Melissa Pinkerton, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Melissa!

Making the decision to begin therapy often comes with mixed emotions, and I welcome you to take that step. I specialize in working with teens and adults navigating life changes, depression, and trauma. I take a client-centered and collaborative approach, meeting you where you are and supporting your personal goals and dreams.

My focus

I work with teens and adults struggling with sadness, stress, loneliness, difficult emotions, life changes, and trauma. Whether you're working through trauma, building coping skills, or exploring your personal goals, I'm here to support your journey of self-awareness and growth.

My approach

I use cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you understand automatic negative thoughts and how core beliefs and maladaptive behaviors contribute to emotional distress. Together, we'll set realistic goals and work to challenge unhelpful thought patterns while developing skills in problem-solving, stress management, and communication.

My communication style

My hope is that therapy is a place where you can be comfortable and your authentic self without judgment. Together, we can set goals that matter to you and bring insight and growth. I'll provide the support and tools you need to move closer to where you want to be, even when it's challenging.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey into therapy began out of a desire to help people. Early experiences working with foster youth, birth parents, and foster parents ignited my passion for this work. I've supported clients young and old with the goal of meeting them where they are and helping them process difficult feelings, trauma, or loss.

My goals for you

I believe that therapy is truly about you. I'm here to walk alongside you for support and guidance. Together, we can set goals that feel meaningful and possible for you. As we work together, sometimes those goals may change or grow in ways that benefit you.

Our first session

During our first session, I like to take the time to learn about you and get to know each other. It's a chance for you to share about your background and what you hope to gain out of therapy. Therapy is a process, and sometimes it takes time; we'll go at your pace. It's normal to be nervous about beginning something, and I'm here to support you.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Gestalt

Motivational Interviewing

+ 3 more

Focus populations

Educators

Single Mother

+ 2 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 54 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Hope International University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Melissa Pinkerton