Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already carrying a heavy load. One thing for sure, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

In my practice, I work extensively with college students, athletes, young adults and adults across various stages of life. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, performance pressure, injury recovery, burnout, and complex questions around identity and self-worth.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my core mission is to support you through life's most challenging moments so you can step fully into the best version of yourself. Therapy isn't just about managing symptoms, it’s about discovering your strengths, building resilience, and creating a life that feels authentic and aligned with who you are.

You’re smart, self-aware, and successful in many areas of life—but relationships are where you struggle.

I help clients who feel stuck in toxic or unfulfilling relationships rebuild their self-trust, break free from people-pleasing, and develop healthy boundaries—so they can start creating relationships that feel emotionally safe, respectful, and real.

Are you questioning yourself constantly, second-guessing your needs, feeling anxious when you speak up, and guilty when you say no? You may have done the inner work—but you still find yourself repeating the same patterns in love. I'm passionate about helping my clients build more fulfilling relationships.

Hi, I’m Dr. Jessica. Thank you for checking out my profile. Finding the right therapist can be a bit of a process, and I appreciate you considering my services. I specialize in working with high-achievers, highly-sensitive/empath people, influences and content creators who are balancing career, relationships, and personal wellbeing. Many of my clients come to me exhausted from burnout or carrying deep relationship wounds—whether from breakups, divorce, or ongoing relationship struggles. These experiences can leave you questioning your self-worth and identity.

Hi there, my name is Jose Carranza, LFMT, maneuvering through life and work with thoughtful intention and an open heart. I have approximately a decade of experience working in the mental health field and about 5 years practicing as a therapist. I'm certified in Trauma-Focused CBT and have lengthy experience working with mood, behavioral, and developmental disorders.

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. As a licensed therapist practicing in both California and New York, I believe deeply in the inherent resilience and transformative potential within every individual. I earned my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout my clinical practice, I have supported clients across all life stages in navigating complex emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, while empowering them to cultivate healthy, fulfilling interpersonal relationships.

I have been a licensed psychotherapist practicing for 38 years, mostly focusing on treating depression, anxiety disorders and stress management. I work a great deal with couples as well.

Hello! I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing personalized care through telehealth. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD and stress-related challenges. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported without judgment. I take a collaborative approach to care and include medication management when appropriate. I also offer services in both English and Spanish.

Perhaps you are visiting today to obtain answers to confusion, peace in the torment, clarity from the chaos, healing from the pain. Maybe you just want someone to understand your pain. You might be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or hopeless. Whatever your reasoning may be, I am dedicated to help you achieve hope and healing. Thank you for taking the first step to work toward your personal healing journey.

I am a bicultural, 55-year-old and very proud father of two adolescents. In this growing age of isolation and need for sincere, genuine human connection, it has never been more important to regain our sense of control and serenity. The foundation of our work together is based on restoring this basic human need. I believe the answers lie in the path itself, not just in reaching the destination. Together, we will learn to welcome challenges as opportunities.

I specialize in helping children, families, and adults navigate anxiety, depression, grief, family stress, and men's mental health. I work with clients from infants and toddlers through adults, which means I can support the whole family, not just one person. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy, and I won't treat you like a checklist. The work I do is practical, collaborative, and focused on helping you direct your life, not just understand it.

Robert Troy Vander Zwart obtained his Master's Degree at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and has over 25 years of experience. Prior to beginning in his private practice Troy worked in a variety of clinical settings. Troy's specialty is counseling individuals with symptoms of depression and anxiety and who have experienced trauma. He also has a passion for couples counseling, marriage and pre-marriage counseling, and family therapy.

Stuck? In pain? Contemplating a life change, or just had one thrust upon you? Let's explore your options and make things easier.

I have 20+ years of experience helping demoralized adults back to high functionality. I specialize in helping develop motivational skills in those are dealing with depression, anxiety and adjustment issues (including relational and gender identity issues).