geometry-shapes iconAnxiety, Depression, Life Transition, Relationships, Self Esteem, Peer Relationships, Social Anxiety
12 years in practice
Ages served: 18-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Melissa doesn't accept any insurers.
Check-out the out-of-pocket rates below.
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

I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) who believes you are enough exactly as you are. I provide a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space for clients navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and everyday stressors. I believe therapy is a place to feel heard, understand yourself more deeply, and discover the strengths you already carry.

My approach is strength-based, solution-focused, and grounded in mindful CBT. I work collaboratively with clients who are ready to explore new perspectives and challenge unhelpful patterns. Together, we identify practical tools and meaningful steps toward greater confidence, clarity, healthier relationships, and lasting growth.

Therapy doesn't require you to have everything figured out—just be willing to begin. I strive to create a space where you can show up authentically, feel understood, and move at a pace that honors your journey. If you're ready, I invite you to schedule an appointment and begin exploring what meaningful change can look like for you.


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"I believe therapy is a collaborative space where your strengths, self-awareness, and capacity for change can guide us toward meaningful, lasting growth, and I bring a compassionate, mindful, and solution-focused approach to help you get there."

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Get to know Melissa

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

Since childhood, helping people, solving problems, and finding ways to make things better have been passions of mine. Becoming a counselor felt like a natural extension of those values, giving me the opportunity to support others through challenges while helping them recognize their own strengths and potential. I chose this path because I believe meaningful change happens through connection, collaboration, and creating a safe space where people feel heard, understood, and empowered.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with clients who are ready and willing to engage in the therapeutic process, communicate openly, and explore new perspectives. I especially value working with people who are curious and open to considering ideas or viewpoints that may differ from what they have previously believed. Together, we can build on their strengths, work through challenges, and explore practical solutions that support meaningful change.

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

I wish every client knew that therapy is not about changing who you are or fixing something that is “wrong” with you, you are enough just as you are. Therapy is an opportunity to understand yourself more deeply, build on your strengths, and develop new ways of navigating life while honoring your unique experiences and journey. Healing takes time and rarely follows a straight path, but with openness and a willingness to take that first step, you can grow, heal, and discover new possibilities within yourself.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In our first session, clients can expect a warm, welcoming, and judgmentfree space where we get to know one another, discuss what brings you to therapy, and begin identifying your goals. In the early stages of therapy, I focus on building a trusting therapeutic relationship while learning about your experiences, strengths, and the patterns that may be impacting your life. Together, we will use a collaborative, strengthbased, solution-focused, and mindful CBT approach to create practical steps that support meaningful and lasting change.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My practice is grounded in the values of compassion, authenticity, resilience, and the belief that every person has inherent strengths and is enough as they are. I bring a genuine, nonjudgmental presence to therapy and believe meaningful change begins with feeling heard, understood, and empowered.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I tailor therapy by meeting each client where they are, understanding their unique experiences, strengths, and goals, and adapting my approach accordingly. I use a collaborative, strength-based, solutionfocused, and mindful CBT approach to ensure therapy feels relevant, practical, and personalized to each individual.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesAnxiety, Depression, Life Transition, Relationships, Self Esteem, Peer Relationships, Social Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar Disorder, Behavioral Issues, Anger Management, Coping Skills, Codependency, Caregivers, Family Conflict, Emotional Disturbance, Dual Diagnosis, Divorce, Grief, Marital & Premarital, Personality Disorders, Neurodiversity, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Spirituality, Women’s Issues, Weight Loss, Thinking Disorders, School Issues
ApproachesBehavioral Therapy, Any / Eclectic, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Adlerian, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Interpersonal, Integrative, Humanistic / Rogerian, Gestalt, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative, Multicultural, Positive Psychology, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Relational, Psychotherapy
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Education and training

Years in practice
12 years
Graduating institute
Antioch University Los Angeles
Graduating degree
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
EnglishTurkish
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NPI number1912447301
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Licensed in
California
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License number106001
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Individual Counseling
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Melissa Zartar

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)she/her