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

I bring 14 + years of experience providing thrrapy in both private and clinical settings. My work is grounded in a client centered strengths-based approach, rooted in unconditional, positive regard and a commitment to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where client can openly share their stories.

I identify as neurodivergent and have personally and professionally navigated ADHD. This experience allows me to bring both clinical knowledge lived understanding to my work, helping clients recognize their strengths, develop effective strategies, and move toward meaningful growth and stability.

Welcome — I’m Maria, and I help children, families, and individuals who are navigating grief, loss, anxiety, depression, or life changes that feel heavy to carry alone. You may be feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to express what you’re going through. My goal is to offer a warm, safe space where you feel heard, supported, and understood.

I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), working in private practice as a Psychotherapist. I live in Los Angeles, and work in-person or hybrid, with adults, teens, couples and the aging population. I specialize in anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, work stress/dissatisfaction, career goals, sleep disorders, substance use, trauma (ptsd/complex/acute), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD/OCPD), attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD). In addition I deal with grief, isolation, and breaking creative blocks.

Life's challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, or the transitions that come with different stages of life. You don't have to navigate these experiences alone. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward meaningful change from an eclectic evidenced based approach that promotes hope, stability, and wellness, including faith-based perspective.

I specialize in working with adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, intimate relationship conflict, and couples counseling.I believes my purpose is to assist individuals to live life healthy and with hope.

I have extensive experience with substance abuse, holding a previous Certified Alcohol Drug Certificate (CADC) in Illinois, previous certification as an Emergency Services Prescreener with mental health, certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional, trained in level 2 of the Gottman Couples Method, experienced with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, and intimate relationship conflict. I received an outstanding excellent therapy award in 2021 and am committed to lives being changed. I am inspired daily by my husband, two adult children, and in love with my five grandchildren. In my spare time I love exercising, running miles, and reading educational/spiritual literature to keep myself sharp to assist others in sharpen themselves.

I have been working in private practice for a few years and before that I worked in non-profits with a variety of individuals and groups. I am the parent of two adult sons and have three grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. I have an educational background in the study of philosophy, spirituality and counseling psychology. I have experience with helping people with histories of trauma, severe mental illness, as well as, symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience and some expertise with clients struggling with substance use.

I am a licensed therapist who has been working in the field since 2014 with diverse individuals in different settings. I attended California State Polytechnic University for my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and the University of Southern California for my Masters in Social Work. I specialize in working with individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, women's issues and grief and loss issues. On a personal note, I love to hike, cook and watch movies.

I was drawn to therapy because people often said I was a great listener and gave meaningful advice. What truly drives me is witnessing that lightbulb moment when a client realizes why certain patterns have shaped their life. Seeing my clients reach that understanding is what makes this work so rewarding.

I’m Elba Alvarado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My work is rooted in the belief that healing begins in relationships — with ourselves, with others, and with the stories we carry. I hold space for people navigating the quiet weight of expectations, the complexity of identity, and the patterns that shape how we show up in the world.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Vanguard University and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and I have been providing therapy since 2018.

I'm an LMFT who creates a warm, welcoming, and affirming space for every client. I'm empathetic, compassionate, and known for being kind, respectful, and honest. I believe you know yourself best, so I listen more than I talk, and I'm always focused on helping you build real agency and self-esteem.

I work in a collaborative process with older teens (15yrs old and above), couples, and individual adults who are motivated to find their inner voice and know their highest selves. My clients are focused on setting boundaries, assertive and effective communication skills, healthy relationships, self-advocacy, and self-efficacy. My clients are willing to reflect on sessions outside of the therapeutic hour, and are receptive to occasional homework. I am here to meet you halfway.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I see the world through the lens of relationships. I treat adults dealing with anxiety, depression, relationships, perinatal mental health, childhood trauma, and religious wounds. I believe the work of therapy is in undoing aloneness. I became a therapist because I believe it’s in relationships we are injured and paradoxically, it must be through relationships that we heal.

Hi, I’m Rachel. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life’s unexpected transitions. Many of the people I work with are adjusting to difficult life changes, searching for a renewed sense of purpose, or feeling anxious about speaking up, being around others, or even leaving the house. Whatever you’re carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.

I believe therapy works best when you feel comfortable being yourself, without fear of judgment. Together, we’ll build practical tools, celebrate progress along the way, and help you move toward a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and like your own again.

Hi there, I'm Jaime - a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience supporting all ages in crisis settings involving anxiety, depression, and trauma.

I use a trauma informed approach that blends CBT, mindfulness, and other evidence-based practices and strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood while building tools to navigate life’s challenges. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs and goals.

I work with teens, adults, and couples. I believe that true wellness comes from integrating all aspects of ourselves—spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. As a California-certified sexual assault counselor, fully trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, I provide trauma-informed care with empathy and expertise. I also specialize in psychedelic therapy preparation and integration, guiding clients through their profound journeys with care and intention.