Find a psychiatrist in Santa Cruz, CA — covered by insurance

My name is Briauna and I have a diverse clinical background spanning over 9 years. I have showcased my expertise in various domains, notably in critical care, which has lead to my decision to become a dedicated provider. I am both a family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Prior to Grow Therapy, I have provided invaluable assistance to patients in psychiatric crisis in both the emergency and urgent care settings. These experiences have given me profound insight into the intricate interplay between one’s mental health and physical well-being.

I am a dedicated and compassionate Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). With an unwavering passion for guiding individuals toward mental well-being, I leverage my extensive experience in advanced nursing practice to identify and address the root causes of mental health disorders.

I believe therapy and psychiatric care should feel human, not clinical, rushed, or impersonal. My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported from the very first conversation. I take time to understand your story, your values, and what you want your life to look like, not just your symptoms.

I bring over a decade of experience working in mental health and addiction, and I use a balanced approach that blends evidence-based treatment with compassion and real connection. I do not believe in one-size-fits-all care. Your treatment is collaborative, flexible, and designed to support long-term growth, not just short-term relief.

Above all, you should know that you will not be treated like a diagnosis. You will be treated like a person.

Hi, I’m Christina! I’m a double board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of experience in healthcare. I earned my bachelor’s degree from UCLA, master’s from Cal State LA, and post-graduate certification from National University.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in family practice, urgent care, and emergency settings, which has given me a broad understanding of how physical and mental health are connected.

I specialize in supporting individuals who are dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, mood disorders, and other mental health concerns.

Hello! I work with adult clients, ages 18-64 years old, who have medication management needs for their mental health conditions. Clients should have appropriate acuity in the mild-to-moderate range for telehealth care. Certain conditions or symptom severity levels may need a more intensive care setting than telehealth. Same week appointments available.

I am Loren Neiswender, DNP, PMHNP, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

I know finding the right mental health provider can feel overwhelming my goal is to create a welcoming judgment free space where you feel heard understood and empowered to take an active role in your treatment.

A little background: I attended Loma Linda University School Nursing for my Bachelor of Science and RN degrees, Cal State Long Beach for my Master of Science and Nurse Practitioner degrees, and most recently UCLA for my Doctor of Nursing practice degree.

The boring details: I offer both telehealth and in person psychiatric services telehealth appointments are available to patients anywhere in California with in-person visits offered in San Bernardino and at my Brentwood satellite office by appointment.

My philosophy: I firmly believe mental health treatment works best when it is collaborative. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and actively involved in developing a treatment plan that fits your unique needs and goals. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, or other mental health concerns we will work together to help you move forward toward lasting wellness.

I have over a decade of experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and previously spent nearly 10 years as a neonatal intensive care (NICU) nurse. These experiences have shaped my whole-personal approach to care and deep appreciation for clinical connection between physical health, emotional well-being, and family dynamics.

I offer both medication management and supportive therapy taking time to educate patients about their diagnosis and treatment options so they can make informed decisions about their own care.

***Burnt Out? Look No Further***

If you’ve found yourself meeting with provider after provider without finding the right fit, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to continue that cycle.

I provide comprehensive, individualized care to patients from diverse backgrounds, with expertise in ADHD, trauma, complex mental health conditions, geriatrics, and addiction recovery.

I approach care with deep respect for your values, preferences, and lived experience. Your voice is central to the process—we work collaboratively to create a treatment plan that is thoughtful, effective, and aligned with who you are.

*Please note that I do have additional intake documents outside of Headway that will be emailed to you upon booking. They must be completed prior to our meeting. Text "510-936-65two5" with any questions or assistance with filling them out.

I am a fully independent Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of healthcare experience, including several years focused on mental health care. I work with adults experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, sleep problems, and other psychiatric conditions. I provide culturally competent, respectful care and am fluent in both English and Korean, which allows me to support patients more comfortably in the language they prefer. My goal is to make mental health care feel clear, approachable, and tailored to each person’s background and needs.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a strong background in psychiatric nursing, mental health care, and education. My experience has allowed me to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds who are navigating mental health challenges at different stages of life. I provide comprehensive psychiatric care, including assessment, diagnosis, medication management, and supportive therapy. I am passionate about helping clients better understand their mental health and find treatment options that can make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.