Licensed to practice in California and accepts 45 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Depression
(she/her)
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from California State University, Northridge and have been practicing for 12 years. I am a diplomate of The Academy of Cognitive Therapy. As a licensed therapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I am committed to helping clients identify and transform negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their emotional difficulties. Through CBT, therapy focuses on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, empowering clients to make meaningful changes in their lives. My goal as a therapist is to support you in understanding and overcoming the challenges you face, while equipping you with the tools and strategies needed for long-term success. Through a collaborative and empathetic approach, we will work together to achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being.
In the first session, we begin with a thorough assessment to understand your current concerns, goals, and the impact of these issues on your daily life. Together, we set specific, measurable, and realistic goals to guide our work and track your progress.
Having provided therapy services for the past 12 years, I am empathetic, compassionate, a good listener, supportive, caring, reliable, and understanding. As a provider, I enjoy the work that I do to help make positive changes in the lives of others.
Clients that are struggling with depression and anxiety and are motivated and open to self-improvement and personal growth. They seek therapy proactively and are committed to working on their issues. They are open to exploring various therapeutic techniques and approaches. They can reflect on their behaviors and thought patterns and are willing to discuss them in therapy. They have some existing coping mechanisms or are eager to learn new ones.
I identify as
Cash - $120 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been using CBT since becoming a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. CBT has helped clients challenge reoccurring thoughts to manage depression and anxiety. CBT will be used to recognize how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other (The Cognitive Triangle). With knowledge of The Cognitive Triangle, change in thinking patterns, will help lead a less anxious and depressed life.
1 rating with written reviews
July 28, 2025
Melissa really listened to me and was able to get me to think about my situation critically. She also seems very authentically kind.