Licensed to practice in California and accepts 36 insurances. Specializes in Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression and 8 more.
Dr. Melissa Sheffield
(she/her)
About me
Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California. I am also a Marine Corps veteran. I received my Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from the California Professional School of Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University in 2017. I have been practicing in settings like the California Department of Corrections and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Central California Health Care System for nine years. My experience is primarily with adults who have a severe mental illness, or merely symptoms that are disrupting their sense of wellness and are a barrier to their happiness.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In my first session I work to make you feel welcome and safe. You can share anything you feel comfortable with as we get to know each other. We will explore the problem you would like to work on. I will gather some history of the presenting problem and contributing variables. We will discuss goodness of fit and talk about treatment options. We will identify your goals for treatment and what you would like to see change. This will help me to create a treatment plan focusing on your unique situation utilizing techniques that are evidenced-based and proven to foster positive results. We will create SMART goals; goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength as a provider is empathy. I care deeply about your success. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. There is no judgement in the therapy space. I will be honest with you as we work together to make positive and realistic changes.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I take great pride in my work and helping people who feel stuck, over-burdened with doubt and worry or heartache. Mental health issues can be scary, concerning, and can even feel uncontrollable. Together we can work to empower you to take back control. To set boundaries for yourself and others. Your life circumstances do not define you. I am a guide. A guide that will empower you, lift you up, and lead you to your best self. Please note: I do not provide Dialectical Behavior Therapy which is the evidence-based treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder. I also do not treat active substance use. Please seek out a DBT therapist or substance use counselor for those particular issues.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
Other specialties
Coping Skills
Crisis Intervention
Grief
Insomnia/Sleep Issues
Military/Veterans
Mood Disorders
Self Esteem
Serious Mental Illness
Identifies as
Native American
White
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Sutter Health Plan
IHSS Healthy Workers
Cash - $150 per session
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
If you have experience with cognitive behavior therapy and it's been rigid and regimented, I have good news for you. I have been helping people who are suffering from overwhelming worry, crippling self-doubt, the kaleidoscope of negative thoughts, and the reluctance to engage socially, to name a few, for over ten years professionally utilizing tenants of CBT. I integrate concepts of the theory in a comforting and welcoming way that feels fluid and not structured. I meet you where you are, and we work together to create your treatment plan. We focus on what you want to change, and we work collaboratively to improve all facets of your life, beginning with the problem you determine is the central barrier to your wellness.
15 ratings with written reviews
August 6, 2026
Dr. Sheffield is very understanding and encouraging. I was able to instantly connect with her and be as direct as possible. She is open minded and creates the appropriate space to be yourself. Her feedback is very spot on and supportive. I am very appreciative and grateful to have her as a therapist. I would HIGHLY recommend her.
Verified client, age 25-34
August 4, 2026
I feel very comfortable with Dr. Sheffield, never feel judged or like all my problems are "too much." She makes me. feel heard and validated, and most importantly, she really helps me work through my problems and come up with actions I can take to resolve things. Starting therapy with her has been the best and has really helped me feel like I am building myself up.
Verified client, age 25-34
March 4, 2026
I like how she semi on task which I know is one of my greatest weaknesses