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Grief counselors and therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

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

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 5,661 providers. Our therapists use approaches like acceptance-based therapy and prolonged grief disorder treatment to support your healing journey.

Mindy Leake

Mindy Leake

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Novato, CA


Hello, I'm Mindy. I'm a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 16 years of clinical experience. My path has included military service, community health work in rural Morocco, and care across many settings, from intensive care to hospice. These experiences shape how I show up: with warmth, curiosity, cultural humility, and respect for everyone's story. I treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

That means taking time to dig into your history, what has worked, what has not, and what you actually want from your care. Whether that is medication management or medication management with therapy, we figure it out together.

I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, bipolar disorder, and life transitions including loss, chronic illness, major life changes, and times when you just cannot name what is wrong yet.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Erica Metu

Erica Metu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My communication style is warm, empathetic, and collaborative. In sessions, I create a tone that is open and nonjudgmental, so patients feel safe sharing their experiences honestly.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Rafaela Buenaventura

Rafaela Buenaventura

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in viewing each individual within the context of their environment and utilize this approach as a means to decrease the stigma and labels of mental health.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Challenging, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Erica Sandoval

Erica Sandoval

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have over 7 years of experience working with depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, couples, and other severe mental health concerns. My goal is to create a comfortable, safe space where you can begin your therapeutic journey with confidence and without judgment. Together, we can openly explore what you want in—and out of—life. If you don't know what that looks like yet, that's okay. We can figure it out together. Your goals may also change along the way, and therapy should have the flexibility to change with you.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Camarillo, CA


“I work collaboratively with clients in developing their ability to identify cues, triggers, and patterns to then take action and make meaningful changes.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Tia Davis

Tia Davis

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience helping folks navigate life's challenges.

I graduated from California State University, Chico and I have extensive background working in community mental health settings with people across the lifespan.

My practice focuses on supporting those struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and perinatal mood disorders, and I'm a certified perinatal mental health practitioner (PMH-C), bringing specialized training to support parents during pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting years.

My approach is collaborative, solutions oriented, and grounded in evidence-based methods to help you build the skills you need to thrive!

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Eduardo Rodriguez

Eduardo Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is compassionate, down-to-earth, and focused on collaboration—working together to help you gain insight, build resilience, and reach your personal goals.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Juliette Portnoy

Juliette Portnoy

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I create a warm, non judgmental therapy space to support you in recentering yourself to feel empowered in your healing and next steps.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Joseph Burton

Joseph Burton

Therapist

Virtual • California


My name is Joseph Burton, LCSW. I am a trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapist who specializes in supporting individuals living with blindness, low vision, and other disabilities. I understand that adjusting to changes in vision, identity, and independence can bring up complex emotions—grief, anxiety, frustration, or feeling misunderstood or isolated. You deserve a space where your lived experience is honored, and where healing can happen at your pace.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kathryn Holden Klingler

Kathryn Holden Klingler

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I'm Kathryn. I specialize in working with new moms and families as they transition into a new phase of life. Welcome to my practice.


I am passionate about walking through pregnancy and postpartum highs and lows with new moms. I do work with women at all stages of life from starting relationships and careers to the later years of retirement. I work also with men and with couples.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Infertility
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Natasha Houston

Natasha Houston

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach with my clients is open and honest communication while offering a non-judgmental approach.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Brianna Smith

Dr. Brianna Smith

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I utilize talk therapy while incorporating and teaching you tangible and applicable skills/tools to address your various concerns.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Remy Preston

Remy Preston

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me is collaborative, open-minded, and affirming. I meet you where you are, honor your pace, and support you in reaching goals that feel meaningful and realistic for your life.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lauren Chew

Lauren Chew

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced specific or prolonged trauma, mental health struggles, navigating healthy relationships...”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
AnneMarie Winic

AnneMarie Winic

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I bring 23+ years of clinical expertise and life experience to our dynamic, where we work alongside each other to find ways to cope with what life brings our way, in a more healthy way.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Stephen Schill

Stephen Schill

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I combine my depth and breadth of clinical expertise with the powerful healing and hope that comes from Christ to help my clients experience victory over the challenges of life.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
La Shaun Lawson

La Shaun Lawson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in meeting clients where they are and creating a therapeutic space that feels safe, supportive, and collaborative.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Elaine Pritchard

Elaine Pritchard

Therapist

Virtual • Pleasanton, CA


“I'm easy-going, empathetic, and look at things a little differently outside the box to find new paths to fulfillment.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 19 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bernadette Brennecke

Bernadette Brennecke

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to be empathetic, practical and client centered. I attempt to meet the client where they are.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Challenging, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Tari Sawaya

Tari Sawaya

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, culturally responsive, and client-centered. I believe healing occurs when people feel genuinely safe, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences without judgment.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Alexandra Matustik

Alexandra Matustik

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“My hope is for you to have a deeper, more compassionate relationship to yourself, the important people in your life, and the world around you.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
April Madden

April Madden

Therapist

Virtual • Paso Robles, CA


I’m April Madden, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of Twisted Oaks Family Therapy.

