What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“I felt heard and supported during my first session. The therapist created a calm, safe space and asked thoughtful questions.”
Elizabeth R.January 11, 2026Video visit
“It’s been great working with Melissa. She is a kind and authentic person, who carries herself in a professional manner. She listens well to what I have to say-and then gives thoughtful and incisive feedback. She’s helped me a lot along this therapeutic journey-and I believe she can help you too!”
DELess than 1 year ago
About Melissa Gillis
Focus areas
Couples Conflict Resolution
Family Therapy/ Marriage Therapy
Couples Therapy
Divorce Counseling
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Couples
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Seniors (65+)
Families
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Narrative
Compassion Focused
Psychodynamic
Family / Marital
Strength-Based
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Melissa Gillis
Hi, I’m Melissa. I work with couples and individuals who want to feel more connected, understood, and fulfilled in their relationships and their lives.
In my work with couples, I use the Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach that helps us understand the patterns happening between you rather than placing blame on either partner. Together, we can work on communication, conflict, emotional connection, friendship, intimacy, and creating a stronger sense of partnership. My goal isn't to teach you how to never disagree; it's to help you understand each other better and navigate disagreements in ways that bring you closer rather than further apart.
I also work with individuals who feel out of balance, unfulfilled, or as though they’re not living the life they once envisioned. Major life transitions, relationship changes, caregiving demands, career uncertainty, or simply feeling stuck can shake your sense of identity and purpose. I bring empathy, curiosity, and practical insight to the challenges of juggling multiple roles while trying to stay connected to yourself and the people you love.
My approach integrates attachment and narrative perspectives with practical relationship tools. We’ll look at the patterns that may be keeping you—or your relationship—stuck, while also identifying the strengths and values that are already present. Rather than defining you by a problem, I want to help create enough space from it that new possibilities can emerge.
Whether you’re a couple hoping to reconnect, navigating a difficult season together, or an individual trying to figure out what comes next, therapy can be a place to slow down, understand what’s happening, and begin making meaningful changes. You don't have to wait until a relationship is in crisis to come to couples therapy. Sometimes the best time to strengthen a relationship is when you realize you want something between you to feel different.
What should a new client know about working with you?
You don’t need to arrive at therapy knowing exactly what needs to change. I see therapy as a collaborative space where we can become curious about the patterns that have developed and figure out together what you want to be different.
For couples, I use the Gottman Method to help partners move beyond repeating the same arguments and better understand what is happening underneath them. We’ll work on communication and conflict, but also on friendship, emotional connection, intimacy, shared meaning, and learning how to feel like partners again. I strive to create a space where both people feel heard and where the relationship itself becomes the client, rather than identifying one partner as the problem.
For individuals, our work may focus on relationships, attachment, identity, caregiving, life transitions, or reconnecting with the parts of yourself that have gotten lost along the way.
Melissa is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #158750) and works under the supervision of a licensed practitioner at Virginia Gutman LCSW Counseling Services.
Melissa is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT158750) and is currently working under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Their current employer is Virginia Gutman LCSW Counseling Services
What is your typical process for working with clients?
For couples, I begin by learning the story of your relationship: what brought you together, what you value about one another, where you tend to get stuck, and what you hope will feel different as a result of therapy. Using the Gottman Method, we’ll identify patterns in communication and conflict while also strengthening friendship, fondness, emotional connection, intimacy, and shared meaning.
Couples therapy isn't only about solving problems. I want to understand what happens between you in the moments when you stop feeling like a team and help you develop practical tools for responding differently. Over time, the goal is for those new patterns to become something you can use outside the therapy room.
For individual clients, I use an attachment-informed and narrative approach to explore how relationships, past experiences, and the stories you've developed about yourself influence the way you move through the world today. Together, we'll identify patterns that no longer serve you while strengthening the relationships, values, and parts of your identity that you want to carry forward.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Melissa Gillis, AMFT has 100+ in-network plans.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $150 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $150 for 50 minutes
- 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
In-Network Plans
Optum
United Medical Resources (UMR)
UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
Out-of-Network
I accept clients claiming on their OON benefits.
Popular visit reasons
Couples Therapy
Divorce Counseling
Family Therapy/ Marriage Therapy
Marriage Conflict Resolution
Marriage Counseling
Pre-Move In Couples Counseling
Prenuptial Counseling
Relationship Counseling
Couples Therapy
Divorce Counseling
Family Therapy/ Marriage Therapy
Marriage Conflict Resolution
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Pepperdine University, Master's in Clinical Psychology
Professional memberships
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
NPI number
1015202546
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
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
12 reviews
Most relevant
I felt heard and supported during my first session. The therapist created a calm, safe space and asked thoughtful questions.
January 11, 2026Elizabeth R.Verified patientVideo visit
Love working with Melissa and would recommend her to anyone going through any kind of transition in their life.
Less than 1 year agoMM
I was able to feel comfortable and supported very easily with Melissa help. Highly recommend!!
Less than 1 year agoTK
It’s been great working with Melissa. She is a kind and authentic person, who carries herself in a professional manner. She listens well to what I have to say-and then gives thoughtful and incisive feedback. She’s helped me a lot along this therapeutic journey-and I believe she can help you too!
Less than 1 year agoDE
Melissa is a kind and compassionate therapist. She is patient and provides a warm energy in the room that is welcoming and supportive. I highly recommend Melissa to anyone that is seeking a therapist.
Less than 1 year agoHK
Melissa brings an authentic warmth and clarity to her work that helps clients feel instantly at ease. She listens deeply, offers thoughtful insight, and supports clients in finding their own path toward healing and growth. She is kind, thoughtful, and easy to talk to. Melissa really takes the time to understand what’s going on and offers practical ways to cope. I always feel heard and supported after our sessions.
Less than 1 year agoSL
July 8, 2026Juan C.Verified patientVideo visit
March 16, 2026Kristen L.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
January 6, 2026haley H.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 1 year agoLA
Less than 1 year agoRT
How soon can I make an appointment with Melissa Gillis?
Generally, Melissa Gillis has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Melissa Gillis's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Melissa Gillis accepting new patients?
Melissa Gillis generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Melissa Gillis's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Melissa Gillis accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Melissa Gillis is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Melissa Gillis online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Melissa Gillis using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Melissa Gillis work with?
Melissa Gillis works with Ginny Gutman, LCSW Counseling Services.
What are common reasons for patients to see Melissa Gillis?
Melissa Gillis frequently sees patients for Couples Therapy, Family Therapy/ Marriage Therapy, Marriage Conflict Resolution, Marriage Counseling, and Relationship Counseling. You can see other visit reasons for Melissa Gillis on their profile.
What languages does Melissa Gillis speak?
Melissa Gillis speaks English.
How do patients rate Melissa Gillis in reviews?
12 patients have reviewed Melissa Gillis. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.