Welcome to Powers Therapy
Providing Affordable Mental Health Services in
Santa Cruz, CA.
Contact me for availability and scheduling.
Powers Therapy is a Medi-Cal (CCAH) Provider.
Sliding scale fee discounts available. Ask me for details.
Headway members, welcome!
David Powers offers a no risk first appointment for private pay clients. At the end of our first session, If you decide you don't wish to continue, your session is free.
Free phone consultations by appointment.
Please proceed to and complete my contact form to get started.
Use of this website is for persons seeking information about obtaining therapy services at Powers Therapy only. No unsolicited sales.
David Powers
Owner of Powers Therapy
Clinician
Clinical Supervisor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic# 110906
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Lic#7534
Certified Relational Life Therapist
Certified in Neuropsychotherapy
Owner of Powers Therapy
Before becoming a therapist, I served as a U.S. Air Force non-commissioned officer and worked over 20 years in corporate management, leading and mentoring others.
With this background, education, and my experience as a therapist, I offer a diverse vision of communication dynamics and cognitive and emotional problem solving.
My approach to the therapeutic process is solution focused, collaborative and direct. From a foundation of behavioral science, empathy and compassion, I enable a safe and transparent experience with an emphasis on empowerment, clarity, and intentionality.
I am also a clinical supervisor and the group practice I have built employs a team of highly qualified professionals, all dedicated to helping you meet your goals for therapy.
Fill out the contact form below and I will reach out to you as quickly as possible. Let's have a conversation. It never hurts to talk. I look forward to speaking with you.
Education
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Master of Arts in Counseling - Palo Alto University
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Bachelor of Science in Business Management - The University of Phoenix
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Specialty Training
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Certificate in Neuropsychotherapy - Specialty Training
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Certified Relational Life Therapist - Relational Life Institute
David's Appointment Hours
Monday - Wednesday
1PM - 6PM
Thursdays
11AM - 4PM
I provide in person therapy. I will consider online therapy for California residents residing outside of Santa Cruz or Monterey Counties on a case by case basis.
Services David Provides
Individual Therapy for persons 15 years old and older
Beyond the Surface: Understanding Mood Disorders and Finding Balance in Santa Cruz
We all experience emotional highs and lows. It is entirely natural to feel discouraged after a difficult week at work, or to feel energized and joyful when spending a sunny afternoon at the Santa Cruz Wharf. However, when your emotional state begins to feel unpredictable, overwhelming, or completely detached from your daily circumstances, it may be a sign of something deeper.
When emotional shifts begin to interfere with your relationships, your career, and your physical health, you might be navigating a mood disorder. Understanding the subtle differences between everyday stress and a clinical mood condition is the first crucial step toward reclaiming your balance and peace of mind.
Identifying the Shift: Signs of a Mood Disorder
Mood disorders—which include conditions like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder—are more than just passing feelings. They are sustained emotional states that alter how you think, perceive the world, and handle daily life.
Recognizing a mood disorder requires looking beyond a single bad day and noticing persistent patterns, such as:
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Prolonged Depressive States: Feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness, emptiness, or a complete loss of interest in activities you used to love for two weeks or more.
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Intense Emotional Fluctuations: Shifting rapidly from intense energy, irritability, or racing thoughts (mania or hypomania) to severe exhaustion and low mood.
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Persistent Anxiety Spikes: A constant, underlying sense of dread or physical tension that makes it difficult to focus, sleep, or relax, even when there is no immediate threat.
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Physical Exhaustion and Sleep Disruptions: Experiencing drastic changes in appetite, insomnia, or sleeping excessively without ever feeling truly rested.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
Living with a mood disorder can feel incredibly isolating. It is common for individuals to blame themselves, assuming they just need to "try harder" or adopt better lifestyle habits. But because mood disorders involve complex interactions between biological, psychological, and environmental factors, self-diagnosis and self-help strategies alone are rarely enough.
