Find a Therapist in California AM

Hi, my name is Ana Melendez and I am so happy that you are taking one of the first steps towards wellness and healing. Remember help comes in many forms and being open to therapy will provide you with different aspects to view situations and learn new ways to cope with whatever comes your way. I believe that with support and guidance we have the ability to empower ourselves and others.

My goal is to build a strong and trusting therapeutic alliance by maintaining empathy and positive regard in order to help you foster necessary change. As your therapist, I want to provide a safe, open and nonjudgmental space where you can feel free to share and work towards creating the changes necessary to heal and grow. 

My background includes working with young to older adults in community mental health for the past 8 years. I have experience conducting individual sessions and group therapy. My go to modalities are person centered, solution focused, strengthen based, motivational and cognitive/dialectical behavior therapy. My education includes bachelors in criminal justice, masters in forensic psychology and masters in social work. I encourage you to take control of your mental health and enjoy the self growth journey. 

My favorite things to do is enjoy family time, TV shows, traveling, music festivals and anything dog related. When it’s not hot outside taking walks at the park with my 2 big doggies is the best. 

Hello & Welcome. My name is Amy-- I'm glad you're here.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by sadness or worry? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, or a life transition that feels destabilizing, I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can begin to feel like yourself again.

I work with teens, adults, couples, and families who are ready to explore the thoughts, emotions, and experiences that have been holding them back. Together, we’ll get to know your inner-child, build on your strengths and uncover new tools to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and confident in handling life’s ups and downs.

At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to helping individuals heal not only for themselves—but for the generations that follow. I believe that when we do the work to care for our mind, body, and spirit, we help break cycles of familial and intergenerational trauma. 

I understand that life’s journey isn’t linear. It can be painful, messy, and uncertain. My goal is to walk beside you through it with empathy and insight—using the most fitting therapeutic approaches to help you transform pain into resilience and self-awareness into growth.

If you're ready to explore what healing could look like for you, I’d be honored to walk alongside you. Let's talk.

About Me:

I’m a Southern California native with B.A. in Philosophy from CSU Fullerton and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from National University. Outside the therapy room, I find joy in yoga, cooking (especially a comforting pot of soup), spending time outdoors, seeing live music, and being with my sweet blind pup, Penny Lane. I'm one of four siblings and the eldest daughter in my family—roles that have deeply shaped my values of compassion, responsibility, and connection.