Melissa Contractor, LMFT
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Melissa is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- Great news, Melissa is accepting new clients!
- She is normally fully-booked.
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
More about Melissa
- 36 years' experience
- Female
- LMFT
I'm a therapist with extensive clinical experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions and struggles. My work has centered on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and mood-related concerns with compassion and skill.
I specialize in addressing communication difficulties, attachment issues, guilt and shame, panic attacks, and trauma-related experiences. I am DBT trained and use skills and principles from CBT and ACT as well. I also work thoughtfully with clients facing midlife transitions, workplace stress, family dynamics, codependency patterns, and women's issues. My approach is particularly informed by work with older adults and geriatric concerns, where I bring both clinical expertise and genuine respect for the wisdom that comes with life experience.
I draw from evidence-based therapeutic practices to help you build resilience, process difficult emotions, and strengthen your sense of self-worth. I believe in meeting you where you are—honoring your values, your perspective, and your unique journey.
Starting therapy takes courage, and I'm honored to walk alongside you as you move toward greater clarity and peace.
Specialties
Insurance Accepted
- Cigna
- GEHA
- Optum
- UMR
- UnitedHealthcare
Licenses
Melissa Contractor's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1669739181.
- LMFT · California · 29000 · Renews March 2027
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.
Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.
Reviews for Melissa Contractor
Frequently asked questions
Does Melissa Contractor offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Melissa Contractor works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Melissa Contractor speak?
Melissa Contractor speaks English.
How many years of experience does Melissa Contractor have?
Melissa Contractor has 36 years of experience.
Where is Melissa Contractor licensed to practice?
Melissa Contractor is licensed to practice in California.
Does Melissa Contractor accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, Melissa Contractor accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does Melissa Contractor accept insurance?
Yes, Melissa Contractor accepts Cigna, GEHA, Optum, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.
Does Melissa Contractor accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Melissa Contractor does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
How can I communicate with Melissa Contractor?
Melissa Contractor can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Melissa Contractor?
Just tap the BOOK NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap BOOK NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.