Partnering with a licensed therapist provides a safe, structured space to unpack these experiences. Professional therapy offers proven clinical modalities—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or neuropsychotherapy—to help you identify underlying triggers, reframe negative thought loops, and build sustainable, practical coping mechanisms.
If you or a loved one are ready to explore tailored strategies for managing anxiety, depression, or mood fluctuations, we are here to help. Reach out to David Powers Therapy today to ask a question or to schedule a no risk introductory session at our Santa Cruz office. Let’s work together to restore balance to your life.
Begin Your Healing Journey
You do not have to navigate the exhausting ups and downs of a mood disorder on your own. Long-term relief, stability, and emotional clarity are entirely possible with the right clinical support by your side.
Men’s Issues & Mental Health
Navigating the Expectations of Being a Man Today
Being a man in today’s world comes with a unique set of challenges. Between balancing work, family, relationships, and personal expectations, it can often feel like you’re expected to carry every burden without showing strain.
When men face major life transitions, career burnout, emotional distance in relationships, or identity shifts, it rarely looks like classic sadness. More often, it shows up as irritability, chronic stress, isolation, or feeling stuck in place.
Therapy isn't about overhauling who you are—it’s a collaborative, practical space to build better skills, fix what isn't working, and get clear on where you're going.
Common Focus Areas in Men's Therapy
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Relational Health & Communication: Moving past withdrawal or explosive arguments to build real, solid connections with partners, children, and peers.
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Workplace Stress & Executive Burnout: Managing high-stakes responsibilities, decision fatigue, and maintaining personal boundaries without sacrificing professional success.
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Emotional Regulation & Anger Management: Understanding what lies beneath chronic irritability or frustration, and developing skills to respond with intentionality rather than reaction.
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Life Transitions & Identity: Navigating major life changes—career pivots, fatherhood, retirement, or shifts in personal status—with clarity and confidence.
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Self-Reliance vs. Isolation: Breaking out of the default habit of keeping everything bottled up inside, without feeling like you are losing control or independence.
Complete my contact form to find out more.
Anxiety & Stress from Social Unrest & Political Division
Therapy for Societal Stress: Finding Stability in a Volatile World
The Cost of Living in High-Conflict Times
We are living through an era of relentless news cycles, intense political division, and ongoing social conflict. For many people, the constant friction isn't just news—it seeps into daily life, creating a background frequency of anxiety, hypervigilance, and exhaustion.
When societal unrest hits home, it can strain relationships with friends and family, create tension in the workplace, and leave you feeling perpetually on guard or deeply disconnected.
How Societal & Political Anxiety Manifests
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Chronic Hypervigilance: Feeling constantly edgy, irritable, or unable to relax when consuming media or engaging in everyday conversations.
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Ruminating & Doomscrolling: Getting caught in endless feedback loops of news and social media, leaving you feeling drained, angry, or powerless.
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Relationship & Family Strain: Navigating hostile political arguments or feeling forced to distance yourself from loved ones due to ideological divides.
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Loss of Agency & Meaning: Questioning your safety, stability, or future direction in the face of macro-level instability that you cannot directly control.
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Physical Exhaustion: Experiencing tension headaches, jaw clenching, sleep disruptions, and nervous system fatigue driven by sustained stress.
Regaining Internal Control & Calm
You cannot control the news cycle, political landscape, or broader cultural conflict—but you can control your internal response, your immediate environment, and your personal agency.
Through a combination of cognitive skills and nervous system regulation (Neuropsychotherapy), our work focuses on:
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Differentiating Threat from Noise: Recognizing when your body's survival instincts are being triggered by headlines, and mastering skills to reset your nervous system.
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Channeling Energy into Direct Action: Shifting focus away from outrage loops and reinvesting your time and energy into the areas of your life where you have real, tangible impact—your health, family, local community, and work.
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Building Healthy Media & Social Boundaries: Developing practical skills around news consumption and unproductive arguments, allowing you to stay informed without letting the noise consume your life.
Complete my contact form to find out more.
Couples / Relationship
Couples Counseling & Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
Are you caught in a cycle of winning the argument but losing the relationship?
