About Melanie Baines
Focus areas
Adult Psychotherapy
Couples Therapy
Therapy
Anxiety
Depression
Work-Related Counseling
Childhood Trauma
Relationship Counseling
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Groups
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Families
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Compassion Focused
Attachment-based
Emotionally Focused
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Melanie Baines
The provider is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and is currently working under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Their current employer is BayRidge Effective Therapy.
Melanie Baines is a compassionate and dedicated Associate Therapist specializing in the treatment of psychological trauma. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences and move toward meaningful change.
Melanie earned her clinical training from Antioch University and has experience working with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, stress, and life transitions. With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, she understands how past experiences can shape present emotions, behaviors, and relationships, and she works collaboratively with clients to build insight, resilience, and effective coping strategies.
Her therapeutic approach is warm, attuned, and client-centered, integrating evidence-based practices tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Melanie prioritizes helping clients feel both understood and supported while gently guiding them toward greater self-awareness and lasting growth. She values authenticity in the therapeutic relationship and believes that healing happens within a strong, trusting connection.
Originally from England and now based in Santa Monica, Melanie brings a thoughtful and grounded presence to her work. She is passionate about helping clients reconnect with their strengths, process difficult experiences, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Melanie offers telehealth services throughout California and welcomes individuals seeking support with trauma, emotional challenges, and personal growth.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and understood from the very beginning. I believe that therapy works best when there is a strong, trusting relationship, so I focus on meeting you where you are without judgment and moving at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
I specialize in working with trauma and understand that past experiences can continue to impact how you think, feel, and relate to others in the present. Together, we will explore these patterns with curiosity and care, helping you make sense of your experiences while building tools to manage emotions more effectively.
My style is both supportive and gently guiding. I will listen deeply and validate your experience, while also helping you identify patterns, gain insight, and move toward meaningful change. I tailor each session to your individual needs, integrating evidence-based techniques to support emotional regulation, increase self-awareness, and strengthen coping skills.
You can expect our sessions to feel structured yet flexible. We may focus on processing past experiences, developing practical strategies for current challenges, or both. My goal is to help you not only understand what you are going through, but also feel more equipped to handle it outside of session.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s important to find someone who feels like the right fit. I aim to create an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself, supported in your growth, and confident in the work we are doing together.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. We’ll talk about your current concerns, any relevant history, and what you would like to get out of our work together. I may ask questions to better understand patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships, but there is no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with.
Ongoing sessions are typically 50 minutes and are guided by your goals and needs. Some sessions may focus on processing past experiences, especially if trauma is part of your story, while others may be more present-focused—working through current stressors, relationships, or emotional challenges. We will also spend time developing practical tools and coping strategies that you can use outside of session.
My approach is both supportive and structured. You can expect a balance of open conversation, reflection, and skill-building. I will help you explore patterns, build insight, and gently guide you toward meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.
Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will regularly check in on your progress and adjust our focus as needed. My goal is for you to leave sessions feeling understood, supported, and more equipped to navigate your day-to-day life.
All sessions are conducted via secure telehealth, making it easy to access care from the comfort of your own space.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $150 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $70-150 for 50 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
More information on payments and coverage
If your insurance is in network, we charge a copay and also offer a sliding scale for those who are out of network and are encountering financial hardship.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Antioch University - Los Angeles, Master's in Psychology
NPI number
1699634725
How soon can I make an appointment with Melanie Baines?
Generally, Melanie Baines has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Melanie Baines's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Melanie Baines accepting new patients?
Melanie Baines generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Melanie Baines's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Melanie Baines accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Melanie Baines is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Melanie Baines online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Melanie Baines using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Melanie Baines work with?
Melanie Baines works with BayRidge Effective Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Melanie Baines?
Melanie Baines frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Melanie Baines on their profile.
What languages does Melanie Baines speak?
Melanie Baines speaks English.