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Ali Palisca

Ali Palisca

Santa Cruz, CA
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Ali Palisca, a skilled Marriage & Family Therapist with a MA and LMFT credentials, offers her expertise to individuals, couples, and groups navigating the complexities of trauma, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. With a compassionate approach, she assists clients in breaking free from cycles of drama, criticism, and codependency. By teaching them to transform arguments into proactive conversations, Ali fosters a collaborative environment where win-win solutions thrive. She is passionate about healing past traumas and enhancing sexual connection while facilitating positive life changes. Her holistic methodology addresses not just the mind, but also the body, emotions, and spirit, recognizing the indivisible nature of human experience. Ali embodies qualities of curiosity, empathy, honesty, and humor, all integral to her transformative work. She views her clients as equals, believing in their inherent power to shape the lives they desire. Specializing in areas such as Couples Therapy, Anxiety, Communication, Anger Management, Sexuality, Trauma, Self-Esteem, Relationship Conflict, and LGBTQ concerns, Ali is dedicated to helping clients alleviate suffering and foster genuine happiness, and she looks forward to engaging in meaningful conversations.
Specialties
LGBTQ+ PTSD/Trauma Relationship Stress Work Stress
Julia Pinsky

Julia Pinsky

Santa Cruz, CA
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Julia Pinsky is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) dedicated to guiding individuals through their challenges and helping them discover what truly matters in their lives. She creates a safe and trusting environment where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, fostering personal growth and lasting change. Julia understands that therapy can provide a pathway out of confusion, pain, and suffering, enabling clients to shift their thinking, feelings, and relationship patterns for greater ease in their lives. Specializing in modalities such as EMDR Therapy for processing traumatic memories and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in partnership with Journey Clinical, Julia aims to support her clients in finding peace, reducing suffering, and cultivating more fulfilling relationships. With expertise in managing conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues, Julia's holistic and culturally sensitive approach ensures that every individual feels seen and heard on their journey to wellness.
Specialties
Anxiety Bipolar Depression Family Stress General Mental Health Men's & Women's Issues PTSD/Trauma Panic Attacks Relationship Stress Work Stress
Margaret Putnam-Pite

Margaret Putnam-Pite

Santa Cruz, CA
LCSW
Margaret Putnam-Pite, LCSW, specializes in providing compassionate care for adults and elders facing life-threatening illnesses, such as grief and Alzheimer's. With over 30 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, she has empowered countless patients and families to navigate the overwhelming uncertainties tied to diagnosis and treatment. Margaret offers a therapeutic space where individuals can find peace and fulfillment, even during life's most challenging moments. She develops personalized strategies to manage the emotional and psychological impacts of chronic illness, while also working closely with families to foster improved communication. Her client-centered approach is collaborative and strength-based, ensuring that each individual's journey is met with empathy and support. Margaret is dedicated to enhancing the experiences of her clients as they cope with illness, demonstrating flexibility to address their evolving needs. Whether through in-person sessions or virtual consultations, she is committed to guiding clients with expertise and understanding, making her style both enriching and impactful.
In Person Online Chat
Specialties
Anxiety Caregivers Chronic Pain Depression Family Stress General Mental Health Grief LGBTQ+
Michael Ryan Guichet

Michael Ryan Guichet

Santa Cruz, CA
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Michael Ryan Guichet, MA, LMFT, is a compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to assisting individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of relationships and intimacy. With over 15 years of experience in sexual health and relationship dynamics, he offers support to those grappling with marital and premarital issues, relationship challenges, and seeking sex therapy. Michael’s approach is deeply rooted in empathy, shaped by his personal understanding of the struggles of maintaining passion and closeness in long-term relationships. He creates a safe environment where clients can explore their desires without shame, fostering open communication and facilitating meaningful change. Utilizing a variety of therapy types, including attachment-based, integrative, and cognitive behavioral methods, Michael tailors his sessions to meet the unique needs of each client. He encourages those feeling overwhelmed or contemplating giving up to consider therapy as a transformative step towards healing and connection.
Specialties
Relationship Stress
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Caren Sage Smiley

