Melana Serka

LMFT (she/her)14 years of experienceNext available
5.0 (5)
Authentic
Direct
Solution oriented

Hi, I’m Melana—a therapist and single mother by choice. I understand the emotional complexity of family building, especially when it doesn’t follow the traditional path. I hold space for the full range of your experience with compassion and clinical care. For 14 years, I supported youth and young adults with diverse diagnoses. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are ready to explore what’s not working—and start making changes they’re proud of. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and practical. I use evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, and strength-based strategies to help you gain clarity and momentum. Meanwhile, my personal journey through fertility, family building, and parenting broadened my empathy—allowing me to be fully present with clients through their most difficult moments. If you’re ready to design a life with more joy, peace, and meaningful relationships, I’d be honored to walk with you. Let’s figure it out—together.

Meanwhile, my personal journey through fertility, family building, and parenting broadened my empathy—allowing me to be fully present with clients through their most difficult moments.

First session

During our first session, you can expect a brief introduction to confidentiality, followed by adequate time to discuss your concerns and personal goals for your therapeutic experience.

Strengths

I am a casual, yet professional, therapist who uses genuine connection and authenticity to support clients in feeling comfortable.

Ideal clients

You don’t have to keep holding it all together by yourself. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of parenting, the tension of a strained relationship, or the emotional weight of complex family dynamics—you’re not alone. You want peace, clarity, and stronger connections, but it’s hard to know where to start when you’re always the one holding everything up. Hi, I’m Melana—a therapist and single mother by choice. I understand the emotional complexity of family building, especially when it doesn’t follow the traditional path. I hold space for the full range of your experience with compassion and clinical care. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are ready to explore what’s not working—and start making changes they’re proud of. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and practical. I use evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, and strength-based strategies to help you gain clarity and momentum. If you’re ready to design a life with more joy, peace, and meaningful relationships, I’d be honored to walk with you. Let’s figure it out—together.

Treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I value the ease and usefulness of CBT with most clients. The techniques help clients make real lasting change.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

I believe therapy must be based on the client's desires and goals if there is going to be heartfelt efforts towards change.

Positive Psychology

Shifting focus away from the negative, and towards the positive (or neutral) can ease mental suffering and help client's find new ways to view things.

Psychoeducation

Helping client's understand what is happening within their thoughts, mind and body can support increased understanding and awareness, easing a sense of being 'out of control' and increasing client's knowledge of self.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

While it can be beneficial for some to think on and process their past, others find it helpful to find achievable and realistic solutions to their everyday problems.

Location

Virtual sessions

Identifies as

  • Christian

  • Woman

Top specialties

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Life Transitions

Other specialties

  • Anger Management

  • Coping Skills

  • Crisis Intervention

  • Eating Disorders

  • Family Conflict

  • Fertility & Reproduction Issues

  • Parenting

  • Peer Relationships

  • Self Esteem

  • Women's Issues

Serves

  • Adults (18 to 64)

  • Couples Counseling

  • Elders (65 and above)

  • Family Conflict

  • Gender-fluid

  • Individual Therapy

  • Man

  • Non-binary

  • Transgender

  • Woman

Licensed in

  • CaliforniaLicense 104135

  • New YorkLicense 002725

Accepted insurance

  • Arlo

  • Cash - $115 per session

  • Centivo

  • Cigna

  • Cigna - HealthEZ

  • EAP:Cigna

  • EAP:Evernorth

  • Evernorth

  • GTEB

  • Tufts Health/Cigna

Reviews and ratings

5.0 rating (5)1 review
July 10, 2026

Melana is amazing, and I am so grateful for her support. She casts light and clarity on extremely challenging situations that help to make them feel manageable. She provides support for growth but also compassion and warmth through painful processes. Her balance of insight with humor creates ease and comfort

Verified client, age 45-54Review shared after session 1 with Melana
Schedule 60 min