75/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 2.6★ from 15 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Psychologists in Santa Cruz, CA (2026)
25 psychologists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Santa Cruz: Elizabeth Lee PsyD Licensed Clinical Pychologist, RP Score 75/100; 2.6★ from 15 Google reviews.
- 8
Most-reviewed: Wellspring Psychology, 27 Google reviews at 4.5★, the most of 25 ranked; ranked #8.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
25 Santa Cruz psychologists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 12 open Saturdays and 5 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 25 rated practices.
Top 10 psychologists 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 | Elizabeth Lee PsyD Licensed Clinical Pychologist | 75 | 2.6★ (15) | Santa Cruz | — | Overall |
| 2 | Shira Stone | 75 | 3.7★ (3) | Santa Cruz | — | — |
| 3 | Lucie Hemmen, Ph.D. | 70 | 5.0★ (7) | Santa Cruz | — | — |
| 4 | Saposnek Donald T PHD | 69 | 1.0★ (3) | Capitola, 6 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | Donald B. Dufford, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist | 69 | 5.0★ (5) | Capitola, 5 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 6 | Compass CBT Psychology, PC | 64 | 5.0★ (5) | Scotts Valley, 5 mi away | Sat · Sun | — |
| 7 | The Lotus Collaborative Eating Disorder Recovery Center, Santa Cruz | 63 | 5.0★ (7) | Santa Cruz | Sat · Sun | — |
| 8 | Wellspring Psychology | 62 | 4.5★ (27) | Los Gatos, 18 mi away | Sat · Evenings | Most reviews |
| 9 | TherapyWorks of Capitola | 60 | 5.0★ (7) | Capitola, 4 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 10 | Gerard Chambers Psy.D., Ph.D. Clinical Neuropsychologist | 59 | 4.3★ (6) | Capitola, 4 mi away | Sat · Sun | — |
The 25 best psychologists 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.
#2 Shira Stone
Based in Santa Cruz
75/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
70/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Capitola, 6 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 1.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Capitola, 5 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Scotts Valley, 5 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
63/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, based in Santa Cruz.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Gatos, 18 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.5★ from 27 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Capitola, 4 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Capitola, 4 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Neuropsychologist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
59/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, based in Santa Cruz.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Gatos, 19 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Scotts Valley, 7 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in San Jose, 20 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.3★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Los Gatos, 17 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 13 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Gatos, 18 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Gatos, 20 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Gatos, 18 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
56/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.5★ from 4 Google reviews, based in Santa Cruz.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Gatos, 17 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Santa Cruz
55/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and proximity: 3.3★ from 4 Google reviews, based in Santa Cruz.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Gatos, 19 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Gatos, 19 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Los Gatos, 18 mi away
47/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#25 Therapy InMotion
Based in Los Gatos, 18 mi away
45/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Also serving Santa Cruz
20 more psychologists within 20 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
How we ranked Santa Cruz psychologists
We scored 25 Santa Cruz psychologists 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 psychologist
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure they regularly work with clients who have your concern, and ask what approach they use and why.
- If you may need testing as well as therapy (for example for ADHD or memory concerns), ask whether the practice does assessments itself.
- 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 psychologist
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How often do you work with concerns like mine?
- Do you offer psychological testing, or therapy only?
- 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.
Psychologists in Santa Cruz: frequently asked questions
Who is the best psychologist in Santa Cruz?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychologist in Santa Cruz, CA is Elizabeth Lee PsyD Licensed Clinical Pychologist with an RP Score of 75/100. It has 2.6★ from 15 Google reviews. Shira Stone (#2) and Lucie Hemmen, Ph.D. (#3) follow. We ranked 25 psychologists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many psychologists are there in Santa Cruz?
RankedPsychologists ranks 25 psychologists serving Santa Cruz, CA. 7 of them are based in Santa Cruz; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 20 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 psychologists in Santa Cruz work on weekends?
12 of 25 ranked psychologists post Saturday hours and 5 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Donald B. Dufford, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (#5), Compass CBT Psychology, PC (#6) and The Lotus Collaborative Eating Disorder Recovery Center, Santa Cruz (#7). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Santa Cruz psychologists have?
The median Google rating among 25 rated psychologists in Santa Cruz is 5.0★, with a median of 5 reviews. Wellspring Psychology has the most, 27 reviews, and ranks #8. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank psychologists?
Each psychologist 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 psychologists outside Santa Cruz count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Santa Cruz city center, our service radius for psychologists. 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 psychologists 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 psychologists 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 psychology 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 psychologist and a therapist?
“Psychologist” is a protected title: only people licensed by a state or provincial psychology board may use it. Most hold a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) and are trained in psychological testing as well as therapy. “Therapist” is a general word: licensed counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists also provide therapy under their own licenses.
Can I see a psychologist 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 25 psychologists serving Santa Cruz.
More psychologists and Santa Cruz pages
Psychologists near Santa Cruz
- Psychologists in Live Oak, CA28 ranked
- Psychologists in Capitola, CA30 ranked
- Psychologists in Scotts Valley, CA60 ranked
- Psychologists in Watsonville, CA21 ranked
- Psychologists in Los Gatos, CA115 ranked
- Psychologists in Saratoga, CA124 ranked
- Psychologists in Campbell, CA116 ranked
- Psychologists in Morgan Hill, CA45 ranked
- Psychologists in Marina, CA6 ranked
- Psychologists in Communications Hill, CA109 ranked
Other specialties in Santa Cruz
- Therapists and counselors in Santa Cruz76 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in Santa Cruz19 ranked
- Couples therapists in Santa Cruz33 ranked
- 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
- Addiction counselors in Santa Cruz64 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Santa Cruz18 ranked
- All psychologists in Santa Cruz