Caren Sage Smiley

Santa Cruz, CA
Clinical Social Work/therapist, MA
Caren Sage Smiley is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist with over 15 years of experience in helping individuals navigate life's challenges. She understands that these are strange times, and finding the right therapist who can provide the support and skills needed can be a daunting task. Caren has successfully worked with clients dealing with a wide range of issues, including life transitions, anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting, and marriage and relationship difficulties. Her diverse training in various therapeutic methods, combined with her creativity, honesty, and sense of humor, enriches her practice and engages her clients in this meaningful process. By fostering a sense of trust and safety, Caren helps her clients change patterns, let go of old habits, and discover new, healthier responses that lead to greater happiness and well-being. Together, they create a space where possibility thrives.
Specialties
Addiction Anxiety Depression Parenting Relationship Stress
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Jill Schontag

Jill Schontag

Santa Cruz, CA
Counselor, MS
Jill Schontag, MS, NCC, is a dedicated counselor with a focus on career and educational pathways for students of all ages through her practice, Learning Pathways. She skillfully combines various assessments, professional counseling, and research to offer her clients valuable insights and clarity in their journey toward career fulfillment. Holding a Master’s degree in Counseling specializing in Career and College issues, Jill is a proud member of the American Counseling Association. With a deep belief that there exists a perfect college and career match for everyone, she excels in guiding individuals towards discovering that fit. Her extensive experience working with students has illuminated the vital need for assistance in uncovering personal passions, whether in the context of formal education or career exploration.
Darrin Scott

Darrin Scott

Santa Cruz, CA
MA
Life can indeed feel overwhelming for many individuals, often making it seem like they are sinking into an ocean of worries and despair. Darrin Scott is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where clients can catch their breath and find relief from their struggles. He employs a wide range of evidence-based tools to assist in curbing negative thinking patterns that contribute to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. With training in trauma-informed care among other modalities, Darrin is well-equipped to address issues related to sexual abuse, trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, and family conflicts. He also specializes in couples therapy, utilizing the Gottman method to enhance romantic bonds and communication skills. While therapy may feel uncertain, Darrin believes in the profound capability of every individual to undergo change and heal. By taking the first step to engage with Darrin, clients are already moving forward on their journey toward wellness.
Specialties
Anxiety Depression Family Stress General Mental Health PTSD/Trauma Sleeping Well
Jennifer Sims

Jennifer Sims

Santa Cruz, CA
Counselor, MA
Jennifer Sims, a dedicated counselor with an MA and LPCC, is committed to fostering trusting and consistent relationships with her clients, creating a safe environment for change and growth. She believes in the power of understanding one's story and the meanings derived from personal experiences. Her clients strive for deep self-awareness and embrace all of their emotions with Jennifer’s support. As a therapist, she guides individuals of all ages in healing from post-traumatic stress, navigating life and identity transformations, and exploring their internal worlds. While utilizing both short- and long-term interventions, Jennifer emphasizes that the therapeutic relationship is the key to healing. For those interested in her unique approach, she also provides a complimentary 30-minute consultation, with services available via a telehealth platform. It is important to note that she does not accept insurance.
In Person Video
Specialties
PTSD/Trauma
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Zerreniah Tran

Zerreniah Tran

Santa Cruz, CA
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Zerreniah Tran is a compassionate and skilled Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California, with over 8 years of dedicated experience in the mental health field. She has a proven track record of providing individual and group therapy to a diverse clientele, including preteens, teens, adults, elders, and couples. Fluent in English and Tagalog, Zerreniah has effectively counseled survivors of domestic violence, adolescents facing transitional challenges, adults dealing with relationship complexities, seniors grappling with aging, and foster youths in need of support for healthy coping and independent living. Zerreniah's therapeutic philosophy centers on the belief that each individual possesses inner wisdom and strength. She employs an interactive and collaborative approach, utilizing techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). Understanding that life presents numerous challenges, she recognizes the inherent resilience of humans, guiding them to thrive even amid adversity. In a world that is often imperfect, seeking guidance is a natural and courageous step towards personal growth and fulfillment.
Specialties
50+ Anxiety Depression Domestic Violence Relationship Stress Teens
Liz Vines

