Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Salinas, CA covered by Aetna

You’ve done the work. You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, gone to talk therapy before — and somehow you still feel overwhelmed, STUCK or rudderless.

And, you may be SUCCESSFUL, high-functioning on the outside while struggling with holding everything together for everyone else inside ; or even feeling imposter syndrome.

Maybe it's stress and emotional exhaustion, trapped in unexplained patterns, or carrying trauma that still lives in your body no matter how much therapy you've done. Is passing the final exam talking it's toll?

Good news, I specialize in helping people who are tired of just talking about their pain. Whether you are navigating a painful divorce, or carrying deep childhood abuse, or paralyzed by an upcoming licensing exam, I provide a space to finally address and let's CHANGE the cycle.

My Focus is Anxiety: Licensing Exam/test, ADHD, divorce anxiety/trauma, Bipolar I/II, substance disorders, PTSD, trauma, chronic pain and health, nightmares, phobias, childhood sexual/physical abuse, sexual trauma & self identity.

I have EMDR certification work completed because I'm passionate about this work. The work you do today can impact not only your future, but the generations that come after you. We don’t just talk about trauma — we process it at the nervous system level so your brain and body can begin to heal. For EXAM anxiety, we dive quickly into EMDR to process.

Introduction

I primarily use a cognitive behavioral approach. My focus area of practice is helping clients improve their lives and find meaningful change.

My communication style

My sessions are calm, collegial, interactive, respectful, directive, and helpful.

How I help clients reach goals

Change does not necessarily take a long time. We're 'shooting for the moon' right away. What's the worst that could happen?

My journey to becoming a provider

Helping others help themselves is an absolute privilege! I'd pay them to do this work (but please don't tell them that.) How did I get here? It's a long story. I originally went to college to be a journalist, but changed to broadcasting. Dumb. I needed to jumpstart my life, so I changed to this profession. Talk about purpose and meaning!

Amina has a Masters in Social Work with a concentration on Direct Practice in Community Mental Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Additional education is a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Japanese, and a Pupil Personnel Service Credential specializing on children and families. She has over 18+ years of direct practice mental health experience and is trained in evidence based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Art Therapy, trauma informed care, Gottman's couples Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, somatic therapy, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems therapy. Other practices include music/sound therapy, career and academic counseling, life coaching, mind and body connection, specializations in immigrant issues, multicultural issues, gender identity issues, LGTBQI issues, chronic illness and medical issues counseling, blended family issues, intergenerational issues, social justice issues, neurodivergent issue (ADHD, autism, sensory issues).

A core priority in my work is helping clients reclaim the power of their voice. Therapy is most meaningful as a collaborative process where you are not only heard, but truly attempted to be known. As an Iranian American therapist, I understand the richness and complexity of holding multiple cultural identities. I especially enjoy supporting Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), as well working with teenagers and adults navigating identity formation, relationships, and the often tender process of growing into themselves. There’s room here for deep healing, honest conversations, and the occasional ‘okay, but why is my brain doing THAT?’

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who believes meaningful change begins with a genuine therapeutic relationship. I value authenticity, curiosity, and creating a space where clients feel respected and accepted for who they are. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside people as they navigate life's challenges and discover their own resilience.

I believe therapy is most effective when you feel accepted, understood, and empowered. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can be yourself while also feeling challenged to grow. I meet clients where they are, recognizing that everyone comes to therapy with unique experiences, strengths, and goals.

Melinda Fay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in Art Therapy. I received my MA in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute in 2002 and I have been licensed since 2008.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience supporting adults, teens, and families in medical, community mental health, and addiction treatment settings. I’ve worked with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. I bring a calm, supportive, and down‐to‐earth style to therapy so clients feel safe and understood. I also teach social work and sociology at the university level, which keeps me grounded in current research and best practices. Most importantly, I care about meeting you where you are and helping you move toward meaningful change.