ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi, I’m Abdel! With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate care for individuals managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. As a bilingual speaker in English and Arabic, I specialize in creating an inclusive environment where patients from all backgrounds feel truly heard and respected. My goal is to empower you through open communication and evidence-based treatment to help you achieve lasting wellness.

Dr. Aw primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy, one does not exist outside of the other. Furthermore, Depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues feels significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on the road to recovery.

I am an LMFT with over 10 years of experience in Mental Health services. I'm a straightforward, goal-oriented therapist who helps individuals, couples, and families navigate challenges with confidence and ease.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the Long Beach area, and I'm passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel truly heard. I work with individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives, and I bring both professional training and genuine care to every session. I believe that the right therapeutic relationship can be transformative, and I'm committed to showing up fully for the people I work with.

I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with diverse populations. Starting your healing journey can seem overwhelming and lonely. My aim is to walk alongside and help you gain a better understanding of how your experiences have impacted the way you approach life. I believe in a person centered approach as you are the expert of your life and your life experiences, so collaborative we will write your new narrative.

Are you carrying trauma, anxiety, grief, or relationship pain and wishing someone truly understood? I work with individuals navigating PTSD, anxiety, grief, and life transitions, and with couples who want to rebuild trust and strengthen communication. After 25 years in special education, I became a therapist to offer steady, compassionate support that helps people feel heard, accepted, and understood.

With over 15 years of experience, I have helped countless individuals navigate the challenges they face and find peace within themselves. Together, we can work towards culminating a healthier and more fulfilling future.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my dogs, hiking with friends, cooking, and making flower arrangements. I also enjoy spending time doing artsy activities or attending local events.

I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

Choosing a therapist is a big decision, and it helps to know a little about the person you’ll be working with. With more than 18 years in behavioral health, I’ve supported people from all walks of life through mental health challenges, trauma, and major life transitions. Whatever brought you here, I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you move forward with more confidence and resilience.

Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CA LCSW #130126) who is passionate about helping individuals find better alignment with their values to create a life worth living. Melissa has experience working with trauma (she is trained in EMDR), substance use, anxiety, depression and life transitions. Melissa has worked in the outpatient, intensive outpatient and residential settings since becoming a social worker in 2020. Melissa employs an individualized, eclectic approach including interventions from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to meet the needs of each client. Melissa is passionate about social justice and uses a systems approach that views individual clients in the context of interconnected systems like family, community and society.