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

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Top therapists in Santa Cruz, CA accepting new patients

Headway serves Santa Cruz across all neighborhoods, connecting you with 8,971 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. Salome Gutierrez

Dr. Salome Gutierrez

Psychologist

Virtual • Bermuda Dunes, CA


“As a bilingual and bicultural clinician of Hispanic background, I understand how culture, family, and personal history can shape the way we experience life's challenges.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Michelle Broehm

Michelle Broehm

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should feel real, not clinical. If you don't mind a bit of honesty and the occasional laugh, I'd love to connect.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Tania Brunner

Tania Brunner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Irvine, CA


I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. I work with adolescents and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, low self-worth, family conflict, and major life transitions.

My approach is both compassionate and collaborative. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and not judged. I believe that therapy is not one-size-fits-all, so I tailor my work to meet your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll explore patterns, build healthier coping strategies, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

I have experience supporting clients through complex family dynamics, cultural expectations, and identity development. I also work closely with individuals dealing with disordered eating and body image concerns, helping them develop a more balanced and trusting relationship with themselves.

Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and thoughtful. I will meet you with empathy while also gently challenging you when needed to help you grow.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to walk alongside you as you build insight, resilience, and a life that feels more aligned with who you are.

Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Substance use / addiction
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bill Benson

Bill Benson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients often tell me they appreciate that I am direct without being harsh, compassionate without being vague, and practical without reducing therapy to bumper-sticker wisdom.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nestor Sanchez

Nestor Sanchez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Riverside, CA


(Hablo Español) I'm a warm, welcoming person who enjoys making others feel comfortable and heard. I approach conversations with an open mind, staying nonjudgmental and genuinely curious about different perspectives. I value kindness, honesty, and creating a space where people can be themselves. Whether we're solving a problem or just chatting, I aim to keep things approachable, positive, and easy to understand.

Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sunni Gessel

Sunni Gessel

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Sonora, CA


“Each session will address any concerns you have with your current mental health medications, current life stressors which may be impacting your mental health, and provide opportunities for questions and learning regarding your medication or mental...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Marie Barajas

Marie Barajas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical, with a focus on understanding the patterns beneath the surface while building tools that support meaningful change.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarah Breismeister

Sarah Breismeister

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I never use a one size fits all approach. Instead, I tailor our work to you, drawing from different models and strategies depending on what makes the most sense for the unique person sitting in front of me, always centered around your goals.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Direct, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kala Patterson

Kala Patterson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I help clients reclaim their sense of self as they recover from toxic systems, environments and abusive relationships.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicole Rademacher

Nicole Rademacher

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is not to rush you toward a neat resolution, but to help you build more connection, choice, and self-understanding.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Creative, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Jamie Sweigert

Jamie Sweigert

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a gentle, authentic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach blended with validation and constructive feedback that ideally allows space for you to safely explore emotions, develop new insights, and feel empowered to create desired...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nancy Gonzalez-McKenzie

Nancy Gonzalez-McKenzie

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a survivor, am the first person in my family to earn a college degree and am driven to not only continue to hold myself accountable but also my patients accountable when it comes to meeting their full potential.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Energetic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Brody Tucker

Brody Tucker

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy can be a powerful and meaningful way to heal and grow and develop our best potential.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maryam Goudarzi

Maryam Goudarzi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Her approach is empathetic, collaborative, and strength-based. She tailors interventions to meet client needs, fostering a safe space for exploration.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Marie Norton

Marie Norton

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Camarillo, CA


“My specialty is helping clients to find their meaning, goals and direction to live an effective life.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, OCD
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristie Bell

Kristie Bell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is collaborative, compassionate, and holistic, and I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, supported, and able to explore themselves with honesty, curiosity, and self-compassion.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Letizia Rossi

Letizia Rossi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Together we will explore the challenges that brought you to therapy with compassion and without judgment.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Breanne Sangalang

Breanne Sangalang

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Westlake Village, CA


Hi. I'm Breanne and I am a LMFT in California. I enjoy working with individuals (15+) who are seeking to make positive changes in their lives.

