Linda Santa Cruz

Linda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has spent her career working with adolescents, young adults, couples, and families. She attended California Lutheran University where she obtained her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. Linda has spent much of her career working in community mental health clinics, working with clients who struggle with trauma (PTSD), anxiety, depression, ADHD, family violence, and family systems. She also has experience working with gender identity issues, incarceration, intimacy issues, chemical addiction, custody/co-parenting, supervised visitation, and foster families/adoption.

Linda is certified in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has a passion for working with teens who have experienced trauma. She has experience working in collaboration with social services, probation, school systems, correctional facilities, hospitalization programs, residential programs, community programs, and MI/CD programs.

Linda believes in helping individuals achieve their happiest, healthiest self and utilizes a strength-based approach to therapy services. She enjoys identifying the unique strengths in each client, building on them to challenge the negative patterns that contribute to how we see ourselves, the world, and how we believe others see us. She was inspired to work in the field because, “It just makes sense. I belong in a healing profession and I carry the hope that things can always get better.”

MS, LMFT
Ages Seen: 12+

***All providers have telehealth capability***

Credentials for Therapy Providers

  • ATR-BC – Board Certified Art Therapist
    Advanced credential for art therapists supporting emotional well-being through art.

  • CCTP – Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
    Specializes in treating trauma and PTSD.

  • CEDS – Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
    Expert in diagnosing and treating eating disorders.

  • IMH-E® (III) – Infant Mental Health Specialist
    Focused on mental health of infants and caregiver relationships.

  • LADC – Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
    Trained in treating substance use disorders.

  • LAMFT – Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
    Provisional license under supervision toward full LMFT.

  • LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
    Provides therapy and mental health services.

  • LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
    Qualified to provide independent clinical services.

  • LGSW – Licensed Graduate Social Worker
    Master’s-level license; step toward independent practice.

  • LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    Specializes in relationship and family therapy.

  • LP – Licensed Psychologist
    Qualified to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

  • LPCC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
    Provides therapy for individuals, groups, or families.

  • MA – Master of Arts
    Graduate degree in counseling or psychology.

  • MEd – Master of Education
    Graduate degree focused on education and school counseling.

  • MDiv – Master of Divinity
    Trains for spiritual counseling and pastoral care.

  • MPH – Master of Public Health
    Specializes in community health and prevention.

  • MS – Master of Science
    Graduate degree in psychology or related sciences.

  • MSW – Master of Social Work
    Prepares for clinical or community-based social work.

  • PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
    Advanced research-focused doctoral degree.

  • Practicum Student – A student undergoing practical, hands-on instruction in their chosen field to gain real-world experience and apply academic knowledge in a professional setting.
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  • Psy.D. – Doctor of Psychology
    Clinical practice-focused psychology doctorate.

Credentials for Nursing Providers

  • APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
    Advanced clinical training; can diagnose and prescribe.

  • CNP – Certified Nurse Practitioner
    Provides specialized advanced clinical care.

  • DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
    Highest clinical nursing degree, focused on practice leadership.

  • MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
    Prepares nurses for advanced roles and specializations.

  • PBN – Public Health Nurse
    Focuses on disease prevention and community wellness.

  • PMHNP-BC – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified
    Specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

  • RN – Registered Nurse
    Provides direct patient care and medication management.