Melinna Perez , LMFT

Melinna Perez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with more than 10 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California, awarded in 2016, and dual bachelor degrees in Psychology and English from Mount St. Marys University, completed in 2013. As an LMFT, she is trained to work with individuals, couples, and families to address relationship dynamics and emotional health.

Her work spans individual and group therapy across residential and outpatient settings, and she has supported children, teens, adults, couples, families, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community. Clients have presented with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, eating and body image issues, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, insomnia, addiction, parenting and relationship challenges, and crises related to adjustment and grief. She also addresses topics such as intimacy, self-esteem, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and issues connected to adoption, attachment, and gender dysphoria.

Clinically, Perez draws from multiple evidence-informed approaches and often centers her work in a person-centered way that meets people where they are. She integrates methods from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally-Focused and client-centered frameworks to tailor treatment to each person or family. Outside of her professional work she enjoys music, reading, cooking, meditation, time with family and pets, and visits to the beach.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Melinna Perez integrates several evidence-informed methods into online work to meet varied needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify values and build psychological flexibility by learning to accept uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while taking meaningful action - it can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on offering an empathic, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client’s lead to support self-discovery and personal growth - it is often useful for relationship challenges, identity work, and building self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to reduce distress and improve coping - it is commonly applied to depression, anxiety, and certain eating and sleep concerns.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Perez collaborates with each person to determine which combination of methods best fits their goals, preferences, and circumstances, adjusting the plan as needs evolve. This collaborative stance helps tailor care in a way that feels practical and relevant.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit appointments into busy schedules and to maintain continuity of care from different locations. Working with licensed professionals in these formats can support consistent progress while accommodating varying comfort levels and communication styles.