If you are interested in services, please reach out to clerical at (805)721-6112 or visit our website at twisitedoakstherapy.com

As the owner of Twisted Oaks Family Therapy, I’ve also built a team of clinicians with diverse specialties so that clients can be matched with a therapist who best fits their individual needs. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel comfortable doing difficult work while knowing they do not have to navigate it alone.

I hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology and have more than 20 years of experience in the helping profession, working with individuals and families facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, relational, and life challenges.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, trauma-informed, and direct. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard and supported, but also a place where meaningful growth happens. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify patterns, build healthier coping skills, strengthen relationships, and create lasting change.

I have experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families, with particular focus on trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, life transitions, addiction and recovery, communication difficulties, self-esteem, and rebuilding trust and connection. I am also a Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor IV (SUDCC-IV), which provides me with specialized experience in substance use, addiction, and recovery.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, our goal is to meet you where you are and help you move toward greater understanding, healing, and meaningful change.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Troy Nickell

Troy Nickell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Solana Beach, CA


“I really love helping people identify purpose and create a clear and simple way to reach their goals, for the betterment of themselves and those around them.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Family issues, Identity issues, Men's issues
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jolene Jensen

Jolene Jensen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I see life challenges as tools to learn, grow, evolve and find new purpose, empathy, depth and meaning.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brittaney Latta

Brittaney Latta

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use techniques from several practices such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, Bowen family systems, person-centered, solution-focused, and Gottman in order to better help you to reach your goals in therapy.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Pritchard

Jennifer Pritchard

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative, dynamic process... so that they can live a full, authentic, and fulfilling life.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chase Christensen

Chase Christensen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Working with clients who have trauma, depression, ADHD, and Bipolar are areas I am very comfortable with and would consider a strength of mine.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Naveta Barry

Naveta Barry

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected—not simply better at pushing through.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Maternal mental health
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mina Navaei

Mina Navaei

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, better understand what you're experiencing, and begin creating meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Liliana Llamas

Liliana Llamas

Therapist

Virtual • Upland, CA


“I aim to empower you by understanding the ties between your thoughts, past experiences, current stressors, and emotional pain.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Caldwell

Jennifer Caldwell

Therapist

Virtual • Berkeley, CA


“My approach is inquisitive and affirming. I work with you to develop understand and compassion for yourself while you challenge your habits and address the barriers to your goals.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jena Montenegro

Jena Montenegro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a trauma expert with experience in a wide variety of populations including LGBTQ, African-American, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian peoples.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Isaac Ozobiani

Isaac Ozobiani

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I collaborate with clients on how to get from where they are in their lives currently to where they want to be.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tomas Torres

Tomas Torres

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I take a holistic approach to care, addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—to support long-term mental wellness.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Celia China

Celia China

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am accustomed to working with those who have experienced trauma, are multi-stressed, and struggle with depression and/or anxiety, as well as other diagnoses.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Marie Khoo

Marie Khoo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Symptoms aren't signs of weakness or failure—they're signs of a nervous system that learned how to survive.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lukas Dziemidok

Lukas Dziemidok

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive for a warm, non-judgmental presence. Through my experience in the entertainment industry and my own personal journey with immigration, I have learned to appreciate and value diversity...”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Arlette Zargarian

Arlette Zargarian

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy is a healing process that necessitates participation and investment from the client and therapist.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Panic disorders, PTSD
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Dr. Yeva Ghrjyan

Dr. Yeva Ghrjyan

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Encino, CA


“I take a thoughtful, gentle, and honest approach to psychotherapy. We'll look beyond surface-level symptoms to uncover the deeper patterns shaping your life.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Snehalkumar Patel

Dr. Snehalkumar Patel

Psychiatrist

Virtual • California


“I believe that mental health care should be collaborative. I take the time to understand your concerns in depth, explain treatment options clearly, and work with you to create a plan that aligns with your goals and values.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

About our therapists in Santa Cruz, CA who help people navigate grief and loss

Number of therapists serving Santa Cruz, CA
There are over 5,671 therapists in Santa Cruz, CA accepting new patients.
5,671+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%Grief or loss
  • 99%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 93%Stress management
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 79%Cigna
  • 76%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 76%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 67%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 17%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Hindi
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 91%Online only
  • 9%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 78%Woman
  • 21%Man
  • 1%Non-binary
License types
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  • 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 31%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 8%Nurse Practitioner
  • 7%Clinical Psychologist
  • 6%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 41%Family therapy
  • 26%Couples therapy
  • 17%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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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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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.