Melanie Maddox Geffen, LCSW, Addictions Counselor  in California

Melanie Maddox Geffen (she/her)

LCSW
Accepting Clients

Hello, I’m Melanie Geffen, LCSW, a trauma-informed therapist helping clients navigate anxiety, stress, trauma, and life transitions.

Addictions Counselor in California

Services
  • Individual
  • Couples
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

I work best with individuals navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, and life transitions. You may feel overwhelmed, stuck in familiar patterns, or disconnected despite your efforts to move forward. Many of my clients have tried talk therapy but still feel something isn’t shifting. I support those ready to go deeper—processing what feels stuck and building greater balance, resilience, and connection in their lives.

My Background and Approach

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of counseling and coaching experience, holding a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Social Work. I specialize in anxiety, stress, trauma, and life transitions, using EMDR, Brainspotting, and evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT. My trauma-informed, collaborative approach helps clients move beyond insight alone to process what feels stuck at both the cognitive and nervous system level—supporting lasting, meaningful change, improved emotional regulation, and a greater sense of balance and resilience in daily life.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I identify as biracial and neurodivergent, and these parts of my identity deeply shape how I show up in my work—with openness, curiosity, and respect for each person’s lived experience. I value inclusivity, authenticity, and creating a space where clients feel truly seen and understood. I’ve also volunteered with foster youth, animals, and individuals with developmental disabilities, experiences that have strengthened my compassion and commitment to supporting people from diverse backgrounds.

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Brainspotting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Other Techniques
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment Theory
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Coaching
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Couples Counseling
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Family Systems
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Humanistic Therapy
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
  • Person-Centered (Rogerian)
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Trauma Therapy
  • Brainspotting
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Relationship Counseling

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Anxiety Burnout Depression
Other Issues
  • Abuse
  • ADHD Therapists
  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Bipolar
  • Burnout
  • Career Counseling
  • Child Issues
  • Chronic Pain or Illness
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Family Conflict
  • Gender Identity Therapy
  • Grief or Loss
  • Historical/ Intergenerational Trauma
  • Immigration/Acculturation
  • LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Men's Issues
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
  • Parenting
  • Personality Disorders
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Pregnancy and Postpartum
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sexual Abuse or Assault
  • Teen Issues
  • Veterans/Military Service
  • Women's Issues
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Anthem
  • Evernorth
  • Cigna/Evernorth
  • Anthem Blue Cross Medical
  • Carelon Behavioral Health Plan
  • Elevance
  • Anthem EAP - Bank of America
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Christianity

At A Glance

  • Experience: 10 years of practice
  • Rate: $130 - 210/session

Reach out to Melanie