Melisa Alonzo
MA, LMFT
I’m passionate about helping children and adults work through major life transitions such as marriage, divorce, and parenthood so they can regain a sense of peace and control.
While we can’t change your past, we can change how you feel in the present. When individuals come to therapy, they often feel stuck and have tried many things to escape their problems. My goal is to help you become “unstuck” and find new solutions to your current situation. I will provide you with the tools necessary to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life. I believe the most important factor for therapy to be effective is the connection one has with their therapist. Choosing to come to therapy and looking for the right therapist can be an intimidating process. That’s why I offer a free 15-minute telephone session so you can see if I am the right fit for you. I look forward to speaking with you!
-Melisa Alonzo, LMFT
Education
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2009 from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University. I am also a certified Latin American Family Therapist certified by Alliant International University.
Professional
I am a Spanish Bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #137592). Prior to joining The Davis Group, I worked in the mental health field in Mexico City for over a decade where I specialized in working with the expat community. I have extensive experience working with the Latinx community, binational and bicultural couples and families. I approach my work with cultural humility, helping you feel seen, heard, understood and accepted.
I am also a clinical member of the Postpartum Health Alliance. I enjoy helping couples preserve their marriage as they adjust to parenthood, as well as working with women dealing with infertility struggles, perinatal loss, birth trauma, and/or dealing with the postpartum period.
Lastly, I am a level 1 trained Brain Spotting therapist – a popular, effective approach to helping you work through traumatic events.
Clinical Specialties
I work with the following populations:
- Children (ages 8+)
- Adolescents
- LGBTQ+ population
As well as individuals and couples struggling with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Career issues
- Burnout and stress
- Crisis and suicide intervention
- Parenting concerns
- Pregnancy and postpartum concerns
- Marriage/Couples Counseling
- Infidelity
Languages Spoken
I am a native English and Spanish speaker and have basic knowledge of the Korean language and culture.
Personal
I grew up as a Mexican-American in San Diego, CA next to the Mexican border with Tijuana, Mexico. I like to think I had the best of both worlds. I’ve learned to pick and choose what I appreciate best from both cultures, and I’ve created my own culture that my family and I are now able to embrace. My husband is my biggest supporter and my greatest influence, and family is what I value most in life. On the weekends you can find me spending time with family, sharing family meals, and going on walks with my beautiful miniature schnauzer, Lucia. My hobbies include hosting get-togethers with friends, traveling, trying new foods (especially while traveling), and experimenting with recipes.
Contact
916.740.6424
(Call or Text – ask for Melisa)
Melisa@TheDavisGroup.org
Availability & Rates
Monday-Friday, 9-7
$175 per 50 minute session
Limited number of lower rates available – call for availability
Paperwork
Please complete the online intake paperwork before your first session. It takes a while to complete – plan on about 30 minutes – but having this information prior to your arrival helps me make the most of our time together. If the person seeking treatment is a child or adolescent, please fill out the “child/adolescent” paperwork; otherwise please complete the “adult” paperwork. Lastly, only complete the “Release of Information” if requested once we begin meeting. I will provide you with the password.