that considers both you and the influences shaping your life.”
Accepts Aetna insurance
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ahila Muthaiya

Ahila Muthaiya

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe in empowering individuals to take an active role in their mental health, guiding them towards making meaningful changes...”
Aetna + 6 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Kathia Millan

Kathia Millan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You will feel a safe, caring, secure, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach where you can feel heard and respected.”
Aetna + 5 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Mary-Esther Sanchez

Mary-Esther Sanchez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges while building resilience, increasing self-awareness, and creating meaningful, lasting change.”
Aetna + 7 others
Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Julián Aguilar-Hernández

Julián Aguilar-Hernández

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring over 15 years of clinical practice working with adults, adolescents, and families in English and Spanish on life transitions and crisis work.”
Aetna + 12 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Diabetes
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ana Guzman-Wiley

Ana Guzman-Wiley

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

Aetna + 6 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Margareth Gomez Noj

Margareth Gomez Noj

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I navigate the balance of connecting with clients where they are while also encouraging them to grow and heal.”
Aetna + 7 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kelley Clair Montes

Kelley Clair Montes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe a good therapeutic alliance sets the stage for healing, and I will always provide an open, accepting, empathetic and non-judgmental healing environment.”
Aetna + 9 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, LGBTQIA+
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Leslie De Vera

Leslie De Vera

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My approach is collaborative, personalized, and evidence-based. I believe effective mental health care is not one-size-fits-all...”
Aetna + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Esmeralda Cardenas

Esmeralda Cardenas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe some of the most important therapy happens with people who are functioning but feel disconnected - from themselves, their relationships, or who they thought they'd be by now.”
Aetna + 5 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lauren Jolly

Lauren Jolly

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

Aetna + 8 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Omri Lopez-Medina

Omri Lopez-Medina

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have worked with youth, couples, and adults and have learned over the years how to take what Im given and respect it in a non-judgemental way.”
Aetna + 4 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Sandra Marty

Sandra Marty

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in meeting you where you are and collaboratively working toward the goals that are important to you.”
Aetna + 3 others
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health, PTSD
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Anna Kosa

Anna Kosa

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I love helping others navigate through difficult times and find strength during challenging moments.”
Aetna + 10 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Travis Fortenberry

Travis Fortenberry

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I give the aura of being neutral and serene, which is my overall goal and focus as a practitioner of the sacred art of counseling.”
Aetna + 5 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Creative, Holistic

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Susan Faitos

Susan Faitos

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

Aetna + 9 others
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Jovita Herrera

Jovita Herrera

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My focus is to help you better understand your patterns, process difficult experiences, and build practical tools that will strengthen your ability to live with intentionality and clarity.”
Aetna + 7 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Maria Lopez

Maria Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take a compassionate, collaborative approach to help you navigate life's challenges and reconnect with your inner strength.”
Aetna + 2 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Melissa Sadikoff

Melissa Sadikoff

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy can make a real difference when clients commit to the process. It isn't easy, but I've seen it help people face challenges, heal, and grow into their best selves.”
Aetna + 6 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Rachael Obi

Dr. Rachael Obi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My style is holistic, integrative, and collaborative. I use medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a thoughtful combination to empower clients reclaim their mental wellness.”
Aetna + 9 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Belen Cornejo

Belen Cornejo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Tustin, CA


“Therapy is not just about talking—it's about growth, healing, and learning new skills that can be applied to your everyday life.”
Aetna + 4 others
Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health, Relationship issues
Affirming, Empowering, Participatory
Dr. Martin Giffin

Dr. Martin Giffin

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“In the short term, clients can expect to gain a sense of normalization to the feelings they are having.”
Aetna + 7 others
Family issues, Relationship issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Dr. Cornelia Gibson

Dr. Cornelia Gibson

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

Aetna + 8 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Nosizwe Moore

Nosizwe Moore

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients often tell me I bring a calm, nonjudgmental presence and ask thoughtful questions that help them see patterns in a new way.”
Aetna + 3 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Jenna Wu

Jenna Wu

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is most effective when rooted in empathy, compassion, and a nonjudgmental understanding of each person's unique experiences.”
Aetna + 3 others
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Diabetes
Direct, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Natalie Demus

Natalie Demus

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

Aetna + 4 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kenyada Wagoner

Kenyada Wagoner

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy is meant to meet the client where they are. None of us are built the same, and for that reason, therapeutic approaches are most effective when treatment is individualized.”
Aetna + 5 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Shirley Remmers-Mesman

Shirley Remmers-Mesman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe that effective mental health treatment begins with excellent interpersonal communication and a strong human connection.”
Aetna + 8 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Panic disorders
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Veronica Villanueva

Veronica Villanueva

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in a client-centered therapeutic approach that puts you at the center of your healing process.”
Aetna + 7 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded

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.
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Frequently asked questions

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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.

Find a provider - your way

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