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Find a United Healthcare therapist in Santa Cruz, CA

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

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

Top United Healthcare-covered therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

Headway supports mental health across Santa Cruz neighborhoods including the Beach District, Downtown, and Westside with UnitedHealthcare plans. Our 2,844 providers offer talk therapy and medication management services, with copays starting near $30 and free intake consultations available.

Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Gold River, CA


“My goal isn't to "fix" you—you're not broken. I'm here to help you understand your conditions, develop coping strategies, and build on your strengths.”
United Healthcare + 9 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Eric Foti

Eric Foti

Therapist

Virtual • Newport Beach, CA


“I believe the main goal of therapy is to remove the obstacles and blockages that preclude us from being genuine.”
United Healthcare + 10 others
Anger management, Family issues, Grief or loss, Panic disorders, Substance use / addiction
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Jeffrey Riffle

Dr. Jeffrey Riffle

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I've worked extensively with clients from the entertainment industry, first responders, and veterans.”
United Healthcare + 11 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Jessica Garcia

Jessica Garcia

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Covina, CA


“My approach is collaborative and client centered, I strive to establish an attentive supportive relationship with each of my clients.”
United Healthcare + 5 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Paula Parra

Paula Parra

Therapist

Virtual • Temecula, CA


“I truly believe in the importance of healing past and present wounds to remove any power they could be holding over you...”
United Healthcare + 9 others
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Esmeralda Valencia

Esmeralda Valencia

Therapist

Virtual • Rocklin, CA


“In my practice, I guide patients towards developing skills in order to obtain healthier outcomes in their personal lives and relationships.”
United Healthcare + 9 others
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Khoi Lam

Khoi Lam

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“Clients often describe my approach as equal parts structured and approachable: a professional who can speak the language of complex psychiatric care while still making the process feel human, grounded, and tailored to each individual's unique needs.”
United Healthcare + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Sierra Blanco

Sierra Blanco

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Redding, CA


“I believe therapy is not only about reducing suffering, but also about creating more goodness in life.”
United Healthcare + 9 others
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Joee Truong

Joee Truong

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I'm someone who genuinely listens and cares about your whole experience, not just a list of symptoms.”
United Healthcare + 7 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Luis Resendez

Luis Resendez

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who has been practicing since 2009. I specialize in men's mental health issues, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I look forward to serving you on your healing journey and helping you find peace and balance in your life.

United Healthcare + 6 others
Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Trauma
Challenging, Solution-oriented, Warm
Elisabeth Netjes

Elisabeth Netjes

Therapist

Virtual • California


“True healing begins when we feel genuinely seen and heard. You deserve to be known, supported, have your story understood, and have help in navigating life's obstacles.”
United Healthcare + 8 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Taeko Bufford

Taeko Bufford

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I utilize CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based Therapy, Harm Reduction, and Solution-Focused Therapy in my treatment...”
United Healthcare + 12 others
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, LGBTQIA+
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Michelle Ladringan

Michelle Ladringan

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Benicia, CA


“I believe that mental health is influenced by the connection between our mind, body, relationships, culture, and life experiences.”
United Healthcare + 8 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Madison Messerli

Madison Messerli

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I help clients uncover their turning point where they start embracing their unique brains and learning to leverage their strengths.”
United Healthcare + 2 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Stress management
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Michal Cardarelli

Michal Cardarelli

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“Michal delivers patient-centered and nonjudgemental care. Her comprehensive approach to optimal wellness includes assessing, evaluating, and managing the whole patient (mind, body, soul, spirit).”
United Healthcare + 7 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Miguel Ruvalcaba

Miguel Ruvalcaba

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I am passionate about helping people, especially those with limited English who have mental health struggles.”
United Healthcare + 8 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Nastassja Vargas

Nastassja Vargas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am very passionate about holistic psychotherapy as I have personally experienced great benefits from such an approach where traditional methods alone have failed me.”
United Healthcare + 4 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Marylune IM

Marylune IM

Therapist

Virtual • California


“After a therapy session with me, you will be empowered and have some skills to implement in your life to improve your overall situation.”
United Healthcare + 9 others
Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Maternal mental health, PTSD
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Dr. Bongjoo Hwang

Dr. Bongjoo Hwang

Psychologist

Virtual • Campbell, CA


“I use an integrative approach drawing from client-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, relational, system's and other approaches to meet the client's specific needs.”
United Healthcare + 10 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Michelle Hutchinson

Michelle Hutchinson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, trauma-informed, collaborative, and grounded in CBT, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy.”
United Healthcare + 4 others
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Infertility, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Justin Sundgot-Smith

Justin Sundgot-Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Goleta, CA


“I use an eclectic mix of different therapeutic styles, but I am namely oriented towards acceptance based approaches which incorporate mindful based somatic awareness, values alignment, and compassion focused.”
United Healthcare + 6 others
Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, LGBTQIA+, Men's issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ole Von Frausing-Borch

