Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who provides compassionate, evidence-based care for adults. My approach is clinical, trauma-informed, and whole-person, meaning I look beyond symptoms alone and consider the many parts of life that shape mental health. I believe care should feel collaborative and supportive, not overwhelming. My goal is to help you feel understood while creating a treatment plan that fits your life, values, and goals. Whether you are seeking medication management, in-office IV or IM ketamine treatment, or support through a difficult season, I want you to feel safe, respected, and empowered.

Hello, my name is Alexander Valenzuela PMHNP. I specialize in psychiatric medication management and cognitive behavioral talk therapy. If you're struggling with your mental health and realize you want help, you don't have to do it alone. I am looking forward to starting the journey with you to help achieve your best self.

I have been a licensed psychotherapist practicing for 38 years, mostly focusing on treating depression, anxiety disorders and stress management. I work a great deal with couples as well.

With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, working in some of the most challenging clinical settings, I have a diverse skill set to process through even the most complex issues. While I specialize in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, I realize that the human condition is complex and I do not believe in an “one size fits all” approach to treatment. Rather, I find the most success in tailoring my interventions to align with my client’s individuality and personal goals.

avigating emotional distress or long-standing conflict can feel like being fractured, but healing often begins with finding a reliable and experienced partner. I am Dr. Julie Cohen, a Clinical Psychologist with over 45 years of experience. I have spent my career helping individuals, couples, and families resolve conflict—whether it’s occurring in the living room or the workplace. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly for those who are ready to dive into their inner experience to improve how they feel about themselves and their relationships. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing the expert, seasoned care necessary to handle even the most complex challenges with precision and kindness.

I believe that the foundation of our work is a relationship of absolute trust and safety. My extensive training allows me to look at your life through a wide lens, understanding how your past experiences and upbringing shape your current personality and challenges. I encourage an honest and direct dialogue, as that is where true mutual understanding begins. When I am not working with clients, I value the perspective that comes from a long career dedicated to human behavior, often finding restoration in the very principles of balance and growth that I share in my sessions. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have a safety net of four decades of clinical expertise behind them.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lizeth Moreno. I am a first-generation Salvadoran Latina who provides therapy for individuals seeking personal growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of themselves across various stages of life. My work focuses on creating a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and emotionally safe. I understand that reaching out for support can feel difficult, and I strive to provide a space where you can explore your experiences, develop insight, and work toward meaningful change. My goal is to help clients build greater self-awareness and strengthen coping strategies.

I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

I am a licensed therapist who has been working in the field since 2014 with diverse individuals in different settings. I attended California State Polytechnic University for my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and the University of Southern California for my Masters in Social Work. I specialize in working with individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, women's issues and grief and loss issues. On a personal note, I love to hike, cook and watch movies.

Hello! I’m Najwa Azizi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and support. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, stress, and burnout through a personalized and collaborative approach to care. With a background in both behavioral health and critical care nursing, I understand the importance of treating the whole person — emotionally, mentally, and physically. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to grow, heal, and reach their full potential.

You can look like you have it all together — and still feel like you're falling apart inside. I know, because I’ve been there.

I help women who are ages 20-50 navigate life changes, improve healthy coping, gain clarity, and feel emotionally lighter. My clients report feeling "lighter" after sessions, more clarity on their next steps, less irritability with others, and improved relationships.

I’m Catherine Moore, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, international speaker, author, podcaster, and therapist. For over 15 years, I’ve supported women through anxiety, burnout, grief, trauma, and the high-stakes demands of everyday life.

I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach, and have worked in everything from fast-paced hospitals to deeply personal private practice.

But beyond the credentials, I’m also a burnout survivor.

I know the relentless pressure of being everything for everyone — mother, daughter, friend, professional. I’ve lost close family members. I’ve walked through trauma. And I know what it’s like to smile on the outside while feeling lost on the inside. It’s what drives my work and what makes this space safe, grounded, and judgment-free.

If you’re ready to stop drowning in life and start living with clarity, peace, and purpose — I’m here. You don’t have to carry it all alone anymore. Schedule a no-obligation consultation with me to see if we are a good fit for your goals.