Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
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Melissa Cruz

Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
2 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (786) 977-4594
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Available both in-person and online
9700 South Dixie Highway Suite 880 Pinecrest, FL 33156
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out trying to manage everything? You’re not alone. I work with clients facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship challenges, and self-esteem or body image concerns. I proudly support LGBTQIA+ clients in a safe, affirming space. Using DBT, somatic, and person-centered approaches, I help you understand patterns, build practical skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
I help clients create meaningful change through a collaborative approach, focusing on skills and strategies that work for them. I also provide specialized ADHD evaluations. My goal is to empower you to understand yourself better and feel more confident in daily life.
Whether it’s your first time in therapy or a return visit, choosing to prioritize your well-being is meaningful. If my approach feels like a good fit, I’d be glad to support you on your journey toward clarity, growth, and balance.
Call or Melissa Cruz now for a free 15 minute consultation - (786) 977-4594

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Buxani Counseling Care

9700 South Dixie Highway

Suite 880

Pinecrest, FL 33156 map

(786) 977-4594
My website
I offer both in-person & virtual therapy sessions.
I specialize in LGBTQ+, ADHD and Self Esteem 
$200 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Please watch my video to learn more about me and my practice.
Melissa Cruz
Let's Connect (786) 977-4594
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Buxani Counseling Care

9700 South Dixie Highway

Suite 880

Pinecrest, FL 33156 map

(786) 977-4594
My website
I offer both in-person & virtual therapy sessions.
I specialize in LGBTQ+, ADHD and Self Esteem 
$200 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Please watch my video to learn more about me and my practice.
Melissa Cruz

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $200
  • Couple Sessions $250
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • AvMed
  • Carisk (Behavioral Health)
  • Florida Blue
  • New Directions | Lucet
  • Optum
  • UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
  • Out of Network
"
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your coverage.
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (786) 977-4594
"
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your coverage.
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (786) 977-4594

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of Florida / MH20331 Melissa Cruz
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 9 years
  • Attended University Of Miami, MSEd, Graduated 2019
  • Additional Credentials

  • Certificate from Evergreen Certifications 856942 / 2023
"
I have over 8 years working with a range of mental health needs. I am trained in CBT, CIFFTA, Interpersonal Therapy and EFT Tapping. I am licensed in the state of FL and certified in DBT.
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (786) 977-4594
"
I have over 8 years working with a range of mental health needs. I am trained in CBT, CIFFTA, Interpersonal Therapy and EFT Tapping. I am licensed in the state of FL and certified in DBT.
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (786) 977-4594

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • LGBTQ+
  • ADHD
  • Self Esteem

Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Bisexual
  • Body Image
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Family Conflict
  • Lesbian
  • Life Transitions
  • Mood Disorders
  • Parenting
  • Peer Relationships
  • Polyamory & ENM
  • Self-Harming
  • Stress
  • Transgender
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Women's Issues
"
Many of my clients struggle with depression, anxiety, neurodiversity, or want to better understand their gender/sexuality. During our initial sessions, we will explore your current issues, past history, and identify your goals for therapy. