Melissa Ricard-Cruz (She/Her)

Accepting Clients

Indigenous therapist ready to support you in your journey to healing.

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in ,

Services
  • Individual
  • Couples
  • Family
  • Child

About My Clients

There are times in which we experience challenges, unexpected changes in our lives, or other disruptions in our relationships. We may have coped through it all before however sometimes things change and we need a new perspective and a safe place to process these experiences. I utilize a collaborative strength based approach to support client's in their journey.

My Background and Approach

I have dedicated my career to support my clients through their journey to be able to improve their quality of living. I attended California State University of Dominguez Hills to which I received my Master’s in Martial and Family Therapy. In addition to my education, I have 13 years experience working with children and families, 9 of which have been in the clinical setting. As a Chickasaw woman, I understand the importance of incorporating ones culture into treatment and tailoring treatment to meet the individual needs of my clients. My goals for my clients are to support them in developing healthy thoughts, behaviors, and ability to process emotions as well as to improve their quality of living

Techniques I Use

Other Techniques
  • Anger Management Therapy
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
  • Person-Centered (Rogerian)
  • Trauma Therapy

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Anxiety Depression Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Other Issues
  • ADHD Therapists
  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Bipolar
  • Body Image Issues
  • Burnout
  • Child Issues
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence or Intimate Partner Violence
  • Family Conflict
  • Gender Identity Therapy
  • Grief or Loss
  • Historical/ Intergenerational Trauma
  • Immigration/Acculturation
  • Insomnia
  • LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
  • Parenting
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sexual Abuse or Assault
  • Systemic Oppression Therapy
  • Teen Issues
  • Women's Issues
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Agnosticism
  • Atheism

At A Glance

  • Experience: 11 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $125 - 150/session

Reach out to Melissa