Find a therapist in Santa Cruz, CA — covered by insurance


Top therapists in Santa Cruz, CA accepting new patients
Headway serves Santa Cruz across all neighborhoods, connecting you with 8,974 warm and solution-oriented providers. Get started with a free intake call, find availability as soon as tomorrow, and benefit from insurance coverage that can reduce your session costs significantly.
I have extensive experience and training in the area of trauma and substance abuse. Prior to building my private practice I provided mental health to youth in the child protective services then later I provided therapeutic services in an inpatient residential treatment center for substance abuse. I am trauma informed and specialize in processing traumatic memories utilizing EMDR and integrated fragmented parts of the self by using IFS therapy.
I'm Mary, and I want you to know that whatever's bringing you here — anxiety that won't quiet down, a relationship that's fraying, grief you can't shake, or patterns you keep repeating despite your best efforts — you don't have to figure it out alone. I've worked with individuals, couples, families, and teens facing some of life's hardest chapters, and I genuinely believe that the right support at the right time changes everything.
I'm California-licensed and offer telehealth sessions statewide, which means flexible, private care from wherever you're most comfortable. I accept Aetna, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, and Carelon Behavioral Health, and I'm happy to help you understand your benefits before your first session.
Great to meet you!
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I’m really glad you’re here. Reaching out for support isn’t always easy, so taking this step already says a lot about your willingness to grow. I work with clients navigating anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and patterns that can feel hard to break. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same cycles or unsure why certain things keep coming up, you’re not alone — and that’s exactly the kind of work we can explore together.
I create a safe space for you to describe how you see yourself in the world and to notice patterns that have persisted, and that may hamper you from achieving optimal relationships and completing your goals. I work with a range of ages, from young adults to seniors, and with a multicultural diverse population in California. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety and trauma related issues.
I help clients break the cycle of self-defeating patterns by exploring the lasting impact of early attachment wounds—especially the often unspoken pain of under-mothering and emotional neglect. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that healing begins when we de-stigmatize shame and make space for our unmet needs.
With certification in EMDR and advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), I support clients in working through trauma, grief, and relational challenges. My background also includes working with first responders and professional athletes navigating high-pressure roles and emotional resilience.
Whether you're facing anxiety, grief, or feeling stuck in old patterns, I provide a steady therapeutic presence—offering insight, empathy, and deep respect for your healing process. Together, we work toward greater self-trust, healthier boundaries, and a renewed sense of wholeness.
Pleasure to meet you! My name is Iffy, and I was born and raised in Nigeria. After working in a Psych ER for over 22 years, I decided it was time to be able to treat my own patients. I went back to school and graduated from Brandman University in 2019 with my nurse practitioner degree. Four years later, I love what I do and the patients I treat. I truly believe that with the right work, tomorrow is always capable of bringing you a smile.
Welcome! My name is Megan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have experience working with clients as young as 4 years old and up. I frequently work with clients who experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, and relationship problems.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, DC. I provide psychotherapy to adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
I currently work with the Integrative Digestive Health team at UCLA Health and also provide therapy through Lyra Health. I bring extensive experience across medical and mental health settings, including six years as a liver transplant social worker at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, work on the first COVID unit at George Washington University Hospital, and leadership roles in community mental health organizations in Washington, DC.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centered, grounded in trauma-informed care. I primarily use cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies while tailoring treatment to each individual. I have particular expertise in trauma, the intersection of physical and mental health, and interpersonal relationships. I offer both short- and long-term therapy and believe meaningful change happens in a space that feels safe, supportive, and authentic.
I am happy to provide a free 15-minute consultation (upon request) to ensure a good fit. To request a consultation, please email: [email protected].
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, hiking in the Los Angeles mountains, kayaking, and spending time with my rescue dog, Sophia.
About our therapists serving Santa Cruz, CA



- 98%Anxiety
- 92%Depression
- 88%Stress management
- 82%Relationship issues
- 79%Trauma

- 98%Aetna
- 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 77%Cigna
- 75%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 66%Blue Shield of California

- 97%English
- 17%Spanish
- 2%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Hindi

- 90%Online only
- 10%In-person or online

- 79%Woman
- 20%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 48%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 31%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 7%Clinical Psychologist
- 7%Nurse Practitioner
- 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 37%Family therapy
- 23%Couples therapy
- 15%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Santa Cruz
Searching for therapists in Santa Cruz starts with finding someone whose experience matches what you want support with. Therapists may focus on concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, ADHD, or life transitions. As you compare options, look for training and specialties that fit your needs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, or work with a licensed marriage and family therapist. A therapist’s bio can help you understand their approach, communication style, and what sessions may look like.
In a smaller city like Santa Cruz, local in-person therapy options may be more limited by office location, commute, and appointment times. Virtual therapy can expand your choices while still connecting you with a therapist licensed in California. Some people prefer meeting in a physical office, while others choose virtual sessions for scheduling flexibility. To narrow your search, review whether a therapist is accepting new patients, has appointment times that fit your calendar, offers a free phone consultation, and works with the type of support you’re seeking, including couples counseling, marriage counseling, or family therapy.
Therapy in Santa Cruz can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and see your estimated cost before you book. Headway helps you compare therapists who are accepting new patients, review detailed profiles, check insurance coverage, and book directly when you’re ready. This makes it easier to find a Santa Cruz therapist who matches your needs, accepts your plan, and offers care in a format that works for you.
If you're experiencing or worried about violence, threats, or coercion in your relationship, couples therapy isn't usually the right starting point — individual support is safer. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.
If anyone in your family is experiencing or worried about abuse, threats, or coercion, joint family or couples therapy usually isn't the right starting point — individual support is safer. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453) and National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.

















.jpeg)





















