Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

I’m Meghan Smith, LCSW, and I specialize in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, and acute stress. I use EMDR, CBT, ACT, and DBT within a trauma-informed framework — tailoring every treatment plan to you. Therapy with me is collaborative, grounded, and at a pace that feels safe. I’m here to walk alongside you, not push you.

I have been a licensed MFT for 17 years and have worked in many settings including but not limited to: non-profit, community college, outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, group home and private practice. I got my Masters at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and I’d definitely describe my orientation as eclectic and I honestly taylor my work to each client.

My therapy style is compassionate and supportive. Clients find me engaging, warm and friendly. I've been a licensed psychotherapist since 1987 and I have experience with a variety of clients from differing age groups, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. During my career I've helped clients with relationship challenges, the expression and management of emotion, and improving their quality of life.

Please note that although I enjoy working with couples, I will no longer be able to offer couples therapy due to insurance reimbursement issues.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life and the concerns that arise. I specialize in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are in their process. In my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe meaningful change happens when we honor each person’s lived experience and work together toward self-identified goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable. I meet clients where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore change or looking to deepen their healing and personal growth.

I completed my undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego, double majoring in business administration and psychology. I then continued my education and graduated with honors from Pepperdine University with a master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I completed my traineeship through the YWCA, working at a middle school and at YWCA sexual assault/ domestic violence clinic. Post graduation I started my job with LGTC and spent two years in the adult and teen mental health IOP and PHP program as a group and individual therapist . I recently transitioned to working at the outpatient level of care, and I am so excited about this new chapter

You've got the talent. The drive. Maybe you've already reached your dream goal where the pressures & stress-you've got things on lock for some time now. As you step into a new season, this one feels different.

Whether you are an athlete, creative, parent, or entrepreneur, I help multi-potential & high performing individuals who are:

• Balancing many other responsibilities that are as important
• Feeling like they are at a plateau
• Not feeling heard
• Feels a misalignment in communication
• Contemplating career pivot or life after sport among athletes
• Struggling with performance related anxiety

...and are seeking specialized support to navigate these difficulties, especially in moments that matter most whether that’s on the sports pitch, boardroom, conference, at home, on stage or on set.

Morgan Brown, LPCC#22723

I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment

I've been told I'm an anti-therapist. Done in good humor I suppose, this moniker was given to me as a gesture of appreciation. It's my unyielding commitment to find interesting, and novel ways to support my clients. No two problems are alike and I hope to join you in addressing the unique circumstances of your life in a manner that honors your best hope for finding a way forward.

Thomas E. Kiatta, is a CA licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. He holds Master's degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Vocational Rehabilitation, and spent three decades with the California Department of Rehab.

Tom helps individuals, couples and families navigate challenges related to communication, conflict, relationships, anxiety, depression and life transitions.

Pamela Hughes received her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and her Masters Degree

in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, California.

Pamela has worked with individuals, couples and families improving their relationships

using the Collaborative Communication Skills as an Instructor. Pamela specializes in Addictions, ADHD, Family Systems and Hoarding.