- Relationship challenges
- Family conflict
- Telehealth video only
About Melissa
Melissa Ardelean is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California who helps people facing relationship strain, family conflict, trauma and abuse, intimacy challenges, and major life changes. She offers late afternoon, evening, night, late night, and weekend appointment times and focuses on meeting people where they are with a direct and open style.
Her approach blends practical skills and supportive conversation. Melissa emphasizes helping people build tools they can use day to day. She works collaboratively to identify small, achievable steps toward clearer communication, safer boundaries, and more manageable emotions.
Melissa draws on several evidence-informed methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment-based approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and client-centered work. She adapts these methods to each person’s needs rather than applying a single fixed model.
She has three years of clinical experience and has supported clients with immigrant family dynamics, complex trauma, and interpersonal challenges across life stages. Melissa also addresses concerns such as abandonment, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness, blended family issues, commitment worries, and parenting-related stressors.
Sessions are offered in English and take place via telehealth video only. The practice uses a subscription billing model that can be canceled at any time. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to the therapist’s available times.
Her approach blends practical skills and supportive conversation. Melissa emphasizes helping people build tools they can use day to day. She works collaboratively to identify small, achievable steps toward clearer communication, safer boundaries, and more manageable emotions.
Melissa draws on several evidence-informed methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment-based approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and client-centered work. She adapts these methods to each person’s needs rather than applying a single fixed model.
She has three years of clinical experience and has supported clients with immigrant family dynamics, complex trauma, and interpersonal challenges across life stages. Melissa also addresses concerns such as abandonment, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness, blended family issues, commitment worries, and parenting-related stressors.
Sessions are offered in English and take place via telehealth video only. The practice uses a subscription billing model that can be canceled at any time. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to the therapist’s available times.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMulticultural concernsPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
3+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
How Melissa’s approaches work for online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It focuses on identifying values and taking small actions that move a person toward what matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, behaviors, and feelings and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Melissa will collaborate with each person to choose which methods fit their needs and goals. That choice is reviewed over time and adjusted based on how a person responds to the strategies and skills they practice.
Sessions are offered by telehealth video only, so it is important to confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make scheduling easier around work, school, or caregiving duties and reduce travel time. They also allow for focused check-ins and skills practice that fit into daily routines without needing to commute.
Frequently asked questions
What types of problems does Melissa help with?
She supports people with relationship issues, family conflict, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is direct and collaborative, focusing on practical tools and clear communication that people can use between sessions.
What is her clinical experience?
She has three years of experience working with interpersonal challenges, immigrant family dynamics, and complex trauma across different life stages.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensed in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?
Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time and scheduling follows the therapist's listed late afternoon through weekend hours.
How do I start working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.