Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with 27 years of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I offer tele-health only sessions from the comfort of your home, making care accessible no matter where you are in California. I accept Anthem and Magellan insurance. My practice is intentionally small — I keep a limited caseload so every client receives my full attention and care. I am warm, experienced, and deeply committed to showing up for the people I work with.

You don’t have to keep forcing yourself to fit into a world that wasn’t built for your brain. If you’ve spent your life feeling “too much,” “not enough,” or wondering why things seem harder than they do for everyone else, you’re not alone. As a neurodivergent Clinical Psychologist (PhD) with eight years of clinical experience and specialized training in ADHD and autism—including a postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Permanente focused on autism assessment—I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work. I provide neurodivergent-affirming therapy for adolescents and adults navigating ADHD, autism, burnout, trauma, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, life transitions, and identity-related concerns.

My therapeutic style is warm, supportive, client-centered, and trauma-informed. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself. I work collaboratively with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional challenges, and difficulty regulating emotions. Together, we focus on building practical skills, increasing self-awareness, and creating meaningful, lasting change.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California. I received my Doctorate Degree from Alliant International University in Fresno. I was born in Southern California and raised in the Bay Area. I have been practicing for 10 years and I enjoy empowering adults in their journey of overcoming their mental health challenges. I motivate clients for change and promote their personal growth.

Welcome! I’m Andrea Perkins, a California-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am honored to walk alongside you as you share your experiences and explore your unique life journey. With over 30 years of experience in direct practice, I have worked in various areas such as medical social work, child welfare, adult education, and behavioral health. I am therapist with specialized training in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocess which assists clients to work through and manage traumatic experiences. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing interventions aid clients to heal and recover from poor self confidence, social anxiety and challenges with life transitions.

I bring a compassionate, trauma informed approach to supporting clients through life challenges. My goal is to create a safe, respectful space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Together, we will work at your pace, focusing on what matters most to you with empathy and care guiding every step.

For the past 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting teens and adults as they navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationships, and other challenges that can leave them feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves. Through my training as a clinical psychologist, I’ve learned that therapy is not just about managing symptoms—it’s about helping you understand yourself, build healthier ways of coping, and feel more grounded and secure in your mind, body, and relationships.

I began my career at Western New England University conducting research. Upon finishing undergraduate studies, I moved to southern California focusing my work on providing therapy to individuals with schizophrenia spectrum illness, depression, bipolar and substance abuse. Jamal’s work has led him to take on advocacy roles related to assisting families with academic and legal concerns. Jamal’s passions have led him to trauma and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

I'm Saby Kirpal, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management.

What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.

I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.

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.