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

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and integrative psychotherapist specializing in life transitions, grief, and personal growth. I hold space for people who want to better understand their emotions, heal past wounds, and feel more connected to who they really are. With experience at Stanford Hospitals and training in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, I offer a depth-oriented, high-caliber space for transformation and self-actualization.

My name is Paul Tran, and I am a Vietnamese-American Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Over the past 10 years, I have worked with various populations with diverse backgrounds and challenges including trauma, crisis, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, racial challenges, and immigration issues. My mission is to offer you a safe space for you to truly express and be seen as your whole self, and to bear witness to your growth and healing journey.

I enjoy connecting with clients by learning their individual stories. By understanding my clients, I can connect them to a specific modality for treatment. I am empathic and caring. My goal is to support each of my clients reflect on their lives and become emotionally strong.

I've been in therapy myself and have both healed and grown tremendously having worked with

therapists. Through my work with skilled therapists, I have become a more present, alive, whole-

bodied person that has learned to love myself--to be kinder to myself, less self-critical, happier,

and enjoy expressing my various forms of creativity. I'm not perfect but I continue to make shifts

when I drift into old patterns. As a result of these experiences and recommitting to shifting into

presence, self-acceptance, and whole-body awareness I feel more connected, alive and at peace. I

enjoy loving relationships with the people closest to me including my wife and children. When

not working with people, I enjoy reading biographies and adventure novels, playing board and

card games, watching live baseball games, and enjoying a variety of outdoor activities and

pursuits.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in mental health. I provide care in both English and Spanish. I enjoy helping people better understand their mental health and find treatment that works for them.

I am a dedicated clinician with 10+years of experience working in mental health services. Therapy is the first step in your journey of self exploration and change.

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2016. I have been providing therapy since 2011.

Check out my YouTube, for short helpful videos:

www.youtube.com/@softenup

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.