Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

I have been in private practice since 2006 in TX and 2025 in CA.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Berkeley, CA, and I’ve worked in mental health care since 2012. My background includes community-based work, trauma-informed care, and leadership in training and clinical development. I earned my MSW from NYU and specialize in treating anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. I enjoy working with adults navigating changes - career shifts, identity questions, or simply trying to feel more at home in themselves. Clients often say they feel safe, understood, and more at ease after we talk. I believe therapy works best with a good sense of humor - even in hard sessions, there’s room for relief and laughter.

If you’re a woman or mother trying to hold it all together through the messy, beautiful realities of life’s changes, you’ve found a safe place to land. I specialize in supporting women and moms through maternal mental health and the big transitions that can leave you feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or unlike yourself. Whatever you’re carrying right now, you don’t have to carry it alone.

I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

I have a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have been in practice for over 10 years. During my time in practice, I have served various age groups, populations, and diagnoses. I try to meet clients and families where they are at to help clients achieve their desired goals.

As a clinician, the most important thing I can give to my clients is trust. Trust that I can hold space for them while they do their work. Trust that I have taken care of myself so that they do not feel the need to take care of me during their healing process. Trust that I have done the work necessary to provide them with best practice, therapy techniques, models, and delivery of care.

Hi, my name is Theresa and I have devoted 11+ years of experience to helping individuals and families navigate life’s emotional challenges with compassion and authenticity. Grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience, I bring genuine empathy and understanding to my therapeutic work.

Amina has a Masters in Social Work with a concentration on Direct Practice in Community Mental Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Additional education is a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Japanese, and a Pupil Personnel Service Credential specializing on children and families. She has over 18+ years of direct practice mental health experience and is trained in evidence based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Art Therapy, trauma informed care, Gottman's couples Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, somatic therapy, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems therapy. Other practices include music/sound therapy, career and academic counseling, life coaching, mind and body connection, specializations in immigrant issues, multicultural issues, gender identity issues, LGTBQI issues, chronic illness and medical issues counseling, blended family issues, intergenerational issues, social justice issues, neurodivergent issue (ADHD, autism, sensory issues).

Welcome and congratulations on beginning your therapy journey! I'm here to support you as you take steps toward your goals and develop into your best possible self. I hope to create a safe space for you to find relief, healing, and develop meaningful insight to reach your fullest potential.

Alex is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 10 years of experience and received his education with honors from UCLA and CSULB. He is an expert in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and more.

Hi, I'm a licensed therapist who is passionate about helping people navigate life's challenges with confidence and self-compassion. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, and life transitions. My approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative, and I tailor therapy to each person's unique needs. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.

As a therapist my goal is to break the stigma that comes with therapy. I strive to create a collaborative, nurturing therapeutic relationship that can help transform one's pain or uncertainties into one of healing. Life can be difficult and sometimes confusing therefore I want to create a corner where one can feel safe, understood, and free of judgement.

Hi, I’m Abdel! With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate care for individuals managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. As a bilingual speaker in English and Arabic, I specialize in creating an inclusive environment where patients from all backgrounds feel truly heard and respected. My goal is to empower you through open communication and evidence-based treatment to help you achieve lasting wellness.