My clinical experience has allowed me to uncover my interest in working with those impacted by mood disorders, especially bipolar disorder. I earned my BA in Psychology from San Diego State University and went on to obtain my MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Traysi Flores Izquierdo

Traysi Flores Izquierdo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“If you are someone who is sensitive, thoughtful with words, and tends to process emotions slowly, therapy that pushes quick change may have felt overwhelming or misaligned in the past.”
Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Stress management, Trauma
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Anetka Giz

Anetka Giz

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“Known for her warm, open-minded, and empowering approach, Anetka is an active listener who prioritizes building strong rapport with her clients.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Poonlarp Lurslurchachai

Poonlarp Lurslurchachai

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I specialize in medication management. I work with individuals dealing with ADHD, mood dysregulation, depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and insomnia.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Olivia Miller

Olivia Miller

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi! I'm Olivia. I've been in therapy practice for six years, and am grateful for the opportunity to get to know you! As a queer and neurodivergent person, my career as a therapist has always moved in tandem with my commitment to social and economic justice. My work has taken me to settings with folks experiencing homelessness in South Los Angeles; with justice-involved adults in treatment court diversion programs in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood; in young adult shelters for art therapy groups; with low-income immigrant parents of young children; and with teens and young adults with significant trauma histories.

Through all my roles I always commit to centering community and individual strengths that help arm my clients with the tools necessary to repel various types of systemic violence and oppression. I believe that therapy is inherently political because being human is political.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Matianna Baldassari

Matianna Baldassari

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ventura, CA


“I specialize in working with young professionals, college students transitioning from school to a career for the first-time, and clients transitioning from one life phase to another, such as a move to a new city.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Energetic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lisa Kantor

Lisa Kantor

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I authentically want to do the work with my clients and show up ready to listen and explore what is under the surface.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Najwa Azizi

Najwa Azizi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


Hello! I’m Najwa Azizi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and support. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, stress, and burnout through a personalized and collaborative approach to care. With a background in both behavioral health and critical care nursing, I understand the importance of treating the whole person — emotionally, mentally, and physically. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to grow, heal, and reach their full potential.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Katherine Christianson

Katherine Christianson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In our therapeutic relationship, I view myself as the expert on therapy, and I consider you to be the expert on yourself.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Debra Kabrin

Debra Kabrin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of experience, I provide a warm, culturally sensitive, and judgment-free space.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Chioma Igwiloh

Dr. Chioma Igwiloh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“My style is calm, respectful, and practical, focusing on measurable progress and long-term stability.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Sonja Fisher-Carrington

Sonja Fisher-Carrington

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is we are working as a team toward a goal you have indicated you want to work towards.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maria Martin

Maria Martin

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m Maria — I work with teens, transitional-age youth (16–25), and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, and the impact of trauma, including interpersonal violence and sexual assault. I know reaching out for support takes courage, and I’m glad you’re here.

Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD, Stress management
Creative, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Mary Cronin

Dr. Mary Cronin

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I help them identify what they want or need to change. Then we work on strategies toward achieving those goals.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Monica Castanon

Monica Castanon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I consider myself a therapist who leads with empathy, making others feel safe, seen, and genuinely understood.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Samantha Abbott

Samantha Abbott

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I approach things with an inquisitive and strength-based lens, and love partnering with my clients to help them find solutions to problems they might be facing.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Eunique LeGuie

Eunique LeGuie

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My engagement approach is passionate, patient centered and I look forward to supporting you on your healing journey.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cassi Thompson

Cassi Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You can expect unbridled curiosity and psychoeducation as we begin connecting the dots on your experience.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Myesha Dunn

Myesha Dunn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Life is hard and we all need support and a place where we feel safe and accepted to work through the changes and transitions that life brings.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bibiana Calderon Cardenas

Bibiana Calderon Cardenas

Therapist

Virtual • California


“You can expect a space where you feel heard, feel seen, and feel empowered to reclaim yourself to reclaim your life!”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Nathan Silverman

Nathan Silverman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In most cases, what appears to be a flaw is neither simple nor inherent, but in time, reveals itself as an intelligible response, an adaptation to something rather than a deficiency or a brokenness.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues, Men's issues
Challenging, Creative, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
David Culver

David Culver

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe the stories we tell ourselves about our past, future, and present influence the way we feel and behave.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Crystal Crowley-Scott

Crystal Crowley-Scott

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a safe, welcoming and compassionate space in order for you to tell your truth with no judgement, fear or embarrassment.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Affirming, Challenging, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
321 - 360 of

About our therapists serving Santa Cruz, CA

Number of therapists serving Santa Cruz, CA
There are over 8,990 therapists in Santa Cruz, CA accepting new patients.
8,990+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
10 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 92%Depression
  • 88%Stress management
  • 82%Relationship issues
  • 79%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 98%Aetna
  • 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 77%Cigna
  • 75%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 66%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 97%English
  • 17%Spanish
  • 2%Farsi
  • 1%Mandarin
  • 1%Hindi
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 90%Online only
  • 10%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 79%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%Nurse Practitioner
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
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 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.

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