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

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top therapists in Santa Cruz, CA accepting new patients

Headway serves Santa Cruz across all neighborhoods, connecting you with 8,398 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.

Dr. Angel Aguilera M.D.

Dr. Angel Aguilera M.D.

Psychiatrist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“After more than 12 years of clinical experience, I believe that mental health care, done well, can change the entire trajectory of a person's life.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders, Grief or loss
Holistic, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maryam Gulraiz

Maryam Gulraiz

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Santa Ana, CA


“Maryam is a board-certified PMHNP who utilizes a team-based approach and works together with her clients to personalize their treatment plans.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dorothy Vasquez

Dorothy Vasquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I combine evidence-based practices with a trauma-informed lens to create an approach that is both effective and deeply personal.”
Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Judy Kelly

Judy Kelly

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hello, I'm Dr. Judy C Kelly, PsyD, LMFT. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist in California with over ten years of experience working with teens, adults and couples. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California (USC), graduate studies at Argosy University and doctorate at California Southern University.

Life can feel overwhelming at times, whether you're dealing with depression, relationship challenges, parenting stress, trauma, or grief. You don't have to navigate it alone. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarai Velasquez

Sarai Velasquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a supportive, collaborative space where you can feel heard and empowered to make meaningful changes.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Natalie Ragus

Natalie Ragus

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help you navigate the challenges you're facing and build the life you want.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Grief or loss
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kaitlyn Green

Kaitlyn Green

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m Kait, an LCSW of 7 years and social worker for 13. I specialize in anxiety, nervous system dysregulation, and religious trauma. I work with adults who feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, hypervigilance, panic, or chronic stress.

Anxiety, PTSD, Stress management, Trauma
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashley Steineckert

Ashley Steineckert

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe meaningful change happens when people feel safe enough to be honest about what's hard, confusing, or painful — and also when they feel challenged in thoughtful and compassionate ways.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joy Zembruski

Joy Zembruski

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In your first therapy session, you can expect a welcoming, low-pressure environment focused on introductory questions and building rapport.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Terence Ford

Dr. Terence Ford

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“My work is grounded in psychoanalytic theory and technique, which means we'll look beyond surface symptoms to understand what's shaping your inner experience and patterns in relationships.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, LGBTQIA+
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sonia Gomez

Sonia Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have been working with Teens and young adults for about 5 years who are mostly dealing with Anxiety and Depression.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shirley Remmers-Mesman

Shirley Remmers-Mesman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes mental health care should feel human—not rushed or impersonal.

I provide a non-judgmental space where you can speak openly and feel understood. My approach integrates thoughtful medication management with psychotherapy when appropriate, always tailored to your individual needs.

Diagnosis can be an important part of understanding your experience, but it’s only one piece of the picture. I look at your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as the life experiences that shape what you’re going through.

I offer collaborative, grounded care to help you move toward a more balanced, integrative, and holistic sense of well-being.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gabriela Delgado

Gabriela Delgado

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a licensed therapy who works with adults navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions. I bring a thoughtful, compassionate approach to therapy and prioritize creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported. I believe therapy should feel collaborative and human—not rushed or judgmental. My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself while building insight and tools that support meaningful, lasting change.

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, PTSD
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kirsty Kenny

Kirsty Kenny

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have vast experience with a wide variety of clients. My professional history includes children living in abusive environments, teenagers who are struggling to access their education due to mental health concerns, families navigating dysfunction and adults dealing with a variety of life difficulties.

I currently work, primarily, in corrections with inmates struggling to adjust to the custody environment. I offer crisis intervention in addition to ongoing support.

I approach the therapeutic space with compassion and openness. I meet my clients right where they are emotionally and in their healing journey.

