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Couples therapists in Santa Cruz, CA


Top couples therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Navigate relationship challenges with support from Headway's network of warm, affirming couples therapists in Santa Cruz. Our providers use proven approaches like the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help partners reconnect. Access flexible scheduling, free intake calls, and insurance coverage to focus on what matters most.
I specialize in supporting women through major life transitions and personal shifts, as well as challenges related to boundaries, self-trust, self-worth, and emotional resilience. I also work with women who find themselves repeating unhelpful relational patterns or struggling with overwhelm, stress, and uncertainty. In my trauma work, I incorporate Brainspotting, a brain-body modality that helps process trauma, emotional stress, and experiences that may feel difficult to access through talk therapy alone. I also support clients navigating grief and loss in its many forms. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, strengthen your ability to cope, and move toward healing and meaningful change in a way that feels sustainable.
All roads lead to Rome! It doesn't matter where we jump in, if you’re ready, we’ll get there. My POV is through a Neurodiverse lens and incorporates Attachment Theory and C-PTSD with the idea that much of our conflict and distress stems from old wounds & unmet needs that can often be traced back to necessary adaptations needed to survive not only our families of origin but also societal norms and expectations. The gig of being human is hard and de-coding this blueprint can provide a path toward understanding, healing and, fulfillment. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Melinda Fay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in Art Therapy. I received my MA in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute in 2002 and I have been licensed since 2008.
I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.
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.
Feeling stuck and ready to take the next step in your life? You’re not alone. I support clients who are navigating anxiety, self-doubt, and long-standing unresolved challenges by helping them explore their experiences with curiosity, compassion, and safety. My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself, trust your inner voice. I see therapy as a collaborative partnership. Together, we’ll identify goals that matter most to you whether that’s improving relationships, building self-esteem, addressing unresolved challenges, or figuring out what’s next when you’re ready for change but unsure where to begin. I primarily integrate evidence-based therapeutic methods, with EMDR as the central approach guiding the treatment process
I believe everyone needs help from time to time.
I specialize in evening and weekend appointments. Later appointments are available, please request your needs.
I am a friendly goal-oriented therapist who believes strongly in positive self-reinforcement. I have a Master's degree from La Tech University with a background in private practice for over 20 years. I am Licensed in Louisiana and Texas as a professional counselor. I am also Licensed as a marriage and family therapist in Louisiana.
I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles and love this work. I came to therapy through an unconventional path — nearly a decade in film and photography, work as a youth counselor, and service in the military — all of which deeply shaped how I understand people and their stories.
I earned my master's degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I focused on psychodynamic and depth-oriented approaches. My thesis centered on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, a specialty I've continued developing through advanced trainings I've completed.
I work with individuals, couples, adolescents & families across a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have a particular love for working with creative professionals, veterans and young adults. I'm LGBTQ+ affirmative and love working with folks from the queer community.
My practice spans traditional talk therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) — including psychedelic integration support for those processing experiences outside of our work together. I see clients in person in Atwater Village in Northeast LA, and virtually throughout California.
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.
Hello, I am a California licensed psychologist with 8 years of experience in clinical work. I was a research and development engineer for 20 years; I became interested in mental health since 2013 and it has been a humbling journey. I enjoy listen to your stories and life struggles whether it is due to mental illnesses, relationships, or changes. My diverse background equip me with the experience to better serve you. I hold a PsyD, M.A. Pastoral Ministry, and M.S. in Computer Science.
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