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Melissa Rivera, LMFT

Melissa Rivera, LMFT

she/her

Licensed in CA #105924
Insurances Accepted: Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net/MHN, Aetna
I will work with you to build and apply safe coping skills to assist in breaking through your obstacles and challenges, despite your circumstances.

My Therapy Style

My work is with adults helps them explore their interlocking identities, discover their path, and navigate through the adjustments to new responsibilities and demands of adulthood, like enrolling in college, adjusting to school, and/or work life, moving away from family, or moving back in with family.

I help adults who experience feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, or defeat from the pressures of work-life, family, relationships, self-criticism, addiction, and other co-occurring disorders. I offer support to the experiences unique to the LGBTQQIA+ community. Part of my practice is also devoted to creating a safe space and validating the often-discounted struggles of ethical vegans, animal advocates, and people who are grieving the loss of their animal family members. I will work with you to build and apply safe coping skills to assist in breaking through your obstacles and challenges, despite your circumstances.

Education & Training

BA - Liberal Studies, Emphases in Behavioral Sciences and Education, University of California, Riverside

MA - Psychology, Phillips Graduate University

Internship - Casa, Women's Rehab and Sober Living, Pasadena, California

Internship - Ventura County Behavioral Health, Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment, Oxnard, California

Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional

Get to Know Me

What are your interests outside of work?

I enjoy vegan cooking/baking, working on my fitness, music, all things cats, watercolor, ceramics, and travel.

Favorite organization/non-profit?

My favorite non-profit organization is Rainbow Umbrella. I worked with LGBTQ+ youth for this org before it became an official non-profit org. It's an activities based non-profit that helps youth ages 13-23 gain support, community, and fun that doesn't involve alcohol.

How do you recharge?

I recharge by keeping up with my daily walks and getting about 8 hours of sleep.

Do you have any pets?

I have a polydactyl cat named Tootse. She gets upset when the day is cloudy and prevents the sun from shining through the window by her perch.