geometry-shapes iconCoping Skills, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress
Online in California
20 years in practice
Ages served: 18-64
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Melissa accepts 41 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
AvMed
Blue Shield of California | BCBS
Blue Shield of California | Medicare Advantage
Carelon
Compsych
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
Health First Health Plan
Humana Medicare Advantage
Imperial Health Holdings Medical Group CA
Imperial Health Plan of California
JP Farley Corporation
Magellan
Mass General Brigham (Optum)
Medicare CA
Memorial Hermann Health Plan
Molina Healthcare Exchange
Molina Healthcare Medicare Advantage
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Oscar Health
Oxford Health Plans
Quest Behavioral Health
Railroad Medicare
SCAN Health Plan Medicare Advantage California
Sharp Health Plan
Sutter 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 Provider

About Melissa

Melissa Dobson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She has worked with all ages in both inpatient and outpatient settings to address various mental health concerns, as well as substance use issues. Melissa specializes in anxiety, depression, and trauma.


Melissa completed her Master's in Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida. Melissa utilizes treatment approaches that include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy.


Melissa is passionate about supporting and empowering you with tools and techniques to help you face life’s challenges. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

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"This will be a journey where I will walk alongside you, supporting you through tough times and cheering you on in easier times."

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Get to know Melissa

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


I have always had the desire to help others, be a support for them, going back to middle school and seeing many of my friends not having someone they trusted to open up to.


What type of clients are you most excited to work with?


I'm most excited to work with client who hesitant to take that first step of scheduling that first session but found the strength to do so and is ready to work!


What inspires you?


Any act of kindness brings joy and hope that this world can still heal.


What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?


First sessions can be scary if you don't know what to expect. I want to help ease those fears about coming to therapy and answer any questions about the process you have. I will also take this time to get to know more about you so we can develop a plan to start your journey to a healthier and happier you.


What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?


Whether it's scheduling the first, fifth or any session, this is a judgment free zone. This is a place to feel safe expressing your thoughts and feelings.


What do you do for fun/on your time off?


I love spending time with my animals, I have two dogs and a "hobby farm" consisting of a donkey, 3 goats, and 12 chickens.


What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?


My sense of humor and finding joy in life.



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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesCoping Skills, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Self Esteem, Bipolar Disorder, Life Transition, Relationships
ApproachesHumanistic / Rogerian, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, Any / Eclectic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Person-Centered Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Psychoanalytic, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
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Education and training

Years in practice
20 years
Graduating institute
University of North Florida
Graduating degree
Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1659434553
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State of practiceCA
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License numberMH10744
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Individual Counseling
Melissa is available for Video visits.
Want help booking? 
Existing client? and rebook
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Melissa Dobson

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)she/her