Welcome to the Santa Cruz County Center in Soquel Village
The Santa Cruz County Center provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for children, teens, and families. Our clinicians are extensively trained in evidence-based treatments (EBTs) and receive ongoing training and supervision from Dr. Joshua Greco.
Located in the Soquel Financial Center, next door to the Ugly Mug Coffee Shop in Soquel Village, the Center is one of the few places in our county where families can access care specializing in ERP for OCD and anxiety-related disorders.
Meet Our Team
Caroline Swanson, MPH
Outreach and Program Development
Santa Cruz and San Francisco
Conditions We Treat
If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for mental health treatment for your child or teen, we’re here to help. We specialize in evidence-based treatments that have been extensively researched and shown to be effective.
Evidence-Based Treatments We Use
Not all mental health treatments are equal. Some are backed by scientific evidence; others are not. Therapists who use treatments based on science provide “evidence-based practice” (EBP). If the treatments they use have scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness, they are called evidence-based treatments (EBTs). EBTs are listed as best practice and preferred approaches for mental health symptom treatment by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association. We offer the following EBTs:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a widely used approach that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their mental health challenges. It's particularly effective for anxiety disorders, depression, and other mood disorders in youth
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals develop psychological flexibility, increase awareness of the present moment, and commit to values-based actions. ACT is rooted in the contextual behavioral science framework and is often used to treat a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic pain. While it's not exclusively designed for youth, it can be adapted for adolescents and children
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specific type of CBT commonly used for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and phobias in youth. It involves gradually exposing the individual to anxiety-inducing situations while refraining from engaging in their typical compulsive and avoidance behaviors.
Comprehensive Behavior (ComB)
An evidence-based approach for body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), such as hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting. ComB helps young people understand the triggers, thoughts, feelings, sensations, and situations that lead to these behaviors. Treatment is personalized and focuses on building practical skills and healthier responses that make it easier to resist urges and reduce the behavior over time.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
CYMH uses a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed approach that combines cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness, acceptance, and practical skills. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT is also effective in helping adolescents reduce self-harm, manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop healthier coping skills.
Parenting Support Articles
Here you can explore articles from Dr. Lori Butterworth’s blog. Several of these have been published by Times Publishing Group and offer practical, evidence-based guidance for supporting youth mental health.
Paying for Treatment
CYMH does not bill private insurance companies directly. Families pay for services at the time of each appointment, and we can provide a Superbill at the end of each month or upon request.
A Superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the dates of service, CPT procedure codes, diagnosis codes, provider and supervisor information, and fees paid. Families may submit the Superbill to their insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement depend on the terms of your individual plan, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider before beginning treatment.
The fee for an intake or assessment session ranges from $225 to $295. The fee for a 55-minute therapy session ranges from $125 to $225.
For questions about fees, payment, or Superbills, please call 831-222-0052 or email caroline@cymh.org
The Santa Cruz Center is contracted with Medi-Cal through the Central California Alliance for Health and bills the Alliance directly for eligible services. Families with eligible Alliance coverage generally do not pay CYMH directly for covered treatment services.
What to Expect at Intake
Before Your Appointment
Before your intake or assessment appointment, you will receive access to the client portal. Please complete all required consent forms, background information, and requested questionnaires before the session.
These materials help provide an initial understanding of your child’s strengths, challenges, symptoms, and areas of concern. A diagnosis is not made from questionnaires alone. The clinician will also consider the clinical interview, observations, history, and other relevant information.
Session Format
Intake and assessment appointments may be scheduled as either:
- Two 45-minute sessions, or
- One 90-minute session
The format will be determined according to your family’s needs and scheduling preferences.
During the Intake
During the intake or assessment, the clinician will:
- Review informed consent and the limits of confidentiality
- Explain practice policies, fees, and billing
- Conduct a clinical interview with the parents, caregivers, and/or child
- Review developmental, emotional, behavioral, and family history
- Observe the child’s current presentation and functioning
- Clarify your family’s concerns and treatment goals
The intake is a collaborative process focused on understanding the full context of your child’s needs.
After the Session
Following the assessment, your family will receive a written summary that includes clinical impressions, treatment recommendations, and suggested next steps or options for care.
If your child continues treatment, your family will be responsible for scheduling appointments according to the recommended treatment plan. Appointments must also be cancelled or rescheduled in accordance with CYMH’s 24-hour cancellation policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Child Receive a Diagnosis at the Intake Session?
Not necessarily. Questionnaires, interviews, clinical observations, and background information are considered together. A diagnosis is never based on forms alone, and additional sessions or information may sometimes be needed.
Do Both Parents or Caregivers Need to Attend?
When possible, it can be helpful for both parents or caregivers to participate. However, attendance can be discussed based on your family’s circumstances, availability, and the child’s needs.
Will My Child Be Present for the Entire Appointment?
This depends on your child’s age, needs, comfort, and the nature of the concerns. Your clinician will determine how the session time should be divided between the child and their parents or caregivers.
How Should We Prepare for the Intake?
Please complete all required consent forms, background information, questionnaires, and assessment materials through the client portal before your appointment. Providing complete information helps your clinician better understand your child’s strengths and concerns.
What Happens After the Intake?
Your family will receive a written summary that includes clinical impressions, treatment recommendations, and suggested next steps. If treatment continues, appointments will be scheduled according to the recommended treatment plan.
What if We Decide Not to Continue Treatment?
That is completely okay. You will still receive a written summary and treatment recommendations that may be used with another therapist, school professional, pediatrician, psychiatrist, or medical provider.
Can the Written Summary Be Shared With Other Professionals?
Yes. Many families find the summary helpful when working with schools, pediatricians, psychiatrists, therapists, and other professionals. It can be shared with your permission.
Does Insurance Cover the Intake Appointment?
CYMH does not bill private insurance companies directly. Families pay for services and may submit a Superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on their plan.
The Santa Cruz Center bills the Central California Alliance for Health directly for eligible Medi-Cal services. Families should contact their insurance provider to confirm coverage and reimbursement before treatment begins.
How Can We Help?
If you have questions or would like to make an appointment, please complete this form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also email kerri@cymh.org or call our SLO Center at (805) 996-0535 or our Santa Cruz Center at (831) 222-0052.
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