Play therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Browse Play therapists in Santa Cruz, California. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
Play Therapy
Misty Johnson
Counselor/Therapist, LCSW
Are you experiencing communication challenges in your relationships? Challenges with sex or intimacy? Are you questioning or exploring gender and sexuality? I am here to support you and offer you tools and a place to process your current experience. I provide a safe space to explore who you are becoming and to discern old thought patterns that are no longer of service. I provide a healing space free of judgement and offer tools that you can immediately integrate into your current experience. I will collaborate with you and work with the intersections of your unique experience.
8 Years Experience
In-Person Near Santa Cruz, CA
Online in Santa Cruz, CA
Play Therapy
Mia Turner
Therapist, MA, RYT, ASDCS, LMFT, NPT-C, CMNCS, CMIP
✨ By virtue of holding space for you to make meaning out of your experiences, intersections of identity, and personal and ancestral past, I specialize in providing Culturally Conscious, Liberation-Oriented, Neuro-affirming, Trauma-Informed, Nervous System-Centered, and social justice-aligned offerings of healing that align with your desire to unify mind, body, and spirit, healing both present and intergenerational wounds, and connecting with self, others, and surroundings.
10 Years Experience
Online in Santa Cruz, CA (Online Only)
Play Therapy
Sophie Pierce
Psychologist, Psy.D.
Whether you're adjusting to life with a new baby, wondering if your young child is on track developmentally, worried about your child's anxiety, navigating a difficult transition, or feeling stuck in patterns with your teen, you don't have to figure it out alone.
I believe that behavior always has meaning. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, I work to understand the experiences, relationships, and developmental needs that may be shaping them. Together, we'll build on your family's strengths while helping your child or teen develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
I specialize in working with infants and young children, children, and parents. My approach is grounded in attachment, developmental science, and play therapy, creating a space where children feel safe enough to express themselves and parents feel supported rather than judged. I also have specialized training in infant mental health and enjoy working with families during pregnancy, infancy, and the early years to strengthen the parent-child relationship, support healthy development, and address concerns before they become bigger challenges.
My goal is for every family to leave therapy with a deeper understanding of themselves and one another, along with practical tools and renewed hope for the future.
12 Years Experience
Online in Santa Cruz, CA
Play Therapy
Diaspora Therapy Group
Marriage and Family Therapist, DSW, LMFT
We believe in authentic communication and living your truth. Our goal is to help you find your voice and take up space in a world that can be challenging to navigate. As individuals who have experienced these challenges firsthand, we're here to "hold your hand" throughout your healing journey.
7 Years Experience
Online in Santa Cruz, CA
Play Therapy
Nina Marikian
Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT
Life can leave you feeling shaken—betrayal, relational abuse, or divorce can erode trust, shake your sense of self, and make relationships feel unsafe. It’s normal to feel hurt, frustrated, or unsure how to move forward, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.
I also specialize in sex therapy and intimacy work. Whether sexual desire feels distant, connection feels confusing, or intimacy brings anxiety, we can explore what’s getting in the way and work toward sexual confidence, satisfying closeness, and authentic connection.
In a supportive, nonjudgmental space, we’ll address the patterns holding you back, strengthen boundaries, improve communication, and take practical steps toward safer, more fulfilling relationships and intimacy—so you can feel heard, valued, and connected again.
3 Years Experience
Online in Santa Cruz, CA
Play Therapy therapists in Santa Cruz, CA Statistics
Play Therapy therapists in Santa Cruz, CA average 16 years of experience and charge around $204 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Anxiety or Fears (84%), Child or Adolescent Issues (73%), and Depression (73%).
Average years in practice
16 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$204
Accept insurance
49%
Offer sliding scale
59%
Gender ID
| 65% |
Female |
|
| 23% |
Male |
|
| 8% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 4% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 89% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 11% |
Online Only |
|
Top Specialties
| 84% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 73% | Child or Adolescent Issues |
| 73% | Depression |
| 70% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 62% | Relationship and Marriage Counseling |
| 59% | Parenting |
| 59% | Self Esteem |
Ages Served
| 97% | Adult |
| 78% | Teen |
| 76% | Children |
| 68% | Young Adult |
| 51% | Senior |
Client Focus
| 59% | Women |
| 46% | LGBTQ+ |
| 38% | Men |
| 30% | Asian |
| 30% | Middle Eastern |