Book grief and loss therapy, covered by insurance
Grief counselors and therapists in Santa Cruz, CA


Top grief and loss counseling therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Whether grieving a parent, partner, friend, or child, Santa Cruz residents can access virtual or in-person grief therapy through Headway's network of 5,667 providers. Our therapists use approaches like acceptance-based therapy and prolonged grief disorder treatment to support your healing journey.
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.
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'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment
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.
Welcome! Taking the step to prioritize your mental health is powerful, and I’m honored to welcome you to our practice.
I’m Nadia Seray-Wurie, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner devoted to delivering compassionate, top-tier psychiatric and medical care to individuals and families across our communities. We bring flexible, high-quality care directly to you—offering both in-person appointments and seamless telepsychiatry services. Together, we’ll build a personalized approach to your health so you can thrive.You don’t have to do this alone—we're here to walk alongside you on your journey to wellness.
I’m Saby Kirpal, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner committed to providing thorough, well-rounded mental health care. I hold Master’s degrees from both Chamberlain University and Walden University, where I graduated with Presidential Honors, a reflection of my dedication to high clinical standards.
My professional experience spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, which has given me a clear understanding of mental health care at every level. My clinical focus includes depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders across all age groups. I care for children as young as eight, teens, and adults, and young people and their families are always welcome in my practice. My work has included crisis stabilization, residential programs, and ongoing medication management.
What makes my practice distinctive is the way I blend my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, daily habits, and mental health all affect one another. I am fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi and speak conversational Spanish, which allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate the many ways culture shapes how people experience mental health.
My work has taken me from UCSF Health to community clinics, and those experiences taught me that excellent care depends far more on the relationship than on the setting. Whether you are seeking help for the first time, transitioning between clinicians, or managing an ongoing condition, I am here to partner with you. I always listen first, explain things clearly, and make decisions with you rather than for you. Treatment should never feel like something done to you; it should be something we navigate together. I am dedicated to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and truly supported, and every step forward, however small, is worth celebrating.
I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) marriage and family therapist licensed in California with over 14 years of experience working in clinical practice. I am born and raised in San Francisco's Mission District. I am Salvarodan and Nicaraguan; and a native Spanish speaker. I have served clients experiencing multiple occurring conditions requiring some form of crisis stabilization service or intervention. I have counseled individuals and families dealing with an array of issues such as immigration/deportation, domestic and community violence, teen pregnancy, work – readiness, homelessness, substance abuse, and more. I use a client-centered and strengths-based approach when I work with clients. I believe that it is critical to collaborate with cleints in identifying and attaining what they are seeking. I believe that clients are experts in their lives and I am an expert my field.
About our therapists in Santa Cruz, CA who help people navigate grief and loss



- 100%Grief or loss
- 99%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 93%Stress management
- 86%Relationship issues

- 98%Aetna
- 79%Cigna
- 76%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 76%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 67%Blue Shield of California

- 97%English
- 17%Spanish
- 2%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Hindi

- 91%Online only
- 9%In-person or online

- 78%Woman
- 21%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 31%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 8%Nurse Practitioner
- 7%Clinical Psychologist
- 6%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 41%Family therapy
- 26%Couples therapy
- 17%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right grief counselor for you
Headway makes it easy to find a therapist who can support you through loss — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
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