Melissa Albarenga, ASW, CA | Psychotherapist

About Melissa Albarenga

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)

Adults (25-64)

Individuals

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Jungian

Culturally Sensitive

Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)

Family Systems

Motivational Interviewing

Identity

Gender

Female

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Melissa Albarenga

Hola, I'm Melissa Albarenga (she/her), a bilingual therapist at Tonalli Therapy & Consulting, a BIPOC-centered group practice in the Bay Area. I work in English and Spanish with young adults navigating anxiety, stress, and big life transitions, and I hold a special place for first-generation folks carrying expectations from two worlds at once. I earned my MSW in Community Mental Health from Cal State East Bay and my B.A. in Chicana/o Studies from UC Santa Barbara, with professional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma-informed care, and infant and childhood mental health. I'm an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW #139567 supervised by Adriana Martinez, LCSW #75597

What should a new client know about working with you?

Working with me feels more like a real conversation than a formal appointment. I'm not here to lecture you or hand you a worksheet and call it healing. I listen first. Then, together, we get clear on what actually matters to you and start moving toward it. I bring a culturally responsive lens to everything we do. If you grew up translating for your parents, being the "first" at everything, or feeling like therapy wasn't made for people like us, you'll be understood here. You don't have to have it all figured out to start, and you don't have to earn your spot in the room. Showing up is enough. Sessions are available in English or Spanish, whichever feels most like home.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

We start by getting to know each other. In our first sessions, I'll ask about what's bringing you in, what you've already tried, and what a good life looks like to you. No rapid-fire intake interrogation, just an honest conversation at your pace. From there, we work collaboratively. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment-informed care, and value-based interventions, and I'll always explain the "why" behind what we're doing (psychoeducation is part of the work, not homework for its own sake). Some sessions we'll unpack patterns and where they come from. Others, we'll practice concrete tools for anxiety and stress you can use between sessions. We check in regularly on how therapy is feeling and adjust together. This is your process. My job is to walk alongside you in it.

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In-network insurances

Melissa Albarenga, ASW has +14 in-network plans.

Popular visit reasons

Agoraphobia

Hoarding Disorder

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Psychosexual Evaluation

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Sleep Problems

Agoraphobia

Hoarding Disorder

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Office location

Melissa Albarenga, ASW also offers online video visits for patients

Tonalli Therapy & Consulting

2001 Addison St, Ste 300, Berkeley, CA 94704

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Education and background

Practice names

Tonalli Therapy & Consulting

Education and training

California State University, East Bay, Master's in Social Work

NPI number

1891612529

Patient reviews

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Melissa Albarenga?

Generally, Melissa Albarenga has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Melissa Albarenga's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Melissa Albarenga accepting new patients?

Melissa Albarenga generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Melissa Albarenga's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Melissa Albarenga accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Melissa Albarenga is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Melissa Albarenga online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Melissa Albarenga using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Melissa Albarenga work with?

Melissa Albarenga works with Tonalli Therapy & Consulting.

Where is Melissa Albarenga's office located?

Melissa Albarenga has 2 office locations in Berkeley, view full addresses on Melissa Albarenga's profile.

What are common reasons for patients to see Melissa Albarenga?

Melissa Albarenga 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 Melissa Albarenga on their profile.