Ole Von Frausing-Borch

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Maria, CA


“I was trained in Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy, but over the years have become quite eclectic utilizing whatever approach best serves my client.”
United Healthcare + 10 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Challenging, Empowering, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cory Sullivan

Cory Sullivan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am passionate about helping people find their new normal after trauma, traumatic injuries, and chronic illnesses.”
United Healthcare + 4 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Megri Kartounian

Megri Kartounian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I support women who want to build their self-esteem, heal from inner child wounds, and past traumas.”
United Healthcare + 2 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Brenda Hernandez

Brenda Hernandez

Therapist

Virtual • California


As a therapist my goal is to break the stigma that comes with therapy. I strive to create a collaborative, nurturing therapeutic relationship that can help transform one's pain or uncertainties into one of healing. Life can be difficult and sometimes confusing therefore I want to create a corner where one can feel safe, understood, and free of judgement.

United Healthcare + 8 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Michelle Youtsey

Michelle Youtsey

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With over 25 years of marriage and the experience of raising four children, I provide personalized counseling and, when desired, faith-based therapy that integrates biblical truth with psychological insight.”
United Healthcare + 4 others
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Clinton Gaver

Clinton Gaver

Therapist

Virtual • California


“For nine years, I have treated clients with depression, anxiety, relational issues, anger issues, sex and substance addictions, PTSD, and chronic mental health diagnoses to make lasting positive changes.”
United Healthcare + 8 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Theresa Rodriguez

Theresa Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • Alhambra, CA


“My therapeutic approach is marked by compassion and directness, creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment that embraces individuals as they are.”
United Healthcare + 18 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Krista Zabor

Krista Zabor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is centered on compassion and non-judgement. Each of us needs support and care to heal and thrive in this challenging world.”
United Healthcare + 11 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Daniel Banaitis

Daniel Banaitis

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In a safe and non-judgmental space, we'll talk openly about what you're experiencing and create a plan to bring you peace.”
United Healthcare + 2 others
Anxiety, Family issues, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Trauma
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Hana Hawthorne

Hana Hawthorne

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is tailored to your individual needs and may include techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, narrative therapy, and trauma-informed care.”
United Healthcare + 8 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pamela DeRitis

Pamela DeRitis

Therapist

Virtual • Gardena, CA


“I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey, where we work together to explore your concerns and create a path toward healing and growth.”
United Healthcare + 16 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues, PTSD, Relationship issues
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Lizette Sayo

Lizette Sayo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, individualized care rooted in my extensive experience as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.”
United Healthcare + 8 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Reginald Casilang

Dr. Reginald Casilang

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“My practice is built around a more structured, diagnostic-first approach. I focus on clarifying the clinical picture before making treatment changes...”
United Healthcare + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Identity issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Dr. Farbod Khalafi

Dr. Farbod Khalafi

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Using proven approaches like CBT and mindfulness, we'll identify unhelpful thought patterns, build coping skills, and create meaningful change.”
United Healthcare + 5 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Arnold Fosah

Arnold Fosah

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Jose, CA


“I am trained in somatic experiencing, trauma-focused CBT, and EMDR, a groundbreaking technique for treating specific traumatic experiences.”
United Healthcare + 5 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Noah Peter

Noah Peter

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


“My practice has a nonjudgmental environment where your feelings and experiences are respected and validated.”
United Healthcare + 8 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Meagan Pruden

Meagan Pruden

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I value genuine connection and believe healing happens best in a safe, respectful space where you feel truly heard.”
United Healthcare + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • East Palo Alto, CA


I'm Holly, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 23 years of clinical experience in psychiatric care and maternal-child health. This dual background has shaped how I see mental health: not as something separate from the rest of your life, but deeply woven into every transition, relationship, and challenge you face. My work taught me that women's mental health—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and hormonal transitions—requires specialized understanding and individualized care.

I provide comprehensive psychiatric treatment for adults across a broad spectrum of conditions: perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum conditions. I have particular expertise in women's mental health throughout the reproductive years, though I welcome anyone seeking compassionate, evidence-based care.

My approach is straightforward: effective treatment should fit your real life. I combine psychiatric interventions—including medication management when appropriate—with practical therapeutic strategies and lifestyle modifications that actually work for you. I'll help you understand what's happening, why it's happening, and what options make sense for your unique situation.

What matters most to me is seeing you as a whole person—not just a diagnosis. You have strengths, values, relationships, and goals that deserve attention alongside your symptoms. Whether you're managing a long-standing condition, processing trauma, navigating major life changes, or simply seeking better balance, you deserve a provider who recognizes your potential and partners with you toward sustainable wellness.

United Healthcare + 10 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Beth Sopkin

Beth Sopkin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use an authentic approach to therapy; I find that my clients respond well to me being myself with them, so that they then feel comfortable being themselves with me.”
United Healthcare + 8 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

What type of therapy does United Healthcare cover?

United Healthcare 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 United Healthcare plan

Headway makes it easy to get affordable in-network mental health care with United Healthcare — 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.