Melissa Hamilton, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Melissa!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in CA, working with clients in CA via telehealth video only. My expertise is working with children, current and former foster youth, adolescents, and families to help manage anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, and increase healthy family functioning.

My focus

I work with pre-teens, teenagers, adults, and families to help manage anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, and assist with increasing healthy family environments.

My approach

My approach varies based on your needs. I commonly utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodynamic Theory, solution-focused, Mindfulness, and compassion-focused therapy to help you heal and grow.

My communication style

I have a warm, gentle tone and approach. I also think it's important to laugh to increase mood and decrease stress. It is important for you to feel safe enough to open up in your sessions.

My journey to mental healthcare

Growing up in the foster care system, I always wanted to be a social worker to help others. Therefore, I went to college to study Psychology and Social Work to become a therapist. As we all need someone to talk to, empower and encourage us, assist us in problem-solving, and healthy coping skills to manage daily stressors and even painful memories.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting is to work with you to identify your needs, strengths, and what you would like to work on in therapy.

Our first session

During the first meeting, we will complete the initial assessment to identify your needs, strengths, history, and goals, and review guidelines.

I identify as...

Female
Black or African American
Christian, Spiritual

Expertise

Specialties

Child Abuse or Neglect

+ 17 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 9 more

Focus populations

Little Person

Sex Worker

+ 2 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Family Therapy

Ages served

Adults
Minors
Preteens

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Aetna - Medicare Advantage
Alignment Health Plan - Medicare Advantage
All Savers
Allegiance

+ 71 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Los Angeles.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Melissa Hamilton