Find a psychiatrist in Santa Cruz, CA — covered by insurance

You deserve care that is thoughtful, evidence-based, and deeply personalized.

My approach is collaborative and holistic. I look beyond symptoms to understand the full picture of your life - including stressors, relationships, medical history, lifestyle, and personal goals. Whether you are seeking medication management, diagnostic clarity, or a more integrative approach to healing, we will create a plan tailored specifically to you.

Clients often describe my style as compassionate, thorough, and grounded. I believe in clear communication, shared decision-making, and ensuring you feel informed and empowered about your treatment options. My goal is not simply symptom reduction - it is helping you restore balance, confidence, and a meaningful quality of life.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin, you do not have to navigate it alone. Together, we will build a path toward emotional stability, mental clarity, and overall wellness.

Hi! I'm an experienced and compassionate PMHNP-BC and dedicated to providing exceptional mental health care. I received a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the university of Tennessee Health Science Center. Also certified in Family Practice, Adult Gerontology, Acute Care. With over 10 years of experience in the nursing field, I specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD (I DO NOT prescribe stimulant medication, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse or Folacin), etc.

You may look like you have everything together—but internally feel overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally exhausted. I work with adults, teens, and children navigating anxiety, ADHD, burnout, and mood concerns. Many of my clients are high-functioning individuals seeking more thoughtful, personalized care after feeling rushed or unheard in the past. I offer longer, collaborative visits focused on truly understanding you—not just managing symptoms. Treatment may include medication, along with lifestyle and therapy recommendations. If you’re looking for a more intentional, personalized approach, I’d love to connect.

Hi, and welcome! I am happy you are here to explore my offerings and a return to your wellbeing. A bit about me:

I am a board-certified, doctorally prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 17 years of experience spanning acute care, crisis response, psychiatric nursing, and public health.​ I offer integrative psychiatric care that blends evidence-based medicine with holistic, trauma-informed approaches. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, grief, life transitions, and healthcare-related burnout.

Our work together will feel collaborative, grounded, and deeply respectful of your story. You can expect a therapeutic relationship rooted in listening, presence, and curiosity—where your values and goals shape the course of treatment. I aim to create a safe space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal and thrive.

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Outside of work, I love being active in nature, dancing, traveling, cooking, and spending time with my friends, family, and my beloved dog.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a strong background in both mental health and critical care nursing. I’m calm, practical, and used to helping people through high-stress situations. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders. Reaching out for support takes great courage and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself while we work together toward meaningful healing and growth.

I am Sharon Atwood, a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of hands-on clinical experience serving adults and older adults. I hold active, unrestricted licenses in Florida, New York, California, and Idaho, and I provide care through both telehealth and outpatient settings.

My academic journey reflects a deep, enduring passion for mental health and human behavior. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology magna cum laude from Kean University, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Miami, both completed summa cum laude. I maintain board certifications through ANCC and AANP and hold active membership in the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the California Association of Nurse Practitioners.

My clinical background spans adult and geriatric primary care, integrated psychiatric services, crisis intervention, and outpatient psychiatric medication management. This diverse experience has prepared me to address a wide range of conditions with both skill and compassion, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, sleep disturbances, grief, anger management, and complex co-occurring presentations. I welcome individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms and those still searching for the right provider.

I specialize in working with adults aged 18 and older, helping to uncover root causes and develop plans for genuine growth. My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, combining psychiatric medication management with integrative wellness strategies that address sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress, and meaningful connection. I believe that expert care works best alongside healthy lifestyle habits and a sense of humor.

My clients should know that I truly care about their well-being and take the time to listen. I want them to feel comfortable, respected, and never rushed. I believe in providing care that is compassionate, thorough, and personalized to their needs. I also value honesty, trust, and clear communication, so clients feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Hello, I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who works with adults experiencing a broad range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and immigrant health.