LGBT therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

I bring more than 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. I received my Master of Social Welfare from UCLA, and my work in group homes, schools, and community-based nonprofits has shaped my understanding of how emotional, academic, cultural, and environmental factors influence well-being.

I specialize in working with Latino and bilingual families, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood.

Life can feel overwhelming when you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. You may feel stuck in patterns that are hard to break or unsure how to move forward. Therapy can be a space where you begin to understand what’s been holding you back and start creating meaningful change.

I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. My work focuses on helping you build emotional awareness, improve communication, and develop healthier patterns so you can feel more balanced and fulfilled in your life. Clients should expect to feel heard and supported throughout our time together. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, and I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives.

Great to meet you!

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with 6 years of experience, I believe that prioritizing your mental health is essential to creating happiness and stability in life. I know that seeking help can be one of the hardest steps, and I truly respect the courage it takes to reach out. I focus on supporting clients who are navigating addiction, trauma, and other significant stressors, and I’m committed to meeting you with empathy, understanding, and honesty from the very beginning.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a MSW in social work and a BA in Psyhcology with a minor in African American studies. My educational background and career include extensive work with transitional age youth, teens, children and families and other disenfranchised populations.

I’m a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides therapy in both Spanish and English, from colloquial to professional levels. My work has included supporting individuals facing HIV/AIDS-related challenges, domestic violence, substance use, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, dual diagnosis, sexuality-related concerns, aging-related issues, and the broader impact these experiences can have on families and support systems. Across community, academic, and clinical settings in Mexico and the U.S., I’ve built a strong foundation in helping people navigate both personal suffering and societal distress.

I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and have completed advanced training in EMDR, Brainspotting, Child‐Parent Relationship Training, trauma‐informed care, and play‐based interventions.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience providing mental health services in behavioral health, crisis intervention, community mental health, and medical settings. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, and other emotional challenges.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. I work alongside clients to build on their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

Throughout my career, I have provided therapy and clinical support in outpatient, community-based, hospital, college mental health, and correctional settings. In my private practice, I provide bilingual psychotherapy to individuals and families experiencing trauma, stress, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and behavioral health issues. I also have extensive experience supporting foster, adoptive, and biological families caring for children impacted by trauma and attachment-related difficulties.

My professional background includes crisis stabilization, risk assessment, treatment planning, wraparound services, and multidisciplinary care coordination for youth and families with complex needs. I am also a part-time lecturer in the School of Social Work at San Diego State University, where I teach and mentor future social workers.

I am passionate about culturally responsive care, equity in mental health services, and helping clients feel empowered throughout their healing journey. I provide services in both English and Spanish and welcome clients from all backgrounds.