Hello, I’m Melissa
Certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C)
I’m a licensed therapist with a passion for supporting women and couples through life’s most challenging and transformative seasons. My work is inspired by both my professional expertise and my personal journey as a mother, which gives me a deep understanding of the joys and struggles that come with fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Driven by compassion and authenticity, I founded Coastal Calm Therapy to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and empowered to navigate change with resilience and hope.
Certified therapist
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15 years Experience
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Certified therapist 𓇼 15 years Experience 𓇼
Compassionate Care for Every Stage of Life
At Coastal Calm Therapy, my mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for women at all stages of life. From fertility and pregnancy through postpartum and parenting, to the complex transitions of midlife and beyond, I offer a supportive space to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity. I am dedicated to empowering women and couples through personalized, client-centered therapy that fosters healing, resilience, and lasting emotional wellness
My Collaborative, Evidence-Based Approach
I consider it a privilege to walk alongside individuals and couples as they navigate the challenges and transitions that bring them to therapy. My approach is open, collaborative, and non-judgmental—rooted in the belief that true healing begins in a space where you feel heard, safe, and supported. Together, we’ll explore your unique needs, uncover patterns that may be holding you back, and work toward meaningful change.
I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including Person-Centered, Attachment-Based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal, and Psychodynamic approaches. By integrating these methods, I tailor therapy to each client, helping them build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and strengthen the relationships that matter most.
I Want You to Complete Therapy with Resilience, Connection, and Confidence
Since 2010, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals and couples as a licensed clinical social worker. My vision is to provide a therapeutic space that feels open, collaborative, and free of judgment—a place where you can bring your whole self and feel truly heard. In our work together, we’ll not only address the concerns that bring you to therapy but also deepen your understanding of yourself, your needs, and your relationships. My hope is that when clients graduate from care, they leave with greater resilience, a stronger connection to themselves, and the confidence to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and compassion.
My core values that guide my practice
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Compassion
I believe healing begins with kindness. In our work together, you’ll find a safe, non-judgmental space where your feelings and experiences are met with empathy and care. Compassion allows us to honor where you are today while gently moving toward where you want to be.
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Authenticiy
I show up as my true self in the therapy room, and I invite you to do the same. Authenticity creates trust. It’s the foundation that helps us explore your struggles honestly and work toward real, meaningful change.
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Connection
At the heart of therapy is the power of connection, both the connection you’ll experience here, and the deeper connections you’ll build with yourself and others. Together, we’ll create space to feel understood, supported, and less alone.
What Sets My Practice Apart
Trusted Connections That Last Beyond a Single Season
What makes my approach unique is the genuine, trusting relationships I build with my clients. Therapy with me is collaborative and authentic—many clients share that it becomes a meaningful part of their week, a time they look forward to. For women especially, life often revolves around caring for everyone else first. In our work together, therapy becomes a dedicated space where you are the one cared for, with room to explore your needs, your wants, and your growth.
I am honored that much of my practice has grown through referrals and that clients often return for support at different stages of their lives. This reflects the heart of my work: creating lasting connections and a safe space you can come back to whenever life calls for it.
Therapy from a seasoned clinician who cares
With 15 years as a licensed clinical social worker, I bring a depth of experience that sets my practice apart. I’ve worked across a variety of clinical settings in San Diego, including outpatient clinics, college counseling centers, and inpatient care, which allows me to thoughtfully tailor the therapeutic experience to each client’s unique needs. Beyond my professional background, I bring lived experience as a mother, giving me a personal understanding of the joys and challenges that many women and families face. This combination of professional expertise and real-life insight informs a compassionate, well-rounded approach to therapy.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I have a particular passion for maternal and perinatal mental health and am certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). Over the years, I’ve supported clients navigating infertility, miscarriage, birth trauma, and symptoms of depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy. I also enjoy working with couples and supporting clients across the lifespan who are navigating life transitions, identity shifts, and periods of growth.
My work is deeply inspired by my own experiences as a mother of two young children. I remember feeling unprepared for the emotional and relational challenges of pregnancy, fertility, and early parenthood. Much of the focus was on birth plans and breastfeeding, while the many unseen shifts in identity, relationships, and day-to-day life went unaddressed. This inspired me to create a space for women in the perinatal period to receive comprehensive, compassionate support with someone who has been there, who understands, and who can offer non-judgmental guidance. You don’t have to navigate these changes alone; if this resonates with you, you’ve come to the right place, and I’d be honored to support you on your journey.
My Journey to Supporting Women & Families
When I’m Not in Session
I was born and raised in Southern California and now live in beautiful San Diego with my two young children and husband. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll often find me practicing yoga, convincing my friends to join me in a running race, or getting lost in a good book. Family time, movement, and a little quiet reading are what keep me balanced and energized!
Take the First Step Toward Support and Healing
Book a free consultation, a judgment-free 15 minute call to share your needs, ask questions, and see if we’re a good fit to work together. During this call, we can explore how therapy can help you feel supported, understood, and empowered.