Melissa Matugas, LCSW, CA | Psychotherapist

About Melissa Matugas

Focus areas

Anxiety

Family Therapy/ Marriage Therapy

Stress Management

Bereavement / Grief Counseling

Gender Affirming Counseling

Work-Related Counseling

Depression

Infertility Trauma

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)

Adults (25-64)

Individuals

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Motivational Interviewing

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)

Compassion Focused

Identity

Gender

Female

Ethnicity

Asian

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Melissa Matugas

Hi there, I'm Melissa! Have you experienced loss or adjusting to change? Life comes with loss and change: the death of a loved one, the loss of health, a break-up. Dealing with any loss and adjusting to major change often negatively affects us, and our emotional well-being and coping habits are sometimes compromised as a result. My focus Struggling with grief and loss or trauma? I use compassionate approaches to help support those struggling with these areas. I have a history of working as a hospice social worker and later received my Ph.D. in Psychology to treat grief/trauma. My approach It is easy to fall into depression or develop anxiety if our coping is not managed and nurtured appropriately. I’m glad you are taking steps to process what change or loss means to you. As an Asian American Filipina, I provide culturally competent therapy services to those managing dual/multi cultural/BIPOC identities. My communication style I use compassionate and supportive communication. I like to use active listening and curious questioning to help facilitate the session. My journey to mental healthcare My journey to becoming a therapist started with a loved one navigating the health care system while dealing with cancer with limited mental health resources. After this, I worked in hospice as a social worker. I then received my Ph.D. in Psychological Studies with a focus in grief while working at the VA while providing trauma therapy. My goals for you Therapy is a collaborate approach. We will work together to create achievable goals and check in along the way. Our first session The first session entails me getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. I like to learn about your past and childhood as I always say "our experiences shape us but do not define us".

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Popular visit reasons

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Childhood Trauma

Depression

Postpartum Depression

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Therapy

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Childhood Trauma

Depression

Postpartum Depression

Education and background

Practice names

Rula Health - L.A. West

Education and training

Regent University, PhD in Counseling Psychology

NPI number

1093140535

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Melissa Matugas?

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

Is Melissa Matugas accepting new patients?

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

Does Melissa Matugas accept my insurance?

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

Can I make an appointment with Melissa Matugas online?

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

What practice does Melissa Matugas work with?

Melissa Matugas works with Rula Health - L.A. West.

What are common reasons for patients to see Melissa Matugas?

Melissa Matugas 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 Matugas on their profile.