I am really gaining a lot from taking with Melissa. She is very understanding and offers exercises that really help calm me down when I’m in my roughest moments. She’s a god send and I am optimistic about my future when talking to her.
Melissa Forrest-Garcia, LMFT
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Melissa is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 4.5 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Melissa. View 3 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
Recent reviews
Melissa is very insightful and got to know me very quickly. She has picked up my patterns and brings them up in a kind way while bringing up methods to get out of them.
More about Melissa
- 17 years' experience
- Female
- LMFT
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
LGBT
Trauma and abuse
Depression
Compassion fatigue
Aging and geriatric issues
Attachment issues
Codependency
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Dissociation
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Life purpose
Mood disorders
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Phobias
Post-traumatic stress
Pregnancy and childbirth
Self-love
Social anxiety and phobia
Women's issues
Treatment Approaches
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Melissa Forrest-Garcia's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1548841117.
- LMFT · California · 86692 · Expires July 2026
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.
Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.
Reviews for Melissa Forrest-Garcia
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
I am really gaining a lot from taking with Melissa. She is very understanding and offers exercises that really help calm me down when I’m in my roughest moments. She’s a god send and I am optimistic about my future when talking to her.
Melissa is very insightful and got to know me very quickly. She has picked up my patterns and brings them up in a kind way while bringing up methods to get out of them.
I really appreciate the support that Melissa offers. I was completely comfortable and felt safe from our first session. She is patient and kind but still holds me accountable and helps me find strength in myself. Thank you Melissa.
Frequently asked questions
Does Melissa Forrest-Garcia offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Melissa Forrest-Garcia works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Melissa Forrest-Garcia speak?
Melissa Forrest-Garcia speaks English.
How many years of experience does Melissa Forrest-Garcia have?
Melissa Forrest-Garcia has 17 years of experience.
Where is Melissa Forrest-Garcia licensed to practice?
Melissa Forrest-Garcia is licensed to practice in California.
Does Melissa Forrest-Garcia accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Melissa Forrest-Garcia does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Melissa Forrest-Garcia offer?
Melissa Forrest-Garcia offers clients Attachment-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Melissa Forrest-Garcia?
Melissa Forrest-Garcia can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Melissa Forrest-Garcia?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.