LGBT therapists in Walnut Creek, CA

Professional Journey

Melissa became licensed in California in 2010 as an LCSW, following her Master’s Degree. Since then, she has continued learning and growing. Her career began in 2006, working with families experiencing various crises and trauma. Melissa has pursued additional training to specialize further. She has worked with depression, life transition issues, anxiety, panic disorders, identify questions, and lgbtqia populations.

Specialized Training

Melissa is trained in somatic therapy and EMDR therapy, which are effective for treating clients with experiences of sexual abuse and assault. She has also studied sexuality and somatic sex therapy, coaching clients on how to reconnect erotically with themselves and others.

I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Nina, a licensed therapist who is passionate about helping people feel better and live more fulfilling lives. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and offer services in both English and Spanish. My goal is to support your well-being by helping you build skills, navigate challenges, and create healthier, more meaningful relationships.

Welcome, I'm glad you're here.

I’m Bechael S. Harris, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 27 years of nursing experience. I provide care for adults and older adults navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other mental health concerns. My practice blends compassion, evidence-based treatment, and a commitment to helping each person feel heard, valued, and supported.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY - PSYCHOANALYSIS

I invite you to say what you would never say in ordinary conversation. I specialize in anxiety, depression, difficult to describe dissatisfaction, work/career difficulties, low self-esteem, sexual problems, imposter syndrome, men's issues, creative blocks, sexual abuse, religious/cultic/satanic trauma and relationship issues.

I have vast experience with a wide variety of clients. My professional history includes children living in abusive environments, teenagers who are struggling to access their education due to mental health concerns, families navigating dysfunction and adults dealing with a variety of life difficulties.

I currently work, primarily, in corrections with inmates struggling to adjust to the custody environment. I offer crisis intervention in addition to ongoing support.

I approach the therapeutic space with compassion and openness. I meet my clients right where they are emotionally and in their healing journey.

I'm a dedicated therapist who strives to offer clients quality care that’s centered around my professional competence, firm adherence to legal and ethical standards, and continual expansion in my knowledge of the practice. My passion for learning about the human psyche and behavior is a large part of why I chose to work in this profession.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from California State University of Long Beach. I’ve received training and supervision in therapeutic interventions including cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic and dialectical behavior therapy techniques. I have experience in multiple settings including partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and non-profit organizations. I’ve worked with a range of populations including unhoused individuals, adults struggling with substance abuse, and clients with a range of mental health related issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

I have a masters degree in psychology with a background in development throughout the lifetime. I have worked with school age, teens, and families through a school based setting. This has given me the value of supporting growth in regards to gender, sexuality, and trauma.

I specialize in couples sex therapy, and I understand that love can be the most challenging -and- the most rewarding part of life. I'm passionate about helping you have a healthy, satisfying intimate life and to make your relationship amazing.

• Outstanding Patient Reviews - Google reviews (Access Psych Meds)
• Experienced Mental Health Provider (13 years) assisting clients with ADHD (adult) Anxiety Depression Chronic Pain Chronic Sleep problems Mood disorder PTSD: Military combat, childhood & sexual trauma Alcohol Use Disorder
• Dual Master’s Prepared
• ANCC Dual Board Certified - Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Veteran 22 yrs retired US Navy Commander/O-5
• Licensed in 5 States - AZ, CA, OR, MD, WA

If you're here, chances are you've been carrying more than you were ever meant to carry alone. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges or feeling stuck- I can help. I'm a licensed therapist with nearly 20 years of experience in the field helping individuals and couples create lasting, meaningful change.

Together, we’ll identify what brings you to therapy, we'll gently look at where you're feeling stuck and examine the patterns that are no longer serving you. Then, with evidence-based interventions we'll modify these patterns leading to lasting meaningful change.

My formal clinical training was received through the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I gained extensive experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy to military veterans and their partners. I specialize in treating PTSD (combat and sexual trauma), Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Grief and Couples. My clinical training leans heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with emphasis on trauma informed and attachment focused perspectives.