Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

My name is Rene and I’m a down-to-earth therapist who specializes in substance use and trauma, and I love helping people feel hopeful again during some of the hardest and most confusing chapters of their lives. I also support clients navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, family and relationship struggles, stress, and women’s issues. I especially enjoy working with women rebuilding identity and confidence after difficult life experiences.

People often tell me they feel comfortable with me quickly. My goal is simple: to meet you exactly where you are — whether that’s overwhelmed, stuck, healing, hopeful, or unsure — and help you find freedom, opportunity, and solid ground again. If faith or Christian counseling is meaningful to you, I’m happy to incorporate spirituality into our work together. And if not — that’s perfectly okay too. Therapy with me is about your values and your journey.

My approach to clients is to see them both as individuals and also within the systems they operate in: familial, community, work-related, societal, or other. I help clients address personal issues in the context of their interpersonal relationships. I strive to support my clients in bringing to light their impact on others, and others’ impact on them while giving clients the skills to heal relational wounds and build healthier, meaningful connections. I work to help her clients connect with their values and find joy.

I’m a licensed therapist with a background in social work, and I’ve worked in both clinical and community settings supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and moments where things just feel “off.” Whether you’re navigating stress, relationship challenges, burnout, or a deeper sense of feeling stuck, I’m here to help you make sense of it and move forward.

My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and tailored to you. I’m not the kind of therapist who just nods along—I’ll actively engage with you, offer insight, and help you connect patterns so you can create real, lasting change. I aim to create a space where you feel comfortable being fully yourself, while also gently challenging what’s no longer working.

I also specialize in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) through a partnership with Journey Clinical, working alongside medical providers who prescribe and monitor treatment. This can be a powerful option for those who feel stuck in traditional approaches or are looking for a deeper level of healing and perspective.

I work with adults from all walks of life who are ready to better understand themselves, improve their relationships, and feel more grounded and aligned in their day-to-day lives.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My approach to therapy is direct yet empathetic with a strength-based approach. I specialize in treating Anxiety, Depression, Couples, Family Therapy, Grief and Loss, Anger Management, Feedback Informed Care, LGBTQIA+, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar, DID, Kinks, and Complex Trauma. My style/approach is a fit for teens and adults who may be dealing with challenges in their lives, both personally and professionally. These challenges may manifest as anxiety, depression, guilt, and anger.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Orange County, California. I have worked in this field for over 13 years, and am committed to helping adult individuals from all walks of life navigate life's various challenges. My goal is for us to join together as a therapeutic team to help you better navigate whatever struggles life has thrown your way. I specialize in working with adults experiencing a wide array of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, attention-deficit disorders, relationship difficulties, struggles with self esteem, and various life stressors and transitions.

I am open, approachable, and committed to listening carefully to your experiences without judgment. I believe that each person carries a unique story, and my goal is to provide a supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and encouraged as you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities for growth. Together, we can explore what is most important to you and work toward creating a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and aligned with your values.

My background includes earning a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, along with a lifelong appreciation for personal growth, nature, and the healing power of connection. Growing up learning to surf fostered a deep respect for the ocean and the lessons it offers about resilience, balance, and adapting to life's changing conditions. These experiences have shaped my belief in the importance of honoring each individual’s journey and recognizing that growth often comes through both challenge and reflection.