Melanie Payne, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Melanie!

I'm Melanie, accepting NEW clients. I'm passionate about helping others feel seen, supported, & empowered! I'm passionate about supporting individuals who are committed to change and ready to take active steps towards healing.

My focus

If anxiety, people-pleasing, or life changes have left you feeling stuck, you're not alone. I support clients in building coping skills, strengthening boundaries, and creating a life that feels calmer and more aligned with who they are.

My approach

As a first responder myself, I know the unique position we are in daily and how unpredictable our environment can be. I am passionate about helping individuals find balance and find ways to live life more intentionally.

My communication style

Therapy with me is a safe space. My communication style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I listen closely and reflect what I hear so you feel understood, but I also offer practical tools and gentle guidance to help you move toward your goals.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey to becoming a therapist grew from my passion for helping people through life's challenges. I've always been drawn to creating safe spaces where others feel heard, supported, and encouraged to grow.

My goals for you

I help clients reach their goals by breaking them into small, realistic steps, teaching practical tools they can use right away, and checking in regularly to track progress. Therapy with me is collaborative — we figure out what works for you, celebrate the wins, and adjust along the way.

Our first session

Our first session will be an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll discuss your background and what brings you to therapy. Therapy is a process, and we'll continue to build our work together over time. Stress will happen; it's how you navigate it that matters. I'm here to help!

I identify as...

Female
Black or African American

Expertise

Specialties

+ 18 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

+ 4 more

Focus populations

Aviation Professionals

BIPOC

Educators

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

Gay

LGBTQIA+

Lesbian

Military/Veterans

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

Police/Fire/First Responders

Queer

Sex Worker

Sex-Positive/Kink

Single Mother

+ 14 more

Therapy types

Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 52 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Melanie Payne