What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.85
“I have been working with Mel for years now and she listens well and helps me figure out a plan on how I can be better with my mental health.”
More than 1 year ago
“From day one I knew I found the right therapist. I was so nervous to start this process but Mel made it so easy to dive right in. She is straight forward in the most sincere caring way. She does what she does because she wants to help people. I wish I would have found her years ago.”
More than 1 year ago
About Melanie Harriss
Focus areas
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Depression
Anger Management
Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Relationship Counseling
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Couples
Adults (25-64)
Families
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
EMDR
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Person-Centered
Dialectical (DBT)
Psychodynamic
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Melanie Harriss
Hi there, I'm Melanie!
If you are reading this, then you have taken the first step to help yourself. Making the decision to seek therapy can be difficult, as reaching out for help requires vulnerability and courage. My name is Melanie, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Master's in Psychology from California Southern University. Allow me to help you address the emotional challenges that may be causing you a variety of symptoms-depression, anxiety, or anger-as this is often how the issues we are struggling with surface in our lives. The path to healing requires change, which can be downright scary for some, but I will be with you every step of the way. The goal is to help you discover and understand the root cause of your issues. As a therapist, I want to give you support and the space you need to gain insight, empowering you to live a more fulfilling life.
My approach
I work with my clients utilizing a truly collaborative approach, as we are all individuals, and there is no “one size fits all” type of therapy.
My focus
I work with clients who have a multitude of challenges, everything from depression and anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder and complicated grief.
My communication style
My approach is empathetic and compassionate, but at the same time, I am to the point. In today's world, clients want relief as soon as possible. Therefore, I try to provide clients with immediate coping skills and feedback to decrease their symptoms.
My journey to therapy
Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a registered nurse for more than 15 years, so helping others achieve physical and mental well-being is something I am deeply committed to. I understand the difficulties faced by those struggling with medical issues such as cancer, trauma, and terminal illness. More than most, I understand the interplay between our physical and mental health and how one ultimately affects the other.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Popular visit reasons
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Cognitive-Behavioral Family Therapy
Depression
Mood Swings
Pre-Move In Couples Counseling
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
Therapy
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Cognitive-Behavioral Family Therapy
Depression
Mood Swings
Office location
Melanie Harriss, LMFT also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- California Southern University, Master's in Psychology
NPI number
1467086082
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.85
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
13 reviews
Most relevant
Melanie is a good listener and validates tough experiences. She has good advice for tough situations.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I like that the care my therapist gives is direct.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I have been working with Mel for years now and she listens well and helps me figure out a plan on how I can be better with my mental health.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
From day one I knew I found the right therapist. I was so nervous to start this process but Mel made it so easy to dive right in. She is straight forward in the most sincere caring way. She does what she does because she wants to help people. I wish I would have found her years ago.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I’ve seen many therapists and Melanie is far and above the best. She makes you feel at ease right from the start. She shows care and compassion in your journey. It is evident that she genuinely wants to help people and cares about her patients well being.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
It’s been positive and very helpful.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Melanie is patient, considerate, flexible, and understanding. She listens carefully, remembers everything you’ve talked about, and gives feedback with more compassion and insight than any other therapist.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Melanie is a high quality therapist. One of the best I've had. I was pleasantly surprised by my excellent experience with her. I feel like I am in good hands, and finally on a real path to healing and transformation. She's a gem and Path is lucky to have her.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
How soon can I make an appointment with Melanie Harriss?
Generally, Melanie Harriss has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Melanie Harriss's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Melanie Harriss accepting new patients?
Melanie Harriss generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Melanie Harriss's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Melanie Harriss accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Melanie Harriss is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Melanie Harriss online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Melanie Harriss using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Melanie Harriss work with?
Melanie Harriss works with Rula Health - L.A. West.
Where is Melanie Harriss's office located?
Melanie Harriss has 2 office locations, including in Santa Cruz and Grand Terrace, view full addresses on Melanie Harriss's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Melanie Harriss?
Melanie Harriss frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Melanie Harriss on their profile.
What languages does Melanie Harriss speak?
Melanie Harriss speaks English.