Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

Many people come to me feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burnt out, or simply “not like themselves.” Whether the root is mental health, hormones, or a mix of both, my goal is to help you understand what’s happening in your body and mind — and create a plan that actually helps you feel better.

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of experience treating complex chronic conditions, acute medical issues, and a wide range of mental health concerns. My background in the emergency room strengthened my ability to stay calm, think clearly, and support patients through some of their most difficult moments.

I am double board‐certified as an FNP‐BC and PMHNP‐BC, which allows me to integrate medical and psychiatric expertise. This means I look at the full picture — hormones, sleep, stress, mood, lifestyle, and physical health — to understand what’s driving your symptoms.

My approach is compassionate, practical, and evidence‐based. I take time to listen, explain things clearly, and work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your life. You deserve care that feels supportive, personalized, and focused on long‐term wellness.

If you’re ready to feel more balanced, focused, and in control again, I’m here to help you get there.

Thank you for reading this. Having a background in grassroots and non-profit work as well as teaching, I am fiercely passionate about equity, social justice and liberation for all people. The therapeutic relationship is unique and radical --- your words have exquisite power and we get to think together about what they mean.

I completed my undergraduate work at UCSB and later earned my master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. The early part of my career was in corporate management roles. My experience in the business sector provides me with special insight into the particular demands of balancing work, life, and family roles.

I’m here to make this journey feel gentle, welcoming, and human. I keep things clear and simple so you can focus on what matters, not the overwhelm. My style is warm, encouraging, and a little poetic—because softness helps us breathe. Let’s take this step together, one calm moment at a time.

Trauma-Informed. I specialize in treating adults with unresolved childhood traumas / C-PTSD. I deeply understand how early life experiences shape present-day struggles—I specialize in helping people heal from those roots, not just manage surface-level symptoms.

I am trained in powerful, evidence-based and experiential modalities like EMDR, IFS-informed parts work, Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Not one-size-fits-all—I tailor treatment to each individual’s nervous system, attachment patterns, and inner world.

Most importantly, I show up as a therapist: I provide a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where clients can be fully seen, heard, and validated. I understand that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, and I meet clients with compassion, patience, and respect for their pace.

I am committed to helping clients work through inner emotional conflicts so they can move toward a more stable, fulfilling, and connected life—not just symptom relief, but real, lasting transformation.

Welcome! Congratulations on taking your first step toward finding a therapist. Having experienced the therapeutic process myself, I understand that seeking support can be challenging and takes courage. You can do this!

After 10 years experience in counseling, I specialize in a range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In addition, I am in the process of developing my knowledge base in Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapy. My experience with these treatment modalities allows me to tailor treatment to your unique needs and experiences.

I bring a wealth of experience from my work in child welfare for nearly 10 years, which has shaped me into a deeply trauma-informed practitioner. Over the years, I have supported clients of all ages and walks of life, including individuals facing complex socioeconomic stressors and diverse life circumstances. I am comfortable working with a wide range of mental health concerns, from mood disorders like anxiety and depression to more complex personality-based struggles. No matter your background or the challenge you are facing, I offer a stable, professional, and non-judgmental presence designed to help you process your experiences and move toward a healthier future.

I believe that therapy is a partnership, and my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard. As a licensed clinical social worker, I specialize in supporting individuals as they navigate life’s transitions, stress, and anxiety. My approach is rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices, primarily utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a client-centered perspective to help you develop practical tools for your daily life. I am dedicated to working alongside you to build on your existing strengths, foster resilience, and help you create the change you are seeking. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone; I invite you to reach out so we can start this work together.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been in practice for over ten years. I help Gen Zers and Millennials to manage the overwhelming anxiety and stress that the fast-paced world of today causes. Whether the ever-evolving world is making it difficult for you to navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, parenthood, work pressures, romantic partnerships, emotional trauma, or interpersonal relationships, I am prepared to aid in rebuilding your confidence and developing a powerful toolkit for combatting mental health blocks.

As a proud Mexican woman, it’s important to me to provide a space for marginalized groups to feel understood and validated. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and deeply passionate about supporting the queer community with compassion and empathy. I am also sex-positive and have helped many of my clients overcome barriers and concerns regarding sex and physical intimacy.

I graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills with a Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy in 2016. I began seeing clients in 2014, and in the years since, I have worked in substance abuse programs, behavioral health hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and numerous group practices. Today, I enjoy managing my own practice and seeing my clients thrive as they tackle treatment goals. I am located in Los Angeles and am exclusively offering virtual therapy at this time, making it convenient for you to meet for your sessions in the comfort of your chosen space.