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. 

Psychologist Chester Reyes providing different types of therapy in Santa Cruz

Chester Reyes

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW,BCD
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years offering treatment

Hello there! Your search for help has led you to this moment. My name is Chester, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with unique populations that have shaped my therapeutic approach. I have worked as a school-based social worker with inner-city children, teenagers, and at-risk young adults; veterans in homeless and residential treatment programs settings; and military service members. My fields of expertise are trauma (child abuse, domestic violence); anxiety and depression; substance abuse; and relationship issues. I am fully committed to your success by being empathetic, non-judgmental, and compassionate. I will be your biggest advocate, and work with you through an interactive and collaborative process from start to finish. Thank you for placing your trust in me, and I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Psychologist Jennifer Glace providing different types of therapy in Santa Cruz

Jennifer Glace

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
6 years offering treatment

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in my field, the past 8 years providing teletherapy. I have worked with clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, curiosity on where they want to go next in life, relationship issues, parenting concerns, career challenges, and stress surrounding the current political climate. I believe that therapy should provide a safe place for growth and change. I strive to create a trusting and empathetic environment where I can help guide clients toward understanding and managing the stressors in their lives. My goal is to empower each individual I work with to realize that they have the capacity to create positive change. Finding a therapist you work well with is important in building a positive therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic modalities that I most often use are Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, however as my approach is eclectic, we can collaborate to find the therapeutic technique that is the best fit for you. I am looking forward to getting to know you and join with you on this part of your life's journey.

Psychologist Sharon Meyers providing different types of therapy in Santa Cruz

Sharon Meyers

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
25 years offering treatment

Hi, I'm Sharon. Whether you feel lost, overwhelmed, or struggling to navigate life's challenges, I am here to help you. I offer a safe space to unpack your emotions, gain clarity, and discover a new path forward. I provide compassionate support, tailored to your needs, helping you find balance, inner strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. I'm a licensed clinical therapist with over 25 years experience specializing in Women's Issues; Pregnancy & Parenting and Adoption Counseling. Looking forward to connecting with you.

Psychologist Jessica Weiler providing different types of therapy in Santa Cruz

Jessica Weiler

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersSelf esteem
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & sleeping disorders. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

Psychologist Linden Howe providing different types of therapy in Santa Cruz

Linden Howe

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
6 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

Psychologist Sheania Coleman Dorsey providing different types of therapy in Santa Cruz

Sheania Coleman Dorsey

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Chris (Christopher) McKillop providing different types of therapy in Santa Cruz

Chris (Christopher) McKillop

Clinician
License Type(s): LCMHC,NCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
11 years offering treatment

Hi, my name is Chris McKillop and I am a licensed counselor in California, Maine and North Carolina. I currently reside in California. I have been involved in the area of mental health and developmental disabilities since 1993. I received my Masters in Counseling in 2004 from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. I have worked in community-based settings, group homes and transitional housing settings, as well as working as a school counselor for 2 years and a Juvenile Court Counselor for 6 years. I strive to promote an atmosphere of trust and acceptance where clients feel safe, supported and validated. That trust and security will facilitate challenging thoughts, assumptions and beliefs that can be self-defeating and counterproductive to growth and having a life worth living. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect of therapy, as it is the foundation upon which all other specific skills and techniques are based. Without that open and trusting relationship, the specific skills and techniques will be far less effective. I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focus, with elements of Behavioral Activation, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I strive to be adaptive and flexible in approach, working with the client’s strengths to best address the client’s concerns.

Psychologist Myra Botello providing different types of therapy in Santa Cruz

Myra Botello

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
12 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Crystal Arbizu providing different types of therapy in Santa Cruz

Crystal Arbizu

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, 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.

Psychologist Jennifer Roberson providing different types of therapy in Santa Cruz

Jennifer Roberson

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 3 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Find a therapist serving clients in California

Types of therapists 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), 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 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 a therapist can 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. 

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