72/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA (2026)
127 psychiatrists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Santa Cruz: Dr. Jennifer J. Davis, MD, RP Score 72/100; 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
- 3
Most-reviewed: Advanced Psychiatry Associates, 218 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 127 ranked; ranked #3.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
127 Santa Cruz psychiatrists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 22 open Saturdays and 16 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.4★ across 127 rated practices.
Top 10 psychiatrists 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 | Dr. Jennifer J. Davis, MD | 72 | 5.0★ (4) | Capitola, 4 mi away | — | Overall |
| 2 | Catherine Borchert M.D. | 68 | 4.3★ (17) | Santa Cruz | — | — |
| 3 | Advanced Psychiatry Associates | 68 | 4.6★ (218) | San Jose, 25 mi away | Sat · Sun | Most reviews |
| 4 | Mindpath College Health Psychiatrists & Therapists - Santa Cruz | 67 | 3.1★ (13) | Santa Cruz | — | — |
| 5 | Shermeil Dass, MD , APC | 67 | 4.2★ (5) | Santa Cruz | — | — |
| 6 | Marla A. Reckart, M.D. | 66 | 1.0★ (4) | Santa Cruz | — | — |
| 7 | Jonathan Tallman, MD | 66 | 3.8★ (10) | Capitola, 4 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Sager Ronald J MD | 66 | 3.6★ (10) | Capitola, 4 mi away | Evenings | — |
| 9 | Advanced Psychiatry Associates | 64 | 4.2★ (125) | Salinas, 30 mi away | Sat · Sun | — |
| 10 | Yang K Calvin MD | 64 | 5.0★ (3) | Saratoga, 22 mi away | — | — |
The 127 best psychiatrists 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
68/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.3★ from 17 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Jose, 25 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.6★ from 218 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
67/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.1★ from 13 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
67/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychiatrist”, 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
66/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 1.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Capitola, 4 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.8★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Capitola, 4 mi away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 3.6★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Salinas, 30 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.2★ from 125 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#10 Yang K Calvin MD
Based in Saratoga, 22 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
64/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 1.4★ from 33 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Fremont, 37 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.7★ from 177 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Altos, 27 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.1★ from 59 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Cupertino, 25 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychiatrist”, 4.3★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#15 Hirsch Anita MD
Based in Los Gatos, 19 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 2.1★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Cupertino, 24 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.4★ from 29 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Jose, 20 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 32 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Campbell, 22 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Monterey, 28 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 4.3★ from 22 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#20 Dr. Samer Salmo
Based in San Jose, 26 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Sunnyvale, 28 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Los Altos, 28 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in San Jose, 26 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Monterey, 27 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
#25 Atlas Psychiatry
Based in Los Gatos, 17 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”, 5.0★ from 18 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Psychiatrists 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 127 ranked psychiatrists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Santa Cruz
20 more psychiatrists within 40 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Caroline Miner, M.D. | In Santa Cruz | |
| Deborah Kass, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 5.0★ (2) | 23 mi |
| Dr. Izzet Yazgan | In Santa Cruz | |
| Dr. Kevin D. Morse, MD | 4.5★ (2) | 26 mi |
| Dr. Michelle W. Indianer, DO | 3.0★ (2) | 18 mi |
| Dr. Nissa Perez MD | 3.0★ (2) | 23 mi |
| Dr. Paul K. Luther, MD | 5.0★ (1) | In Santa Cruz |
| Erik N. Youngdale, M.D. | In Santa Cruz | |
| Harmon William MD | In Santa Cruz | |
| Inti Flores MD | In Santa Cruz | |
| Jaime Jimenez, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 5.0★ (1) | In Santa Cruz |
| Mark Kutcher | In Santa Cruz | |
| Matin Farhan A MD | 5.0★ (2) | 24 mi |
| Mental Health Clinic | 3.0★ (2) | 18 mi |
| Nirodi Neha G MD | 5.0★ (2) | 25 mi |
| Powers Rebecca MD | 5.0★ (2) | 22 mi |
| Raghavan Sharadha MD | 5.0★ (2) | 24 mi |
| St Peter Dennis MD | In Santa Cruz | |
| Weber Miryam MD | In Santa Cruz | |
| Yewande Noah, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 5.0★ (2) | 23 mi |
How we ranked Santa Cruz psychiatrists
We scored 127 Santa Cruz psychiatrists 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 a psychiatrist
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure psychiatry is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask whether the practice offers therapy as well as medication management, or medication visits only.
- Check whether you need a referral from your family doctor; in Canada a referral is usually required for publicly covered psychiatric care.
- 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 a psychiatrist
- 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 psychiatry?
- Do you offer therapy sessions, or medication management only?
- How soon is the first appointment, and how long are follow-up visits?
- 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.
Psychiatrists in Santa Cruz: frequently asked questions
Who is the best psychiatrist in Santa Cruz?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychiatrist in Santa Cruz, CA is Dr. Jennifer J. Davis, MD with an RP Score of 72/100. It has 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews. Catherine Borchert M.D. (#2) and Advanced Psychiatry Associates (#3) follow. We ranked 127 psychiatrists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many psychiatrists are there in Santa Cruz?
RankedPsychologists ranks 127 psychiatrists serving Santa Cruz, CA. 5 of them are based in Santa Cruz; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 40 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 psychiatrists in Santa Cruz work on weekends?
22 of 127 ranked psychiatrists post Saturday hours and 16 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Advanced Psychiatry Associates (#3), Advanced Psychiatry Associates (#9) and Telecare Santa Cruz Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) (#11). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Santa Cruz psychiatrists have?
The median Google rating among 127 rated psychiatrists in Santa Cruz is 4.4★, with a median of 9 reviews. Advanced Psychiatry Associates has the most, 218 reviews, and ranks #3. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank psychiatrists?
Each psychiatrist 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 psychiatrists outside Santa Cruz count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Santa Cruz city center, our service radius for psychiatrists. 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 psychiatrists 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 psychiatrists 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 psychiatry 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 a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who completed a residency in psychiatry and can prescribe medication. A psychologist usually holds a doctorate in psychology (PhD or PsyD), provides therapy and psychological testing, and in most places does not prescribe. Many people see both: a psychiatrist for medication and a psychologist or therapist for talk therapy.
Can I see a psychiatrist 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 127 psychiatrists serving Santa Cruz.
More psychiatrists and Santa Cruz pages
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Other specialties in Santa Cruz
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- Family therapists in Santa Cruz25 ranked
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- All psychologists in Santa Cruz