76/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 129 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Best Addiction Counselors in Santa Cruz, CA (2026)
64 addiction counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Santa Cruz: Silicon Valley Recovery, RP Score 76/100; 5.0★ from 129 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 17
Most-reviewed: The Camp Recovery Center, 148 Google reviews at 4.0★, the most of 64 ranked; ranked #17.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
64 Santa Cruz addiction counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 28 open Saturdays and 25 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.2★ across 64 rated practices.
Top 10 addiction counselors in Santa Cruz at a glance
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Silicon Valley Recovery | 76 | 5.0★ (129) | San Jose, 23 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | New Life Community Services | 75 | 4.1★ (10) | Santa Cruz | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 3 | New Life Recovery Centers | 75 | 5.0★ (100) | San Jose, 25 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 4 | The KEY Addiction Treatment Center | 73 | 5.0★ (53) | Santa Cruz | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 5 | JWCH Mini House | 71 | 4.5★ (20) | Gilroy, 25 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 6 | Santa Cruz Residential Recovery | 70 | 5.0★ (11) | Santa Cruz | — | — |
| 7 | Sierra Health + Wellness: Monterey - Addiction Treatment Center | 69 | 3.6★ (25) | Pacific Grove, 25 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 8 | Coastal Turning Point | 69 | 3.8★ (22) | Santa Cruz | — | — |
| 9 | Janus Of Santa Cruz | 69 | 3.6★ (23) | Santa Cruz | — | — |
| 10 | Genesis Residential Center | 69 | 3.8★ (12) | Seaside, 28 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
The 64 best addiction counselors in Santa Cruz, ranked
Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
Based in Santa Cruz
75/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.1★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Jose, 25 mi away
75/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 100 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
73/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 53 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Gilroy, 25 mi away
71/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 20 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
70/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Pacific Grove, 25 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.6★ from 25 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
69/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.8★ from 22 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
69/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.6★ from 23 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Seaside, 28 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.8★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Redwood City, 37 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.8★ from 24 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in East Palo Alto, 35 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Capitola, 4 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#14 Off Main Clinic
Based in Salinas, 30 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.6★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Jose, 30 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.8★ from 17 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Sunnyvale, 25 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 2.6★ from 11 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Scotts Valley, 4 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.0★ from 148 Google reviews, 4 mi from Santa Cruz.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Salinas, 31 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.2★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Jose, 29 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Scotts Valley, 5 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.4★ from 14 Google reviews, 5 mi from Santa Cruz.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Hayward, 46 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Alcoholism treatment program”, 4.0★ from 19 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#22 Door To Hope
Based in Salinas, 29 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Watsonville, 15 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 2.8★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Morgan Hill, 23 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Jose, 24 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Addiction counselors ranked #26 to #50
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RP Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 64 ranked addiction counselors here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Santa Cruz
20 more addiction counselors within 50 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Basche LMFT | 5.0★ (2) | 34 mi |
| Charlotte L Smith, LMFT | 1.0★ (1) | 27 mi |
| CRC Health | 3.0★ (2) | 24 mi |
| Deborah Kass, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 5.0★ (2) | 23 mi |
| Dr. Elizabeth Esalen | In Santa Cruz | |
| Elizabeth Ann Hinchman, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 3.0★ (2) | 47 mi |
| Enlightenment Recovery LLC | 5.0★ (1) | 25 mi |
| Healing Steps - Addiction Treatment Advisors & Helpline | 5.0★ (2) | 48 mi |
| Lyric Recovery Services | 5.0★ (1) | 23 mi |
| Maria 'Mimi' Brown MFT | 5.0★ (1) | 26 mi |
| Max Burns MD | 5.0★ (2) | 37 mi |
| Oak Tree Recovery | 5.0★ (1) | 24 mi |
| PSAP Prenatal Services | 5.0★ (1) | 24 mi |
| RTH Helpline – Mental Health Care & Addiction Treatment | 5.0★ (1) | 27 mi |
| San Jose Outpatient- The Camp | 5.0★ (1) | 23 mi |
| Santa Cruz Alcohol & Drug Services | In Santa Cruz | |
| Sun Street Centers | 1.0★ (1) | 27 mi |
| Target Relapse Prevention | 1.0★ (2) | 25 mi |
| The Lakes Hollister | 5.0★ (2) | 38 mi |
| Yewande Noah, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 5.0★ (2) | 23 mi |
How we ranked Santa Cruz addiction counselors
We scored 64 Santa Cruz addiction counselors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Santa Cruz data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Review volume | 5% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of Google reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 10% | Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availability | Measured |
| Specialty focus | 25% | How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 15% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose an addiction counselor
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure addiction counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask which credential the counselor holds (for example a state addiction counselor certification, LPC or LCSW).
- Ask whether they work with a physician if medication for addiction treatment is part of your plan.
- Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
- Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
- After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.
Questions to ask an addiction counselor
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How much of your work is addiction counseling?
- Do you offer individual sessions, groups or an intensive outpatient program?
- What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
- Do you offer online sessions?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?
Terms explained
- PhD / PsyD
- Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
- Licensed psychologist
- A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
- Psychological associate
- In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
- LPC / LMHC / LCPC
- US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
- LCSW
- Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
- LMFT
- Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
- RP / RCC
- Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
- PSYPACT
- An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
- Telehealth
- Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
- CBT
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
- DBT
- Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
- ERP
- Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.
Addiction counselors in Santa Cruz: frequently asked questions
Who is the best addiction counselor in Santa Cruz?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked addiction counselor in Santa Cruz, CA is Silicon Valley Recovery with an RP Score of 76/100. It has 5.0★ from 129 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. New Life Community Services (#2) and New Life Recovery Centers (#3) follow. We ranked 64 addiction counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many addiction counselors are there in Santa Cruz?
RankedPsychologists ranks 64 addiction counselors serving Santa Cruz, CA. 6 of them are based in Santa Cruz; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 50 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
What should I do if I need help right now?
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.
Which addiction counselors in Santa Cruz work on weekends?
28 of 64 ranked addiction counselors post Saturday hours and 25 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Silicon Valley Recovery (#1), New Life Community Services (#2) and New Life Recovery Centers (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Santa Cruz addiction counselors have?
The median Google rating among 64 rated addiction counselors in Santa Cruz is 4.2★, with a median of 11 reviews. The Camp Recovery Center has the most, 148 reviews, and ranks #17. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank addiction counselors?
Each addiction counselor gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do addiction counselors outside Santa Cruz count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 50 mi of the Santa Cruz city center, our service radius for addiction counselors. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.
Can addiction counselors pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?
No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.
How are addiction counselors in Santa Cruz ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on addiction counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
What is the difference between outpatient addiction counseling and rehab?
Outpatient counseling means regular sessions while you live at home and keep working; intensive outpatient programs meet several times a week. Residential rehab and medical detox happen in a facility. Withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs can be medically dangerous, so speak to a doctor before stopping if you drink or use heavily every day.
Can I see an addiction counselor online?
Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.
What if I need help right now?
Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Update log for Santa Cruz
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 64 addiction counselors serving Santa Cruz.
More addiction counselors and Santa Cruz pages
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Other specialties in Santa Cruz
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- Child and teen therapists in Santa Cruz19 ranked
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- Family therapists in Santa Cruz25 ranked
- Neuropsychologists in Santa Cruz7 ranked
- Anxiety and OCD therapists in Santa Cruz6 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Santa Cruz24 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in Santa Cruz13 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Santa Cruz127 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Santa Cruz26 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Santa Cruz18 ranked
- All psychologists in Santa Cruz