Anger management, Anxiety, End of life care, Grief or loss, LGBTQIA+
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nidia Canello

Nidia Canello

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide culturally responsive, bilingual (English/Spanish) care informed by 17 years of experience working with foster care and complex trauma.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss, Trauma
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Chirag Bharati

Chirag Bharati

Therapist

Virtual • Cerritos, CA


“An integrative therapy approach that encompasses all aspects of your individual experience is a great starting point.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alexander Lee

Alexander Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a supportive and judgment-free space where clients feel heard, supported, and involved in their care.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Emily C. Keehn

Emily C. Keehn

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“My approach is direct, calm, and collaborative. I prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships while helping clients address challenges in meaning, practical, and compassionate ways.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Amanda Yates

Amanda Yates

Therapist

Virtual • California


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.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ali Roth

Ali Roth

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in helping clients identify and shift patterns that may have once served as protection but are now holding them back.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Heidi Mendez

Heidi Mendez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy can be a powerful space for healing, growth, and meaningful change—especially when we have the opportunity to process painful experiences and losses in a safe and supportive environment.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Claudia Menjivar

Claudia Menjivar

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I approach therapy and the client with hope and optimism. I am here to provide concrete tools and help you understand your symptoms better.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD, Relationship issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kasey Phillips

Kasey Phillips

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is holistic and creative. I draw on integrative methods including somatic work, expressive arts and EMDR.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Steven Cospewicz

Steven Cospewicz

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Clara, CA


“I believe that active listening and a warm, inquisitive, and non judgmental approach allows you to feel safe and heard.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Kiyana Kianfar-Jagoda

Dr. Kiyana Kianfar-Jagoda

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is built on the unwavering belief that you already possess the innate strength and resilience needed to heal; my role is simply to provide the warm, open-minded partnership that empowers you to tap into it.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Candace Young

Candace Young

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I help people live the life they talk about with their friends.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Tanya Fernandez

Tanya Fernandez

Therapist

Virtual • Redlands, CA


“I believe deep down we all have the wisdom we need—sometimes we just need a safe, compassionate space to reconnect with it.”
Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues, LGBTQIA+
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Neda Panahandeh

Neda Panahandeh

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I aim to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where clients feel emotionally held and understood.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Janet De La Cruz

Janet De La Cruz

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am passionate of all things mental health! I enjoy working in crisis situations, and supporting individuals going through the ups and lows of life. My goal is to sprinkle confidence and joy into life

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Rosalba Gonzalez

Rosalba Gonzalez

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my masters degree in Social Work from CSU Bakersfield. I have been working with children and adolescents for the past five years. My work is person-centered, who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions.

Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Manuel Cruz

Manuel Cruz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Tustin, CA


“I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental environment where I can meet my clients where they are and help them learn to become the best version of themselves.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Anton Yanagisawa

Dr. Anton Yanagisawa

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I integrate different theoretical approaches in order to tailor a treatment that is most meaningful to you and relevant to your presenting challenge.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Michele Marquez

Michele Marquez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have an open-minded approach, working with clients together to come up with a plan to help them reach their goals.”
Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tammie Robertson

Tammie Robertson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a strong background in working with adults with chronic mental illness and substance misuse challenges.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Keith Nesbitt

Keith Nesbitt

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have been a crisis clinician much of that time helping ease the pain in the most acute psychiatric situations.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Stress management
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Richard Lautenbacher

Dr. Richard Lautenbacher

Psychologist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“Dr. Lautenbacher focuses on compassionately building rapport and adapting to your unique needs and goals.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Rachel Connelly

Rachel Connelly

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy can unravel harmful repetitive thought processes and behaviors. Your painful experiences do not have to define you.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carmon Williams

Carmon Williams

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, and welcome! Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or grief. You may feel stuck, stressed, or unsure how to move forward. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your concerns, feel understood, and start building the tools to regain control and find peace.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Arlette Large

Arlette Large

Therapist

Virtual • Eureka, CA


“I know healing isn't linear—everyone's path looks different—and my goal is to meet you exactly where you are with empathy and practical guidance.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, OCD
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Shabnam Kassai

Dr. Shabnam Kassai

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is being vulnerable and choosing hope in spite of your pain.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Eating disorders, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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About our therapists serving Santa Cruz, CA

Number of therapists serving Santa Cruz, CA
There are over 8,354 therapists in Santa Cruz, CA accepting new patients.
8,354+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 92%Depression
  • 88%Stress management
  • 82%Relationship issues
  • 79%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 98%Aetna
  • 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 76%Cigna
  • 75%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 66%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 17%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Hindi
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 89%Online only
  • 11%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 80%Woman
  • 20%Man
  • 1%Non-binary
License types
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  • 48%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 31%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 7%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 6%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 37%Family therapy
  • 23%Couples therapy
  • 15%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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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 an Anxiety 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.

Explore more therapists in California

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.