Isaiah Cruz

(he/him)

PMHNP, 10 years of experience
Direct
Warm
Solution oriented
VirtualAvailable

I’m a psychiatric provider with over 10 years of experience in addiction medicine and general psychiatry. I specialize in treating substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. My style is practical, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I combine therapy with thoughtful medication management when needed, helping you stabilize, understand what’s driving your symptoms, and build a life that actually feels worth staying present for. Please note: I do not prescribe controlled substances (including stimulants or benzodiazepines). If you are seeking this type of medication management, I am not the right fit, and I encourage you to find a provider who can best meet your needs.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, my goal is to really understand you—not just your diagnoses or substance use history, but your story, strengths, and what you want to be different. We’ll talk about your mental health (anxiety, depression, mood swings), substance use or cravings if that’s relevant for you, your medical history, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past. I’ll ask questions to get a clear picture, but there’s no expectation that you show up with everything perfectly organized. You can share at your own pace. We’ll also discuss what you’re hoping for from treatment: therapy, medication options, support with recovery, or a combination. By the end of the first session, you’ll have an initial plan so you’re not left wondering “what happens next”—we’ll outline follow-up, possible treatment options, and the first few goals we’ll work on together. I will make sure to answer all your questions.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths are my experience, my comfort with complexity, and my nonjudgmental approach. I’ve spent the last decade working in addiction medicine, treating people with substance use disorders alongside conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. That means I’m used to sorting out what’s addiction, what’s mood, what’s withdrawal, and what’s long-standing mental health—then creating a plan that addresses all of it, not just one piece. I use Motivational Interviewing to work with your ambivalence rather than against it, and Cognitive Behavioral strategies to help you change the thoughts and habits that keep you stuck. I’m direct but kind: I’ll be honest with you about risks and patterns I see, while also respecting your goals and pace. Clients often tell me they feel seen rather than judged, understand their diagnosis more clearly, and leave with practical tools and options—whether that’s medication, behavioral strategies, or support for recovery—that fit their real life.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are adults who are tired of white-knuckling their way through life and are ready for something different, even if they’re not sure what that looks like yet. Many of the people I work with are living with addiction, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, and feel stuck in cycles they can’t quite break on their own. You might be using substances, screens, work, or relationships to cope. You may have tried to quit or “get it together” more times than you can count, and you’re frustrated that willpower hasn’t been enough. You might also be wondering if your mood or anxiety symptoms are connected to your substance use and unsure where to start. If you value honesty, want a provider who understands both addiction and mental health, and are looking for clear guidance without judgment, we’ll likely be a good fit. I’ll meet you where you are, help you make sense of your symptoms, and support you in taking manageable steps toward stability and long-term recovery.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

Health/Medical Issues

I identify as

Serves ages

Children (6 to 12)

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Arizona

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Motivational Interviewing

I use Motivational Interviewing as a collaborative, non-judgmental way to help you explore your own reasons for change. Together we look at what matters most to you, where you feel stuck or ambivalent, and what actually feels realistic right now. I won’t lecture or pressure you—instead, I help you clarify your values, strengthen your confidence, and take the next small steps toward the life you want.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In CBT, I help you notice the links between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so you can respond more intentionally instead of feeling stuck on autopilot. We work together to identify unhelpful thinking patterns, experiment with new behaviors, and build practical coping tools you can use outside of session. I keep it very down-to-earth, focusing on real situations in your daily life rather than abstract theory.

, 6 ratings
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.