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

Welcome! I specialize in medication management (psychopharmacology) of depression, anxiety disorders, OCD and ADHD of adult patients. I graduated from the Stanford Psychiatry Residency Program in 2004 where I served as chief resident and have been in private practice since 2005. You may learn more about my practice at https://sfpsychiatrylaw.com

Mental health has long been treated as the forgotten side of healthcare — and for me, that's exactly why it matters so much. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving clients across California through telehealth and in-person care, I specialize in helping people navigate depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. I believe that when mental health struggles go unaddressed, everything else in life suffers — and that healing is not only possible, it's necessary. When I'm not supporting my clients, you'll find me out in nature, getting lost in a good movie, or discovering new music — small reminders of the joy and balance I encourage my clients to find for themselves.

I work with adults across the full span of life, from age 18 through 103, and I truly value the different experiences that come with each stage. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or simply wanting to feel more balanced and well, I am here to support you. I believe mental health care should feel accessible and responsive, which is why I offer flexible options like same day appointments, telehealth, and even house calls. My goal is to meet you where you are and provide care that fits into your life, not the other way around.

Hello, I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose practice is rooted in one foundational belief: every person deserves compassionate, individualized mental health care — regardless of background, circumstance, or the barriers and challenges they've faced along the way.

I focus on the treatment of depression, anxiety, and life's traumas, with a particular dedication to individuals from underserved and marginalized communities who have historically faced systemic barriers to quality mental health care.

All care is grounded in evidence-based practice, blending the most current clinical research with individualized judgment and patient-centered values. As a lifelong learner, I actively pursue continuing education and emerging best practices in psychiatric care — because excellence in medicine requires ongoing growth, humility, and a willingness to be taught by both science and the patients who make this work meaningful.

I welcome patients of all backgrounds and identities, and I am honored to walk alongside each person on their journey toward healing, wholeness, and hope.

Richard Perez is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. For over 15 years, he has dedicated his career to serving the healthcare needs of Long Beach and Los Angeles County. Richard wants to continue improving the lives of each patient by providing professional, compassionate, and person-centered care.

Richard has spent the last two years providing mental health care to underserved populations. This experience has significantly sharpened his clinical skills, which he now aims to bring to the general patient population.

I am dual board-certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with a passion for functional medicine. I believe mental health is best addressed by looking at the whole person—mind, body, and soul. I’ve been working in healthcare for over 20 years. Through my experience in mental health, I have the privilege of working with adults aged 21–60. I support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, and eating disorders, offering a safe and respectful space for growth and healing.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree from the University of Massachusetts Global. I have experience working with adolescents and adults in multiple settings facing various complex mental health issues, including OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD and mood disorders.

Hi! I'm an experienced and compassionate PMHNP-BC and dedicated to providing exceptional mental health care. I received a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the university of Tennessee Health Science Center. Also certified in Family Practice, Adult Gerontology, Acute Care. With over 10 years of experience in the nursing field, I specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD (I DO NOT prescribe stimulant medication, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse or Folacin), etc.