Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Santa Cruz, CA covered by Aetna

I have a deep commitment to seeing people flourish in relationship to themselves, and to others. For many of us, we have some sense of what makes relationships great and what makes them terrible. Knowing and experiencing what makes great relationships stronger, and what turns terrible relationships around, is where I can work alongside you. As someone who has been stepped in Attachment science, I love allowing for people to make more coherent sense of their internal world, to build or restore bonds with others.

Anxiety and perfectionism have turned your mind into a battleground. Your inner critic nitpicks every interaction, leaving you exhausted by thoughts of “Damnit, why can’t I just be better!” Painful memories get louder, no matter how hard you try to ignore them. Daily invalidations of your Latina, queer, or immigrant identity sting, and you feel isolated as you keep your suffering to yourself. You’ve tried everything: doom scrolling, drinking, and self-help books, but nothing has worked. You're left feeling hopeless and weighed down.

Taking the step to seek out therapy can feel scary. You may even be wondering, "how can therapy help?" But feeling alone and overwhelmed with trying to "do it alone" simply isn't working. Welcome...I am so glad you're here. I offer a safe, warm, empathic space to explore what's going on in your life. I help people feel less alone and more able to move through their challenges by bringing curiosity, care and compassion to the work of therapy.

Life is a lot right now. Work stress, family stress, parenting stress, political stress, economic stress. Together, we will chart the path forward to help you feel more like yourself.

I have been a therapist (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) for 11 years and am constantly amazed at the resilience of the human spirit.

I am also an ICF-credentialed Associate Certified Coach (ACC). When appropriate, I'll integrate certain coaching frameworks with clients to support them towards their goals.

If you’ve spent years masking, over-explaining, or trying to fit into spaces not built for you, my practice offers a different path. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with an MSW from UC Berkeley, I provide a space where you don’t need to be "fixed"—you need to be understood. My work centers on supporting neurodivergent adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, those navigating complex cultural identities, and people healing from trauma. I integrate evidence-based clinical practices with the healing traditions of my Tlingit and Hawaiian heritage.

Prior to private practice, I served as a first responder and worked in government and community settings, providing support to diverse populations who have often felt overlooked by traditional mental health systems. Whether we are addressing complex trauma or the daily toll of navigating a world that doesn't always make room for you, I am committed to providing an affirming and deeply collaborative therapeutic experience.

Georgia Barnes, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

I am a dual board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with more than 25 years of clinical experience and board certifications as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, and other psychiatric conditions through personalized medication management and supportive psychotherapy.

I believe meaningful mental health care begins with trust, respect, and collaboration. My approach is patient-centered, recognizing that every individual's experiences, strengths, and goals are unique. I work closely with each client to develop a personalized treatment plan that promotes emotional wellness, resilience, and long-term recovery.

My priority is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to participate in your care. Together, we focus not only on reducing symptoms but also on building healthy coping strategies, restoring balance, and improving overall quality of life. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, or co-occurring substance use concerns, I am committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based care that supports your journey toward lasting wellness.

We all carry a unique story, and part of my role is to help uncover the threads of your past in order to create new, meaningful chapters. I believe in addressing the whole person – not just the symptoms – by considering your physical, emotional, and mental health as interconnected. Together, we’ll explore the tools and coping mechanisms that work best for you, while also reflecting on the deeper patterns that may be at play. I approach our work together with curiosity, compassion, and respect for your experiences. Therapy is not about me giving you answers- it's a collaborative process of understanding, growth, and change.