Melissa Sheffield
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 seven years.
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.
First session
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.
Strengths
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.
Ideal clients
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.
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.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Native American
White
Woman
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
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Individual Therapy
Doesn't specialize in
ADHD
Addiction
Addiction / Substance Use
Child or Adolescent
Childhood / Intergenerational Trauma
Couples Counseling
Couples Counseling
Eating Disorders
Family Therapy
Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Foster Care/Adoption
Gambling Addiction
Learning Disabilities
Medication Management
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Perinatal / Postpartum
Perinatal Mental Health
Postpartum
Sex Addiction
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 32555