Melissa Avina, LMFT, CA | Psychotherapist

About Melissa Avina

Focus areas

Anxiety

Peer Relationship Struggles

Stress

Coping Mechanism Development

Relationship Struggles

Stress Management

Life Transition

Self Esteem Issues

Clientele seen

Teenagers (13-17)

Couples

Young adults (18-24)

Adults (25-64)

Treatment approaches

Art Therapy

Culturally Sensitive

Attachment-based

Dialectical (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Family Systems

Identity

Gender

Female

Faith

Christian

Ethnicity

Hispanic or Latinx, White

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Getting to know Melissa Avina

I specialize in supporting women navigating unhealthy attachment styles, mother wounds, relationship challenges, stress, and anxiety. I also work with couples facing communication issues and individuals—both adolescents and adults—coping with trauma. Taking a holistic and humanistic approach, I focus on the whole person to help clients build self-awareness, set boundaries, and achieve emotional balance. My goal is to provide a compassionate and empowering space where you can explore your experiences, heal, and grow. I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Fresno, which has equipped me with a strong foundation in relational dynamics and therapeutic techniques. My approach draws from humanistic theories such as Gestalt and client-centered therapy, emphasizing self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for healing. I also integrate evidence-based methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and attachment-based therapy to help clients build self-awareness, set healthy boundaries, and achieve emotional balance. When working with couples, I incorporate emotionally focused techniques to strengthen communication and connection. My goal is to support clients in developing tools to navigate challenges, foster resilience, and cultivate well-being. I primarily work with women facing attachment issues, mother wounds, relationship challenges, stress, and anxiety. I also support couples struggling with communication and help adolescents and adults process trauma. I am most comfortable treating attachment, trauma, anxiety, stress management, and relationship dynamics, using a holistic and humanistic approach tailored to each client’s unique needs.

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In-network insurances

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Popular visit reasons

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Depression

Mood Swings

Peer Relationship Struggles

Postpartum Depression

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Therapy

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Depression

Mood Swings

Peer Relationship Struggles

Education and background

Practice names

Rula Health - San Francisco/Oakland

Education and training

California State University, Fresno, Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy

NPI number

1154076552

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Melissa Avina?

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

Is Melissa Avina accepting new patients?

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

Does Melissa Avina accept my insurance?

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

Can I make an appointment with Melissa Avina online?

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

What practice does Melissa Avina work with?

Melissa Avina works with Rula Health - San Francisco/Oakland.

What are common reasons for patients to see Melissa Avina?

Melissa Avina frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Melissa Avina on their profile.