Many couples find themselves stuck in the same destructive loops—fighting about chores, money, coparenting or intimacy, but actually trapped in a power struggle.
When communication breaks down, it’s common to retreat into resentment, act out in anger, or completely shut down. If you feel like roommates or adversaries rather than partners, traditional "talk therapy" that simply reflects your feelings may not be enough to break the pattern.
A Direct, Action-Oriented Approach to Intimacy
I am certified in and practice Relational Life Therapy (RLT), a bold and deeply compassionate framework designed for real, rapid change. Unlike conventional therapists who stay completely neutral, we do not participate in the trap of pretending "both sides are always equal." Instead, we practice loving confrontation. We actively step in to call out unhelpful patterns in the moment, hold both partners fiercely accountable, and side with the health of the relationship itself.
Together, we will map out your specific relationship cycles, connect the dots to your family of origin wounds, and help you shift from your reactive "Adaptive Child" mindset into your "Wise Adult." You won't just talk about your problems; you will learn the exact boundary-setting and repair skills needed to step out of disharmony and rebuild authentic intimacy.
I see couples in person in my office. For couples residing out of Santa Cruz County who wish to work with me, I offer in person weekend intensives at my office. Contact me for details and cost.
Complete my contact form to find out more.
First Responders and Vets
Therapy for Veterans & First Responders
Does it feel like you can never fully turn off your vigilance?
When your daily job demands that you run toward danger, manage chaos, or suppress your emotions to save lives, your nervous system adapts to survive. But the very traits that make you excellent in the field—hyper-awareness, stoicism, and emotional containment—can make life at home feel distant, exhausting, or volatile. You might find yourself struggling with irritability, sleep issues, or a deep sense that civilian family and friends simply cannot understand what you carry.
Bridging the Gap: Home Life & Family Relationships
The toughest transition isn’t running toward the crisis; it’s walking through your own front door. It is incredibly common for first responders to unintentionally bring the frontline home, treating family members like a crew to manage or completely shutting down to protect them from the horrors of the job. Your family might complain that you are physically present but emotionally a million miles away, or that you react with flash-point anger to minor household stressors.
I work with you—and your partner or family, if desired—to dismantle the walls of isolation. I teach you how to consciously dial down your operational mindset so you can transition into your "Wise Adult" at home. We will focus on practical communication tools to help your loved ones understand your need for decompression without feeling rejected, allowing you to rebuild genuine intimacy and safety within your household.
High-Impact, Action-Oriented Support
I provide practical, trauma-informed therapy for military veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers. I understand the unique culture of these professions and skip the clinical fluff. My approach cuts straight to the point, offering a space where you don't have to filter your experiences or protect your therapist from the reality of your work.
Areas of Focus:
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Operational-to-Home Transition: Mastering the psychological and emotional shift between high-stakes shifts and family life.
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Family Communication & Repair: Breaking the destructive cycles of emotional withdrawal, microscopic control, or defensive anger at home.
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Cumulative & Acute Trauma: Processing specific high-stress incidents and the wear-and-tear of a career in emergency services.
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Hypervigilance & Burnout: Managing insomnia, constant scanning for threats, panic, and chronic emotional exhaustion.
Complete my contact form to find out more.
Emotional Support Animal Letters
I do not write, sign or provide Emotional Support Animal Letters.
David's Therapeutic Style
What kind of therapist do you want?
According to the American Psychological Association, therapy helps "people of all ages live happier, healthier, and more productive lives." While that sounds straightforward, the real question is: how do we actually achieve that?
That is where our work begins. The path to a healthier life is deeply personal, and my role is to help you discover what that looks like for you. I bring clarity, intentionality, and a transparent, solution-focused approach to our sessions, giving you the tools to find your own meaningful answers.
Client Info
Flexible Scheduling
With appointments available at accommodating times, my practice includes myself and and 3 colleagues. My practice offers in-person sessions for local clients and possible online sessions for clients located outside of Santa Cruz County.
