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

I bring more than 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. I received my Master of Social Welfare from UCLA, and my work in group homes, schools, and community-based nonprofits has shaped my understanding of how emotional, academic, cultural, and environmental factors influence well-being.

I specialize in working with Latino and bilingual families, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood.

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My Training

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a graduate of the PGSP–Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, a program known for its rigorous academic training and emphasis on evidence-based care. There, I received instruction and mentorship from some of the leading clinicians and researchers in the country. My practice draws on specialized training and extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, and comprehensive psychological assessment.

My Approach to Therapy

My clinical approach is focused, compassionate, and results-oriented. I work actively with clients to identify what’s holding them back, and to build the tools and insight needed to move forward with clarity and confidence. For individuals, I use CBT to help shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. For couples, I use EFT to deepen emotional connection, improve communication, and restore trust. Whether I’m working with a client facing anxiety, burnout, or relationship conflict, my aim is always the same: to help you reconnect with your strength, values, and capacity for meaningful change.

My Professional Background

Before becoming a psychologist, I served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Leading diverse teams in high-stress environments taught me how to connect across differences—with people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and personalities. That experience continues to shape my work today. I bring a grounded, nonjudgmental presence to therapy, and I take seriously the responsibility of earning each client’s trust. My passion—both then and now—is helping individuals become the strongest, most authentic version of themselves.

Please note that although I enjoy working with couples, I will no longer be able to offer couples therapy due to insurance reimbursement issues.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life and the concerns that arise. I specialize in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are in their process. In my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe meaningful change happens when we honor each person’s lived experience and work together toward self-identified goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable. I meet clients where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore change or looking to deepen their healing and personal growth.

My therapy style is compassionate and supportive. Clients find me engaging, warm and friendly. I've been a licensed psychotherapist since 1987 and I have experience with a variety of clients from differing age groups, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. During my career I've helped clients with relationship challenges, the expression and management of emotion, and improving their quality of life.

I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment

I'm Deidre, and for over two decades I've helped people move through some of life's most painful and disorienting transitions — loss, illness, divorce, relationship struggles, aging, and the quiet fears that come with facing mortality. My clients often tell me that what they needed most wasn't advice — it was someone who truly listened, who could help them make sense of what they were feeling and find a path forward. That's what I'm here to do!

Thomas E. Kiatta, is a CA licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. He holds Master's degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Vocational Rehabilitation, and spent three decades with the California Department of Rehab.

Tom helps individuals, couples and families navigate challenges related to communication, conflict, relationships, anxiety, depression and life transitions.

I have my Master's in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I began working my clinicals in 2005, 19 years ago, pre- license. I graduated in 2006 and was licensed in 2006 as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I currently hold licensure in California as well as Arizona. I have experience working with children, teens and adults.

What I’d like you to know is that I’m a Licensed Counselor with deep experience supporting people through tough transitions. I’ve spent my career working with at-risk youth in the foster care system, which means I’m comfortable sitting with complex emotions, navigating chaotic situations, and helping people build safety, stability, and hope. I bring that same grounded, no-judgment approach to our work together, focusing on practical steps that help you feel more in control and move toward the life you want.

Ollie Maggi works with individuals and couples to help navigate life and relationship stressors. As an LMFT and school psychologist, she specializes in neurodivergence and ADHD. She also has four years of specialized sex therapy training. Ollie assigns homework, so be ready for check-ins and an accountability partner.