Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

I’m a licensed therapist with a background in supporting adults and teens through anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship stress. I earned my graduate degree in counseling and have worked in both community-based and private practice settings, which has helped me understand the real-life pressures people carry—work, family, finances, identity, and burnout.

My style is practical and compassionate: we look at patterns, the stories you’ve learned to live by, and what it would feel like to respond differently—more grounded, more empowered, and more like “you.” I often integrate inner child work, trauma-informed care, and skills for emotional regulation and ADHD/executive functioning.

I primarily work with adults who want to improve communication, rebuild trust, and create more secure connection.

Perhaps you are visiting today to obtain answers to confusion, peace in the torment, clarity from the chaos, healing from the pain. Maybe you just want someone to understand your pain. You might be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or hopeless. Whatever your reasoning may be, I am dedicated to help you achieve hope and healing. Thank you for taking the first step to work toward your personal healing journey.

We can all feel overwhelmed by persistent sadness, anxiety, or racing thoughts. Major life shifts—like a career change, relationship end, parenting, or new phase of life—can be difficult to navigate. You do not have to figure it out alone.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping adults break free from painful emotional patterns and reclaim a sense of control. My practice specializes in treating mood disorders and guiding individuals through challenging life transitions.

My passion lies in working with clients who need assistance with personal empowerment and identity development. My goal is to instill hope by identifying areas of strength, resilience, and capacity for positive change. Effective therapy takes effort and commitment from both the therapist and the client.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful, lasting change. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I strive to create a safe space where individuals feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported.

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 am a dedicated mental health professional who supports children and adults through life’s challenges. I currently provide individual therapy only and do not offer couples counseling. My background in behavioral health and social services, along with hands-on community experience, has shaped my practical, compassionate, and solution-focused approach.

I have worked with individuals involved in the justice system, people living with serious mental illness, children in foster care, and families navigating behavioral or developmental concerns. My experience includes case management, crisis support, employment readiness, behavioral coaching, and coordinating care with medical providers, mental health facilities, and community programs to ensure consistent, long-term support.

I help clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, behavioral challenges in children and teens, parenting and co-parenting concerns, and reintegration after legal involvement. My approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered. I believe everyone has resilience and the ability to grow with the right support.

My style is warm, honest, and structured. I value accountability while always leading with empathy and respect. I focus on building coping skills, improving communication, setting clear goals, and developing practical strategies that support emotional balance and independence.

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.

I am passionate about the power of the therapeutic process and helping individuals and families find hope and healing. Together, we will set goals and work towards achieving them - all at a pace that works best for you.

I specialize in working with adults, adolescents and families living with depression, anxiety, trauma, and challenges in relationships. I have significant experience working in higher levels of care settings and with folks navigating suicidal ideation and self-harm.