Octave
Monica Cruz avatar
LMFTshe/her

Monica Cruz

VirtualHigh Satisfaction Rate

11 years of experience

Verified by Octave
In California
Accepting 8 Insurance providers

Meet Monica

I am a bilingual therapist and I specialize in serving the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, understanding the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity. My practice is open to individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, and ethnic backgrounds. I use a combination of evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing which help to reduce symptoms and help you develop coping strategies.  Some of my specialties include trauma, anxiety, and grief counseling. When it comes to trauma, I understand the profound impact that it can have on a client’s life. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore and work through your trauma in a supportive and empowering way. Although anxiety can feel overwhelming and debilitating, you should know that it’s highly treatable. I know that grief can be complex and make you feel alone, but I am here to help you navigate this difficult journey toward healing and resilience. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier and happier life, I am here. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and support you in your path to personal growth.

My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore and work through your trauma in a supportive and empowering way.

Communication Style

  • Calming
  • Empowering
  • Engaging
  • Open-minded
  • Warm

Specialties & Approaches

Specialties

Focus Areas

  • BIPOC
  • Asian / Pacific Islander community
  • Black community
  • Indigenous Americans
  • Parents
  • Veterans
  • First responders
  • Immigrants

Approach

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Harm Reduction
  • Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Psychodynamic
  • Solution-Focused

Licensed In

Locations

Virtual appointments available for California residents

Good to know

Session Details

Practices in

Additional

Interests

Credentials & Verification

Verified by Octave

License number

Education

Monica Cruz, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist License #90284 (exp February 2027)

Calculate Cost & Insurance

$28

/ session on average with insurance

Frequently asked questions

Monica Cruz accepts Health Net, Aetna, Prime Health, Anthem Blue Cross of CA, Out-of-State BlueCard PPO, Blue Shield of California, Cigna Healthcare/Evernorth, and Centivo. Octave clients pay an average of $28 per session through insurance, and more than 95% pay less than $45 per session. Your exact cost depends on your plan’s copay or deductible. You can use the cost estimator to see what you would pay before your first session. If you would rather pay out of pocket, self-pay sessions in California are estimated at $205-250 per session.

Monica Cruz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Monica is licensed to practice in California, so clients located in California can book sessions. Monica’s California license number is 90284, and you can look it up through the state licensing board. Octave verifies every therapist’s license before they begin seeing clients, and licenses are kept current as a condition of practicing with Octave.

Monica Cruz has been practicing therapy for 11 years. Monica’s education and training include MS - Marriage and Family Therapy, Hope International University. Over that time, Monica has worked closely with BIPOC, Asian / Pacific Islander community, Black community, Indigenous Americans, Parents, Veterans, First responders, Immigrants, Blended families, Non-monogamous relationships, Students, and Latine Community. Octave therapists average more than a decade of experience, and Monica is part of that group.

Monica Cruz works with BIPOC, Asian / Pacific Islander community, Black community, Indigenous Americans, Parents, Veterans, First responders, Immigrants, Blended families, Non-monogamous relationships, Students, and Latine Community and specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Relationship Concerns, Sexual Assault/Sexual Abuse, Stress, Trauma, and Workplace Stress. These are the areas where Monica spends most of their clinical time. If the concern you want help with isn’t listed here, a Care Navigator can tell you whether Monica is a good fit or match you with another Octave therapist who specializes in it.

Monica Cruz draws on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Harm Reduction, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Psychodynamic, and Solution-Focused. In sessions, Monica’s style is calming, empowering, engaging, open-minded, and warm. In Monica’s words: “My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore and work through your trauma in a supportive and empowering way.”

Monica Cruz (she/her) offers therapy in English and Spanish. Monica identifies as Hispanic/Latinx.

Monica Cruz offers online sessions over secure video, so you can meet from home or any private space. Monica is licensed in California, and you need to be located in that state at the time of each session. All you need is a device with a camera and a stable internet connection.

Your first session with Monica Cruz is a chance to talk through what brought you to therapy and what you want to work on. Monica will ask about your background, your current concerns, and your goals, and together you will start shaping a plan for your sessions. It is also a chance to see whether Monica’s style feels like a good fit for you. After their first session, 9 in 10 Octave clients say their therapy experience has been good or better.

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Ready to start with Monica?

Most new clients have their first session within a week. You can change therapists at any time, at no cost.