Picture of Melissa W Cooper

Melissa W Cooper

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

California # 141326

Anxiety, Depression, & Trauma Therapist Culver City and throughout California

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Anxiety, Depression, & Trauma Treatment

In Person in Culver City & Virtually Throughout CA

MY SERVICES

Individual Therapy

Whether you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, stuck, or lost, my first priority is to help you target the problems that are preventing you from fully enjoying your life.

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Relationship Counseling

Relationships, whether marriages, friendships, families, or work can be difficult. My first priority is to facilitate each person truly being seen, heard, and understood.

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My Specialties

I specialize in supporting people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, women’s issues, and relationship issues. I have experienced the way everyday experiences can cause your life to feel out of control or unmanageable and know therapy helps. My approach works well with all types of adults, including: self-doubters, high-achievers, trauma survivors, perfectionists, and those seeking personal growth or a respite from the public spot light. You don’t have to do it alone. Ready for a change?

Let’s talk - I am here to help.

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Meet Melissa

I am Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California. My education and initial experience focused in Jungian (Depth) Psychology, which includes dreamwork, images, myths and archetypes. As a naturally curious person who who reads many books and attends trainings in therapeutic practices and self discovery, I have expanded my practice to include evidence based practices such as EMDR & CBT, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness, and active imagination. My eclectic background and experience allows me to tailor my work in every session to help clients work towards their goals.

While I participate with other psychotherapists in consultation groups to facilitate each of our individual growth and knowledge, I have chosen to practice individually. That means that every client will work directly with me. In that way, I can guarantee they will be truly seen, heard, and understood in a compassionate and empathetic setting. My only goal is to help you achieve yours.

Let’s talk about the ways I can help you gain the mental health, peace of mind, and personal transformation you desire.

Exceptional Support for your Mental Health

Anxiety Therapy

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Personalized support using evidenced-based tools such as CBT and Mindfulness to calm your mind from chronic worry, panic, and overthinking.

Depression Therapy

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Therapy sessions focused on breaking cycles of isolation, building hope, and helping you reconnect with meaning and motivation.

Trauma Therapy

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Gentle, trauma-informed care to help you process past experiences, feel safer in your body, and move forward without fear.

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FAQs

Your questions about therapy answered here.

Our first session is a chance to get to know each other. I’ll ask some questions to understand what brings you to therapy, your background, and what you hope to achieve. There’s no pressure — you’re welcome to say as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing. We’ll also discuss how we might work together moving forward.

What can I expect in the first session?

Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and held once per week, though this can vary depending on your needs and schedule. Some clients benefit from more frequent sessions, especially at the beginning.

How long is each session and how often will we meet?

The length of therapy varies for each person. Some people come for a few months to work through a specific issue, while others choose to engage in longer-term work. We’ll regularly review your progress and adjust the pace and focus as needed.

How long will I need to be in therapy?

Do you offer in-person or online sessions?

I offer both in-person sessions at my office and online therapy via secure video platform. You’re welcome to choose whichever format feels most comfortable and convenient for you.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Everything you share in therapy is kept confidential. There are a few rare legal exceptions, such as:

  • If there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others

  • If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly, or vulnerable person

  • If required by a court of law

I will always do my best to discuss any concerns with you before taking action.

Do you take insurance?

I do not work directly with insurance panels, though I offer monthly superbills for those with insurance coverage for out of network providers. Please check with your insurance carrier to see if your coverage may include this option.

By accepting private-pay only, I protect the direct therapist client relationship and avoid insurance company policies such as the need for a DSM mental diagnosis interfering with our work together. Most of my clients do not have a diagnosable illness under the DSM. They are healthy individuals who are going through a difficult time and want some extra support.

Still have questions?

I’m here to help!