Trauma and PTSD therapists & 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.

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.

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.

Dr. Arce is a licensed clinical psychologist, experienced in working with multicultural individuals, and catering treatment to patient's needs. She has worked in multiple settings including: university counseling, hospitals, medical school, and community mental health agencies. Dr. Arce specializes in ADHD assessment, couples pre-marital counseling, life transitions, anxiety disorders, depression, heath-related difficulties, relationships, and spiritual development. Communication of needs and progress are reviewed regularly to ensure that each patient finds value in the time spent in treatment.

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
• Struggling with performance related anxiety
• Contemplating career pivot or life after sport among athletes

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

Sheila C. Brown has extensive experience working with teens and adults, providing a safe space where individuals can be themselves and feel heard and valued, Sheila has lived experience with ADHD and late in life diagnosis.

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.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist. Throughout my career, I have gained invaluable leadership, clinical, and research experience across various VA healthcare systems, Stanford University School of Medicine, the National Center for PTSD, and both community-based and private practice settings. My professional background includes expertise in psychological evaluation and treatment for stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, career development, relationships, trauma, and recovery from injury.

Life is hard and naturally comes with stressors and overwhelming feelings, no matter your age. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed with your emotions, or maybe you recently experienced a difficult situation. These are very normal and natural moments that everyone will encounter at some point in their life. Just as we go to the doctors when we have aches or pains in or body, we should also see someone when we have aches or pains in our mind and soul. Valiant Mentality is about having the courage of addressing your struggles instead of ignoring them. With almost 18 years of clinical experience, I know that everyone has the capacity to heal, no matter the circumstance . Today, make that first decision towards the change you want to see and schedule your appointment with Valiant Mentality. I look forward to meeting with you.

Hello and welcome to therapy. You are one step closer on your journey to achieving your goals, passions, and intentions. You and I will develop a therapeutic relationship as you work through trauma, anxiety, depression, and other areas that you would like growth in. You will utilize the strengths that you already have, and keep expanding on those. It is my job to create a safe, open, and person-centered environment. I look forward to working with you on your healing journey! Keep going and growing.