In-Person in Ventura, CA 93003
Online in California
I believe that everyone is capable of change. However, we must believe in our worth and treat ourselves with kindness in order to create that change. If life feels hard right now, that's because it is! The bodies and brains that we have were not built for the world we currently live in. Everyone grows up in an environment where their needs were not perfectly met. The ways we dealt with those unmet needs as children become unhealthy coping strategies in adulthood. With conscious effort, reflection, and practice, we can heal those wounds and learn better strategies. That's what therapy is for and I am here to help!
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $150
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Limited sliding scale slots available through Open Path ($50-$70/session)
- Accepts Insurance
- Optum, United Healthcare, Optum EAP, Aetna
Education & Credentials
Melanie Simms LMFT
- Female
- License # 117919
- Licensed in CA
- Practicing Since 2015
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Loyola Marymount University
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology - California Lutheran University
Melanie Simms Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Ventura, CA 93003
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: Simple Practice HIPAA compliant video platform
I meet every client where they are at. Whether this is your very first time trying therapy or you're years into your therapeutic journey, I am here to help you reach your next goal. My background includes: school based counseling for special education students, advocacy and treatment for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, in home therapy with foster youth, and program management for an outpatient behavioral health program. Through these roles, I developed a passion for helping adolescents, college students, and young adults heal their childhood wounds and take ownership of their adult lives. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT).
My background includes: school based counseling for special education students, advocacy and treatment for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, in home therapy with foster youth, and program management for an outpatient behavioral health program. Through these roles, I developed a passion for helping adolescents, college students, and young adults heal their childhood wounds and take ownership of their adult lives.