Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Counseling services can be beneficial to almost anyone, and even life changing to some. A therapist offers support and tools to manage stress, make positive changes, build healthier platonic and romantic relationships, and facilitate personal growth. Many find that therapy helps them find balance and create a more fulfilling life in general.
When it comes to finding a therapist, Santa Cruz, CA may have more options than more rural communities on the Central Coast, but finding the right therapist can be challenging even in a city. One reason for this is that within mental health care there are a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, some of which may work better than others depending on what you need. For example, if you are looking for CBT for a mood disorder, the marriage/family therapist that provides therapy down the street won’t be much help. What you want or need may not necessarily be available near enough to be convenient. That’s where online therapy can help.
BetterHelp is an online platform that offers access to a wide range of mental health providers who have expertise across a variety of approaches and techniques, and experience working with diverse populations. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your personal needs. And because a collaborative approach can be so essential to success, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
Online therapy is also a convenient solution for many busy professionals, parents, and students. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office.
If you or a family member have been thinking about therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp to get started. Or you can check out the list of Santa Cruz County-based online professionals below for more information.
Mahsa Minagar
Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment
Dealing with challenges that life brings can be daunting and difficult and that is where counseling can help! Having someone to listen to you and help you deal with problems that come up, help you work on improving your mood and functioning, or help you identify ways to enhance your relationships in your life is my goal. I have a supportive, non-judgmental, open minded approach with clients and it is my goal to make people feel heard and understood while helping them address the concerns that brought them to counseling. I graduated from University of Southern California with my Masters in Social Work in 2013 and I have been providing individual and couples counseling since then. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have experience working with diverse people from various backgrounds and ages on a variety of issues. I believe I can help you overcome obstacles in your life by utilizing evidence based approaches and techniques that can help you effectively tackle challenges and issues and enhance your day to day life!
Janet Giles
Clinician
License Type(s): LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
21 years offering treatment
Hello My name is Janet Giles and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. My experience has been in a variety of clinical settings over the past 20 years. I have also taught psychology courses as an adjunct professor for National University in their counseling program. Courses include Lifespan Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Theories of Personality and Psychopathology. It can be intimidating to take the first step toward personal growth and healing, so I congratulate you for your courage. It is my goal to create the most comfortable and safe environment for our work together. Some areas of expertise include parenting, relationship issues, victims of abuse and domestic violence, anxiety and depression. I have worked with people that just need some extra support as they face a new life challenge, as well as those suffering great loss and hardships. My approach varies due to the issue of focus. I primarily utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client and Strength Based, and Mindfulness interventions. However, other modalities are drawn upon if indicated. I am also an artist and have been accepted into several art exhibitions. I try to bring my sense of creativity into the therapeutic process. I also enjoy sewing, knitting and a good game of chess. It is my belief that the therapeutic relationship is vital to the success of treatment. I look forward to our meeting and will be honored to join you on your journey toward wellness and a more fulfilling life.
Dawn Hedwall
Clinician
License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
15 years offering treatment
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 14 years of experience. I have a wide breadth of experience working with a variety of individuals. I practice from a trauma informed perspective and have a great deal of expertise in working with people that suffer from multiple and various forms of trauma. I have also worked extensively with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, communication challenges and an overall feeling of being stuck in patterns and behaviors. I have a large tool box and I work eclectically utilizing a variety of modalities and clinical approaches. Each person is unique with unique wants and needs. It is my job to find a way to work with each individual person to help find a way to clear any blocks that are preventing you from living the life you are seeking.
Peter Muonagor
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
9 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional clinical work experience. I have experience helping clients with relationship issues, communication, anger management, building trust, stronger bonds, intimacy, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe that we are experts on our own stories and have many inherent strengths that may assist us in overcoming barriers and obstacles that challenge us. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and future, to take the first steps towards meaningful change. Change and happiness are possible, and I am here to support you in using the power within you on that journey to achieve that desired goal.
Oksana Shiell
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years offering treatment
California Experienced Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed since 2011. Clinical supervisor since 2017. Many years (pre-licensed and post-licensed) of working with teens. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Lindsey Hersh
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersDepression
10 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience in the school setting and in private practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, eating disorders and more. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Umeka Franklin
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem and confidence, chronic illness and pain, coping, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Sergio Ibanez
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I speak English and Spanish. I have experience in helping clients with trauma-EMDR, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Christina Santamaria
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sharon Cova Zamora
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in Santa Cruz?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Santa Cruz that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Santa Cruz available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Santa Cruz therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Santa Cruz therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Santa Cruz region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Santa Cruz can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Santa Cruz may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Santa Cruz offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.
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