What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
“What originally brought me to Melinda was her brainspotting knowledge as I used it in the past it helped heal trauma. Melinda has a down to earth way of relating and helped me see different ways to solve my issues. Seeing her helped me with responding to situations instead of reacting. Additionally her style helped me to trust myself more.”
Less than 1 month ago
“From the first appointment I felt a good connection. She given me lots of feedback and alternatives for my issues. She continues to provide a lot of solutions for me.”
Less than 1 month ago
About Melinda Drake
Focus areas
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Anger Management
Behavioral Problems
Adolescent / Teen Issues
Anxiety
Life Transition
Alcoholism
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Teenagers (13-17)
Couples
Young adults (18-24)
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Brainspotting
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Coaching
Compassion Focused
Identity
Gender
FemaleFaith
ChristianEthnicity
Asian
Languages spoken
English, Filipino
Getting to know Melinda Drake
Hi there, I'm Melinda!
My name is Melinda Drake. I am a licensed clinical social worker in California, New York, and Hawaii, and licensed as an Independent Social Worker for Clinical and Advanced Practice in South Carolina. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina. I have worked in behavioral health for over 25 years, focusing on chronic mental illness, substance use, and intellectual disabilities. Most individuals I work with have experienced trauma. Through my journey as a clinician, I’ve found that to help people deal with issues causing angst, I need to meet them where they are.
My approach
Whether using EMDR, brainspotting, CPT, or trauma-focused CBT, it is the connection with the individual that allows change. Being privileged to guide individuals through difficult areas helps them find their own answers. Individuals know themselves best, and starting where they are allows the change they want to happen.
My focus
I have worked with individuals dealing with co-morbid substance use and mental health disorders, some with sexual addictions and relationship issues.
My communication style
Safety is my primary focus. A person needs to feel safe to let go of issues they have held onto. I create a safe place where a person can be themselves and feel unjudged.
My journey to therapy
I became a social worker after seeing the need among foster care children for stability and normalcy. As a therapist, I find satisfaction in making a difference in someone’s life.
My goals for you
You can’t reach a destination unless you know where you are going; I guide individuals to set goals they need to help themselves.
My first session with you
Clients should expect in the first session that they are in control of their lives and hold the key to their own recovery.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of South Carolina, Master's in Social Work
NPI number
1568593168
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
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
17 reviews
Most relevant
Direct, capable, empathetic, and knowledgeable. I cannot imagine a better partner toward my growth.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Direct, capable, empathetic, and knowledgeable. I cannot imagine a better partner toward my growth.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
What originally brought me to Melinda was her brainspotting knowledge as I used it in the past it helped heal trauma. Melinda has a down to earth way of relating and helped me see different ways to solve my issues. Seeing her helped me with responding to situations instead of reacting. Additionally her style helped me to trust myself more.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
From the first appointment I felt a good connection. She given me lots of feedback and alternatives for my issues. She continues to provide a lot of solutions for me.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I love Melinda! I've had many different therapists over the years and she is the first therapist to truly help me kick start my healing journey. I always thought therapy never worked but she puts things into perspective and gives you tools to help you face your traumas and heal through them too. She is full of knowledge and experience in many aspects. I'm so happy our paths crossed as she's truly amazing at helping her patients/clients.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Absolutely amazing to work with. The best therapist im working with since ive started therapy 15 years ago. Super compassionate, level headed, knowledge exceeding most in therapy and social welfare. Communicates well, very responsive and dedicated to her duties. I feel very fortunate being able to work with her and have her in my life
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Melinda has changed my life. She has researched my rare chronic pain condition and helps me process the pain better each visit. She has helped me significantly with my MDD, GAD, PTSD, ADHD. She has used EMDR, Brainspotting, and innovative evidence-based therapy to help my conditions. She is the best therapist I’ve found in my lifetime. I’m beyond grateful and blessed for Melinda. There are no words to express my gratitude that I found her and she found me!
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I have found peace and clarity every time I meet with Melinda. She has helped me understand my life experiences and helped me identify healthier thinking patterns.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Melinda is a wonderful therapist. She has so many different tools to support me depending on my needs in the moment. She is extremely understanding and relatable. So grateful for her!
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Absolutely amazing to work with. The best therapist im working with since ive started therapy 15 years ago. Super compassionate, level headed, knowledge exceeding most in therapy and social welfare. Communicates well, very responsive and dedicated to her duties. I feel very fortunate being able to work with her and have her in my life
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I love Melinda! I've had many different therapists over the years and she is the first therapist to truly help me kick start my healing journey. I always thought therapy never worked but she puts things into perspective and gives you tools to help you face your traumas and heal through them too. She is full of knowledge and experience in many aspects. I'm so happy our paths crossed as she's truly amazing at helping her patients/clients.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
What originally brought me to Melinda was her brainspotting knowledge as I used it in the past it helped heal trauma. Melinda has a down to earth way of relating and helped me see different ways to solve my issues. Seeing her helped me with responding to situations instead of reacting. Additionally her style helped me to trust myself more.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
From the first appointment I felt a good connection. She given me lots of feedback and alternatives for my issues. She continues to provide a lot of solutions for me.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Melinda has changed my life. She has researched my rare chronic pain condition and helps me process the pain better each visit. She has helped me significantly with my MDD, GAD, PTSD, ADHD. She has used EMDR, Brainspotting, and innovative evidence-based therapy to help my conditions. She is the best therapist I’ve found in my lifetime. I’m beyond grateful and blessed for Melinda. There are no words to express my gratitude that I found her and she found me!
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Melinda is a wonderful therapist. She has so many different tools to support me depending on my needs in the moment. She is extremely understanding and relatable. So grateful for her!
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I have found peace and clarity every time I meet with Melinda. She has helped me understand my life experiences and helped me identify healthier thinking patterns.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Melinda has been extremely responsive and curious about how to navigate my therapy. She’s already suggested and implemented many tools to help with my anxiety/ADHD/etc.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
How soon can I make an appointment with Melinda Drake?
Generally, Melinda Drake has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Melinda Drake's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Melinda Drake accepting new patients?
Melinda Drake generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Melinda Drake's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Melinda Drake accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Melinda Drake is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Melinda Drake online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Melinda Drake using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Melinda Drake work with?
Melinda Drake works with Rula Health - San Jose.
What are common reasons for patients to see Melinda Drake?
Melinda Drake frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Melinda Drake on their profile.
What languages does Melinda Drake speak?
Melinda Drake speaks English and Filipino.