Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

Hi, I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I provide thoughtful, personalized care for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other common mental health concerns. My approach is warm, respectful, and judgment-free — I believe real healing starts with feeling heard and understood. I work closely with each client to create a treatment plan that feels supportive, practical, and tailored to their unique needs.

Book knowledge is helpful, but life experience is invaluable. I spent over 30 years in sales and management in the airline industry before becoming a therapist and this real-world experience helps me to better understand the challenges people face. Since embarking on my career as a therapist, I have completed over 12,000 therapy sessions, working with individuals and couples from various cultures and unique challenges. I have been blessed to be in an endeavor that I don't consider to be work.

I received my master's degree from the University of Southern California in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health.

I began my career serving diverse communities across Los Angeles County, working in community mental health centers, at the Department of Mental Health, and in specialized treatment programs.

Through these roles, I gained extensive experience in trauma recovery, substance use treatment, crisis intervention, and supporting individuals facing life’s most complex challenges.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in providing individual therapy for adults (18+).

My focus

I specialize in working with adults facing depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, occupational stress, relationship conflicts, cultural and identity issues, and survivors of abuse. I help clients build understanding and chart a path forward using evidence-based approaches.

My communication style

My style is nurturing, accepting, empathic, and personable. I use unconditional positive regard to help you feel safe without judgment. I validate how you feel and normalize your situation so you can feel comfortable and at ease in our work together.

My journey to mental healthcare

I became a therapist because I have always accepted others, regardless of their background or circumstances. I believe in advocating for those who may not otherwise have a voice.

I am eclectic and open minded.I worked with woman's issues ,domestic violence, childhood trauma,Men relationship issues ,Adult Children of Alcoholics population, scapegoating in families, veterans issues and chronic illness.

It is my prayer to build a practice that helps you reach a place where your mental health is truly at the forefront. My hope is that with each appointment—and each day—you feel supported in moving closer to the best version of yourself.

Hello,

I am Dr. Jaeger and I welcome you to my practice. I look forward to sitting with you, hearing your story, and developing a plan to help you with your concerns and needs.

Hello! My approach is centered in the belief that authentic connection with ourselves and others heals. Therapy is an opportunity to dive deep, to develop greater self knowledge, to come into wholeness, accepting and integrating all of our parts and aligning our lives with our Truth and the fullness of who we are. I look forward to the opportunity to support you.

I’m Matthew “Matt” Tapia, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) offering online therapy in Arizona and California. I specialize in neurodivergent-affirming care for autistic people and people with ADHD. I also help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship concerns, and caregiver stress.

If daily demands leave you overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsure where to begin, we can start with what matters most to you. My style is warm, practical, and collaborative, with room to explore your experiences and develop skills you can use in everyday life.

I work with children, teens, adults, and families. I hold a Master of Arts from Santa Clara University and am also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). My background in family therapy and behavioral science helps me understand how emotions, relationships, daily routines, and your environment influence one another.

Together, we can work on managing strong emotions, communicating your needs, strengthening relationships, and creating routines that fit your life. Therapy respects your communication preferences, sensory needs, strengths, and personal goals.

All sessions take place through secure telehealth. I accept insurance through Headway, where you can check your coverage and view available appointments.

I'm here to listen while you talk — I'm also here to work with you. I show up warm, engaged, and genuinely invested in your growth. I'll ask thoughtful questions, offer honest feedback, and, when the moment feels right, gently challenge the beliefs or behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. You'll always feel heard and respected here, never judged.

If you have been carrying stress, anxiety, or the weight of life's challenges for a long time, you may have wondered whether things can actually change. I believe they can.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with over 30 years of clinical experience working with adults, families, and communities. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I welcome clients from all cultural backgrounds. My work spans a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, trauma, and substance use recovery.

I work with women of color who are tired of always being the strong one. If you’re carrying old wounds that still feel fresh, stuck in patterns that don’t even feel like yours, or wondering when it’s finally your turn to be cared for; I’m here for that. You won’t have to code-switch with me. Let’s set down the masks you wear just to move through the day.

In this space, you get to be fully seen--the soft parts, the angry parts, the parts you’ve hidden just to keep the peace. All of you is welcome here. Together, we’ll make room for the messy, the painful, and the hopeful parts of your story, at a pace that feels right for you. Healing doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to start with a space where you’re safe to be real.

Hello! I am Pauldeep Gill and I have been in the mental health field for over 10 years working with addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have a masters degree in counseling psychology and am licensed in the state of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I love helping people heal and empowering them to achieve anything they want in life.

I am deeply committed to helping individuals reconnect with themselves, understand the emotions beneath their experiences, and develop effective coping tools that support greater happiness and well-being. I have been licensed since 1998 and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD.