Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

Hello and Welcome

With 30 years of experience as a licensed marriage, family therapist, my journey began at Sacramento California, where I first received my license and found my calling serving families within the community. Over time I found my way into private practice where my reach into the community grew and a deep passion for working with adults at various stages of their life emerged and one that has become central to my calling as a therapist.

Throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to learning and growing alongside the field pursuing, continued education and certifications.

My clients often want to know a little about the person behind this practice. I am someone who loves to travel and spends time outdoors . Camping and water adventures are always my happy place and those who know me best will tell you with a knowing grin that I have never met an animal I didn’t love

I believe wholeheartedly that it is vital for me to live a congruent life, to bring my heart and desires into a living presence My passion to live with purpose, curiosity and joy is core to who I am and this is how I show up for my clients every single day.

From your very first visit, you will be received warmly with quiet encouragement and assurance that this is a safe relaxed welcoming space just for you.

I specialize in supporting adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, systemic stress, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. With 11 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’ve worked across diverse communities, including Black, Native American, Veteran, and criminal justice-involved populations. Clients often describe me as grounded, direct, and compassionate, and I bring deep respect for each person’s lived experience into the work we do together.

I have been working in private practice for a few years and before that I worked in non-profits with a variety of individuals and groups. I am the parent of two adult sons and have three grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. I have an educational background in the study of philosophy, spirituality and counseling psychology. I have experience with helping people with histories of trauma, severe mental illness, as well as, symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience and some expertise with clients struggling with substance use.

I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. I work with adolescents and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, low self-worth, family conflict, and major life transitions.

My approach is both compassionate and collaborative. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and not judged. I believe that therapy is not one-size-fits-all, so I tailor my work to meet your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll explore patterns, build healthier coping strategies, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

I have experience supporting clients through complex family dynamics, cultural expectations, and identity development. I also work closely with individuals dealing with disordered eating and body image concerns, helping them develop a more balanced and trusting relationship with themselves.

Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and thoughtful. I will meet you with empathy while also gently challenging you when needed to help you grow.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to walk alongside you as you build insight, resilience, and a life that feels more aligned with who you are.

Hi, I'm Jin Li, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over a decade of experience in neurological and psychiatric care. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep issues, and stress-related conditions. My background in both Western psychiatry and functional/integrative medicine allows me to provide a whole-person, root-cause-informed approach to care.

I’m bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese, and I value culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and collaborative healing relationships. Whether you're navigating emotional overwhelm, hormonal shifts, or brain fog, I’m here to support you with empathy and expertise.

You can learn more about my practice at: https://www.lotusmind-care.com/

I am Tony Gunn, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am also a Substance Abuse Professional and a board certified transgender care therapist. I value connection, trust, and respect.

I work with adults, teens, families, and couples. My focus areas include LGBTQIA+ clients, gender nonconforming clients, transgender care, sexual health concerns, trauma, grief, mood concerns, and major life transitions.

You receive care grounded in empathy, cultural awareness, and collaboration. Sessions center on clear goals, practical skills, and meaningful insight. I create a space where you feel heard, supported, and understood without judgment.

I provide services through in-person and telehealth settings. My approach blends evidence-based practice with care shaped around your needs, values, and lived experience. My goal centers on supporting clarity, stability, and long-term well-being through an affirming therapeutic relationship.

I am currently a licensed psychologist in California, having previously worked as a psychotherapist under supervision for over 14 years. As an independent practitioner, I am accepting new clients, both in person and by remote means.

I seem to work especially well with younger and middle-aged people who are creatively inclined and having difficulty with self-realization and/or interpersonal relationships, from important relationships to everyday interactions with others. In the past, I have worked in community-based and private addiction recovery settings across a wide demographic. I specialize in trauma informed treatment that includes PTSD, depression, anxiety and phobias.

I seem to work especially well with younger and middle-aged people who are creatively inclined and having difficulty with self-realization and/or interpersonal relationships, from important relationships to everyday interactions with others.

My name is Dr. Lentz and I have been practicing in the mental health field for over 10 years. I strive to help those acquire skills to overcome challenging situations that are tailored to a person's specific need. I am a goal oriented therapist that works diligently to achieve goals that are identified by the individual and myself. Life is full of situations that do not always have clear and definitive answers, which is a process the therapeutic approach I utilize can assist with.

I believe the best work happens when you feel comfortable, understood, and supported. My goal is to create a space where you can be yourself—no pressure, no judgment, and no need to have everything figured out before you start. We’ll work together to explore what’s bringing you in, what matters most to you, and what you’d like to change or better understand.

I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Each person is different, so our work will be tailored to your needs, your goals, and your pace. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, going through a transition, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, I’m here to help you move forward in a way that feels manageable and authentic.

What I Bring to Our Work

• A welcoming, nonjudgmental space
• Thoughtful listening and honest, compassionate feedback
• A balance of insight and practical tools you can use outside of sessions
• Support that’s personalized to you, not a preset formula

If you’re looking for someone who is easy to talk to, genuinely supportive, and invested in your growth, I’d be glad to work with you and see if we’re a good fit.

Hi! My name is Terri Carsley and I have been practicing as a Marriage and Family therapist for the last 16 years. I am a transplant from the East Coast, but have lived in Los Angeles for over 30 years. I have a background in treating addiction and trauma. I am an advanced level somatic practitioner, using both my talk therapy and trauma therapy to help individuals, couples and families achieve healthy communication and heal emotional wounds.

I have a Master's Degree in Counseling, Marriage, and Family from Phillips Graduate Institute.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from UCSB.

I typically work with clients who have a history of trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, and managing anxiety, The clients I work with are very motivated to make changes in their lives.

I worked with high-risk, traumatized, and abused youth for many years. I find practicing therapy very rewarding. Assisting my clients to work through life challenges and progress in their life journey is a privilege.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience supporting adults, teens, and families in medical, community mental health, and addiction treatment settings. I’ve worked with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. I bring a calm, supportive, and down‐to‐earth style to therapy so clients feel safe and understood. I also teach social work and sociology at the university level, which keeps me grounded in current research and best practices. Most importantly, I care about meeting you where you are and helping you move toward meaningful change.