Divorce, Marital & Premarital, Codependency, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction

Family Counseling, Individual Counseling, Couples/Marriage Counseling

In Person & Online in Huntington Beach, CA

23 years in practice

Ages served: 18-64

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Melanie accepts 26 insurers

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Cigna | Evernorth

Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

Blue Shield of California | BCBS

Blue Shield of California | Medicare Advantage

Carelon

Compsych

First Health Network

JP Farley Corporation

Magellan

Multi Plan PHCS

Oscar Health

Quest Behavioral Health

SCAN Health Plan Medicare Advantage California

Sharp Health Plan

Sutter Senior Care

UMR

United Healthcare | Optum

United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage

Uprise EAP

Ventura County Health Care Plan

Western Health Advantage

SELF-PAY COSTS

Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.

$200

first session

$170

subsequent sessions

About Melanie

Hi there! My name is Melanie, and I have 20 years of experience as a therapist. I know life can feel overwhelming, especially when it's full of stress, addiction, and relationship challenges. If you're grappling with anxiety, burnout, or struggling to break out of old patterns, let me help you. You don't need to keep suffering. Together, we'll explore your challenges, clarify your goals, and build strategies that help you find peace. I might even get a laugh out of you—humor is my favorite therapeutic intervention.

I enjoy incorporating solution-focused, cognitive behavior therapy, humor, and real-life anecdotes to help you get through difficult times. My therapeutic approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Person-Centered, and solution-focused modalities.

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you get in a good place, start living a life you want to live, get through past trauma's and family stressors. Let me help you start enjoying life again.

"As a therapist, human, mom, wife...and many other titles I have been through my fair share of life's challenges, let me help you get through your challenges."

Get to know Melanie

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I have had my share of family challenges, addiction, divorce amongst other things, I had a great therapist as an adolescent and wanted to share my gift of caring for others.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with clients that are open to feedback, want to do the work to lead a better life.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

I wish all clients knew that therapy can be hard at times, but to stick with it and know that they deserve a therapist that is invested in their wellbeing.

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesDivorce, Marital & Premarital, Codependency, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, School Issues, Parenting, Family Conflict, Substance Use, Alcohol Use, Spirituality, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Career Counseling, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Anger Management, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Gender Identity / Transgender, Weight Loss, Video Game Addiction, Thinking Disorders, Suicidal Ideation, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Social Anxiety, Sexual Addiction, Psychosis, Personality Disorders, Performance Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Panic Attack, Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy, Neurodiversity, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, Mood Disorders, Internet Addiction, Emotional Disturbance, Dual Diagnosis, Domestic Violence, Body Image Issues, Body Dysmorphia, Agoraphobia, Self-Harming, Trauma / PTSD, Relationships, Life Transition, Sleep / Insomnia, Bipolar Disorder, Sexual Abuse, Autism, Women’s Issues, Self Esteem, Infidelity, Coping Skills, Behavioral Issues, LGBTQIA+, Domestic Abuse

ApproachesPsychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, Multicultural, Culturally Sensitive, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychotherapy, Coaching, Family Systems, Reality Therapy, Positive Psychology, Humanistic / Rogerian