Insurance Info
Navigating Your Care in Santa Cruz County
Taking the first step to find clinical support can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already managing emotional exhaustion. Navigating insurance plans, verifying coverage, and finding a therapist who is a good fit shouldn't stand in the way of your mental well-being.
As a local practice, we recognize how vital accessible healthcare is to our community. If you are looking for support, our office accepts regional insurance options, including Medi-Cal through the Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH), and Headway, making it easier for Santa Cruz residents to get the consistent, high-quality care they deserve.
Affordable for Non-Insurance Clients
My fees start at $180 p/hr and income based sliding scale fee discounts are available. My colleagues' fees may differ and they can provide you with specifics.
Good Faith Estimate
The No Surprises Act of 2022 mandates that if you are paying out of pocket for services, you are entitled to a good faith estimate from your healthcare provider.
FAQ
What clinical modalities and approach does David Powers use?
David Powers utilizes an integrative, evidence-based framework focused on practical growth and long-term momentum. Core modalities include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and reframing cognitive distortions to change unhelpful emotional and behavioral patterns.
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Neuropsychotherapy: Integrating neuroscience insights to support brain health, stress regulation, and neuroplasticity.
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Relational Life Therapy (RLT): Action-oriented couples counseling designed to break destructive relationship cycles and foster genuine intimacy.
Does Powers Therapy offer other modalities?
Yes. Other modalities practiced by the other members of my practice include Gottman Method, EMDR, Walk and Talk Therapy, and others.
What kind of clients does David Powers serve?
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Individuals: Persons 15 years and older navigating anxiety, depression and other mood and personality disorders
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Clients who want to learn to navigate profound life changes—whether coping with loss, divorce, or career disruption—or are seeking to build resilience against political stress, news fatigue, and anxiety related to social unrest.
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Clients needing guidance on professional or career development.
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Couples, Partners, Families or Organizations: Relational counseling focused on communication, conflict resolution, and relationship repair and rebuilding.
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Veterans & First Responders: Support for stress management, operational fatigue, work related family issues and trauma processing.
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Professionals & Executives: Tailored mental health care addressing burnout, high-stakes decision-making, and work-life integration.
Where is Powers Therapy Located?
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Our offices are located at 127 Jewell Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Do you offer online therapy?
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David Powers primarily provides in person therapy services. Online services and walk and talk therapy are offered by other members of Powers Therapy
What credentials and licenses does David Powers hold?
David Powers holds dual licensure in the state of California:
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Certifications:
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Certified Relational Life Therapist
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Certified in Neuropsychotherapy
Does David Powers accept insurance?
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Yes, for individual therapy clients. I accept MediCal (Central Alliance for Health) and I partner with Headway to process and accept commerical insurance claims seamlessly.
Does David Powers accept insurance couples or family therapy?
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No. Couples and family counseling and Relational Life Therapy (RLT) are strictly private-pay (out-of-pocket). All insurance companies deeply underpay for these services and I am unable to accept the loss of income.
The Other Members of the Powers Therapy Team
Powers Therapy is a collaborative group practice. Along with the care David provides directly, we offer a diverse team of clinicians tailored to meet your unique needs.
Jessica Wilson
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist - Registration #145995
Jessica fosters a supportive environment that focuses on helping clients find solutions tailored to their individual journey.
For more information about Jessica, please contact her directly by phone or email:
Phone: (408) 359-7744
Email: jessicawilson.therapy@gmail.com
Caroline Smith
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist - Registration #152141
Caroline focuses on self exploration, guidance and establishment of your therapeutic goals while encouraging you to view yourself with curiosity as you work towards meeting them in a safe, caring and empathetic space.
Contact by phone or email:
Phone: (408) 641-1687
Email: careinextherapy@gmail.com
Tonjia Leonard
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist - Registration #154454
Tonjia uses an integrative person-centered approach to help foster authentic connection and growth. Her style emphasizes curiosity and compassion to help you move through life's challenges with confidence.
Contact by phone or email:
Phone: (831) 316-4619
Email: tonjialeonardmft@gmail.com
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Contact
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Appointment Only, No Walk-Ins
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