Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 14 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Autism, Family Conflict and 7 more.
(she/her)
Clients say this provider is
Hi, I’m Melissa, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in children and teens as well as adult individual psychotherapy. I consider myself an eclectic psychotherapist who uses the theory of Carl Rogers and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for relaxation, client-centered, and symptom reduction. I am trained as a depth and somatic psychotherapist. I specialize in holistic body-mind approaches to symptom reduction and resolving trauma. I am highly experienced in counseling children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis. I love to support clients in their growth and healing. As a solution-focused therapist, my passion is to help individuals and families dive deep, learn how to communicate their needs and achieve their individual and relational goals.
In our first session together, we will make introductions and review the completed intake forms, which will be provided to you before our first session. Then I may ask what kinds of needs or issues you'd like to address in our treatment together as well as what you've done to manage your mental health in the past. Then I may want to talk through what worked and what didn't to get an understanding of how best to help you.
I feel my strongest strength is my ability to provide a safe, non judgmental space for one to share their personal story. My job is to facilitate change and to help the client grow on their personal journey. I have been advised by numerous clients that I am warm, welcoming, and funny. I look forward to working with you!
Cash - $120 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
IHSS Healthy Workers
Sutter Health Plan
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) This is a type of therapy, originating from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), that teaches skills to manage emotions and improve relationships. Focus: DBT helps individuals cope with stress, regulate emotions, improve interpersonal skills, and practice mindfulness. Core Principles: The "dialectic" aspect integrates two opposing ideas: acceptance and change. It involves accepting one's current situation and pain while also working toward positive change. Skills Taught: Mindfulness: Being present and aware. Distress Tolerance: Managing emotional pain in the moment. Emotion Regulation: Recognizing and changing intense emotions. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication and relationships.
This type of therapy focuses on giving you a safe, supportive space where you can talk openly without judgment. My role isn’t to tell you what to do, but to listen closely, understand your experience, and support you in finding your own answers. The idea is that when you feel truly heard and accepted, change happens naturally
15 ratings with written reviews
August 28, 2026
I am grateful to have found her. She is kind, knowledgeable, intuitive, and open. I am learning a lot and often supported with tools I can use in the every day.
August 27, 2026
1st therapist in a long time I connect with. She is greatly helping me unravel being late diagnosed Autistic as well as understanding my own communication style, past traumas, conflict with others and moving forward in new ways.
July 3, 2026
After 49 years of holding sexual trauma, thinking I had "done the work" I knew I needed someone who could help me get out of the thinking mind and bring me back into the body. What a fabulous first session. I am very hopeful, working with Melissa will be what helps me finally integrate the body, mind and soul.