Melanie Smith, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Melanie!

I provide a space free of judgment where you can be your authentic self. Trust is essential for healing, and I'm here to support you in that process.

My focus

I work with women and men from diverse backgrounds, cultures, sexual orientations, and circumstances. This includes pregnant women, pre- and postpartum support, pregnancy or infant loss, death and dying, terminal illness, anticipatory grief, bereavement, and survivors of intimate partner violence.

My approach

I guide you in reframing negative self-talk using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Grief Therapy, Racial Trauma Recovery, and Solution Focused approaches.

My communication style

Clients describe my tone as calming and say I show empathy, compassion, and actively listen. I don't claim to be an expert on your experiences or tell you what you should do. Instead, I facilitate the process for you to find your own solutions.

My journey to mental healthcare

I've always been interested in the human experience of BIPOC, gay and transgender women's mental health. Maternal mental health is my passion because of the silence and isolation surrounding it. Helping survivors of intimate partner violence is also a strong desire.

My goals for you

When you understand the reasons behind your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, there is great clarity.

Our first session

We discuss informed consent and confidentiality. I share my background and approach, then focus on why you sought therapy, what you hope to gain, and allow genuine conversation about your journey.

I identify as...

Female
Black or African American
Spiritual, Non-denominational

Expertise

Specialties

+ 10 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Compassion Focused

+ 3 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

Body Positivity

Cancer

Gay

LGBTQIA+

Queer

Racial Justice

Single Mother

Transgender

+ 9 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Sierra Health and Life
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 54 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Long Beach.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Melanie Smith