Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

I'm not just your therapist — I'm a mama who has been in the trenches too. After navigating my own postpartum experience and the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, I found my purpose: walking alongside mothers and families during some of life's most tender and transforming moments. Raising my amazing autistic son has also deepened my understanding of what it means to parent with love, resilience, and a whole lot of grace.

I believe healing happens when you feel truly seen — not judged, not rushed, just held. My approach is rooted in authenticity and compassion, creating a space where your full story is welcome. Whether you are struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, grief, or the emotional weight of a special needs diagnosis, you do not have to carry it alone.

This work is personal to me. And that's exactly why I show up the way I do.

Hi, I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner who believes everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and treated with kindness. I create a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, mood changes, and other mental health concerns. Along with medication management, I also use supportive therapy techniques, including CBT and motivational interviewing, to help clients build healthy coping skills and feel more confident in their daily lives.

I offer a supportive, affirming space where clients can show up authentically. I guide individuals in rediscovering themselves and taking meaningful steps toward a more purposeful and aligned life.

I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can finally exhale. I strive to create an environment that is supportive, honest, and free of judgment; a place where you feel truly seen and emotionally safe. My approach is collaborative and practical. I don’t just help you understand why you feel the way you do; I help you build real tools to navigate it.

I earned my degree from Cal State Fullerton and have extensive experience working in addiction treatment, eating disorder recovery, and women’s issues. Supporting women is especially meaningful to me. I am deeply passionate about helping women navigate challenges related to self-worth, body image, relationships, boundaries, life transitions, and identity. I understand how trauma, societal expectations, and relational dynamics can shape how women see themselves, and I approach this work with both compassion and clarity.

Together, we focus on strengthening mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and communication skills in ways that feel realistic and sustainable. I blend insight-oriented exploration with concrete strategies, because meaningful change happens when insight meets action. My goal is to help you better understand your patterns, feel more confident managing your emotions, and move forward with greater clarity, self-trust, and resilience.