Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 28 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Foster Care/Adoption and 4 more.
(she/her)
Often rebooked
Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in TN and licensed in California and Tennessee. I received my training from Western Theological Seminary graduating in 2007 with a focus on attachment issues. I have worked with a non-profit agency counseling, adopting, and fostering families for over 15 years. I began my private practice in 2020 after recognizing the high demand for mental health practitioners during a difficult time in our history.
In our first session you can expect a time of me getting to know you, not only in your current circumstance that led you to seek therapy, but likewise to begin to hear your past experiences and how they could be contributing to the present. Within this time, we will discuss your goals and collaborate on a framework for how therapy will proceed in order to move you towards those goals.
As a therapist having worked with the vulnerable population for most of my career, my greatest strength is empathy and compassion for those who are suffering and need support. It is a privilege to walk alongside those who feel as if they are in a dark place and witness the steady progress of putting one foot in front of the other until they are no longer in a "valley." I am a firm believer that current crisis can be the very fuel necessary for a transformed life that is moving towards greater peace, contentment and vision. Witnessing firsthand such transformational change has provided me with that hope I carry during our journey together.
I love working with individuals during pivotal seasons in their lives which is often initiated through crisis of identity or confusion in relationships. Many of my clients are women trying to understand their place in the world while receiving opposing messages from today's culture or community. For those who are hopeless or discouraged, I am passionate about providing truth and encouragement as I hold faith for those whose faith is weary or worn out.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $125 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
AvMed
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
IHSS Healthy Workers
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Christian Counseling
I was trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist through Western Seminary which integrated faith and hope into each of our modern constructs. Concepts of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Strength Based Therapy are utilized throughout the therapeutic process and include the application of faith-based practices such as the exploration of cognitive distortions and using century old tools such as meditation and mindfulness for the managing, and healing of symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is applied through the identification of any automatic negative thoughts and distortions that could be contributing to symptoms. Active listening and providing specific homework to increase thought awareness is helpful for the process of discovering core beliefs that could be untrue and unhelpful to our growth and recovery. These core beliefs are replaced with the truth of one's unique giftings, value and good purposes.
1 rating with written reviews
February 26, 2026
I have enjoyed Melissa’s therapy. She’s helped me a great deal and it’s always a pleasure to speak with her. I always leave feeling lighter, cared for, understood and encouraged. I’m delighted to continue my therapy with her. She’s such a light and positive influence in my life.