Liz Vines

Santa Cruz, CA
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Liz Vines, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist, holds credentials in EMDR and has a rich background in guiding adults, teens, and couples through transformative journeys. Specializing in complex trauma, phobias, anxiety, and chronic illness, she works primarily with those recovering from developmental trauma and learning to manage their nervous systems. Her approach is depth-oriented, empowering, and rooted in compassion, making her well-suited for artists, creative individuals, perfectionists, high achievers, and those who identify as highly sensitive. Liz utilizes an integrative blend of EMDR, parts work, narrative therapy, and somatic techniques, allowing her clients to find deeper understanding and compassion in their personal healing journeys. Consistently emphasizing nervous system stabilization, compassion, and insight, she helps her clients create meaningful change and build happier, healthier lives. As an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, Liz is kink, poly, and CNM friendly, passionately supporting individuals in thriving within their chosen lifestyles.
Online Chat
Specialties
Anxiety LGBTQ+ PTSD/Trauma
Melissa Virostko

Melissa Virostko

Santa Cruz, CA
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Virostko is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, LCSW, who believes in the innate capacity of individuals to heal and flourish within supportive relationships. She is passionate about providing therapeutic services that guide clients in uncovering their strengths, gifts, and navigating complex challenges. Currently, Melissa works with adults and adolescents facing various issues, including relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, trauma, and parenting struggles. With eight years of experience in clinical social work, she has served diverse populations grappling with intricate social and emotional hurdles. Melissa employs a range of methodologies, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Trauma-Focused therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), drawing from evidence-based practices to ensure the best outcomes. She is committed to honoring each individual’s humanity, spirituality, and inner resilience, striving to create an environment that fosters healing and personal growth.
Specialties
Anxiety Depression Grief Mindfulness PTSD/Trauma Parenting Relationship Stress
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Terri Zucker

Terri Zucker

Santa Cruz, CA
PHD
Dr. Terri Zucker, PhD, is a compassionate therapist dedicated to supporting adults and elders as they navigate the complexities of trauma, anxiety, and depression, as well as life transitions. With a focus on teletherapy options, Dr. Zucker empowers her clients to successfully work through crises and address both short-term and long-term issues. She utilizes a variety of skillful means tailored to each individual's needs, helping clients tap into their inner resources. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she teaches invaluable skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance, which clarify ways to reduce emotional suffering. Additionally, her approach incorporates somatic or body-mind techniques to alleviate painful emotions effectively. In these critical times that can feel overwhelming, Dr. Zucker collaborates with her clients to select the most effective strategies, ensuring they and their loved ones not only survive but thrive.
Online Chat Video
Specialties
Addiction Anxiety Chronic Pain Depression Domestic Violence General Mental Health Mindfulness PTSD/Trauma Sleeping Well Spirituality
Karen Nelsen

Karen Nelsen

Santa Cruz, CA
LMFT
Karen Nelsen, LMFT, is a compassionate strengths-based counselor who understands that counseling can take many forms, whether navigating significant life transitions, coping with loss, or addressing symptoms of depression or anxiety. She believes that everyone possesses an inner compass that, when supported, can guide them toward positive change. With extensive experience in coaching, Karen provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to explore their internal lives and recognize their natural abilities, both in relationships and daily activities. She emphasizes the importance of positive connections, which aid in discovering—or rediscovering—a sense of safety and wholeness. Her professional background spans wellness in physical, spiritual, and mental realms. With intuitive compassion, Karen helps clients acknowledge what is healthy and wise within them, amplifying these insights to illuminate aspects of themselves that seek to be heard. By listening deeply to each unique experience, she assists in exploring and transforming patterns that no longer serve. Guided by the longing of the soul, Karen supports clients in determining the direction of their counseling journey. Her wide range of therapeutic modalities includes trauma-focused therapy, positive psychology, and mindfulness, allowing for tailored approaches to meet the needs of individuals, couples, and families.
Specialties
Anxiety Depression Family Stress General Mental Health Grief PTSD/Trauma Relationship Stress Spirituality

Additional Resources

There are many therapists in Santa Cruz. They specialize in a wide range of topics, such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationships and family issues. If you’re having trouble finding a suitable local therapist, consider expanding your search to nearby areas.

Treatment Centers

Santa Cruz, CA

Local centers provide specialist support for a range of issues. Browse local centers and get in contact with them directly.

Housing Assistance

Santa Cruz, CA

There are a range of local organizations that provide housing assistance. Search for shelters, non profits and more by location.

Food Pantries & Support

Santa Cruz, CA

There are local organizations that provide free or low cost food to local residents and families. Find a food pantry, outreach or relief program near you and check opening times.

Churches & Faith Based Support

Santa Cruz, CA

Churches and local faith organizations provide free and charitable support near you. You can also chat to one of their trained listeners on 7 Cups.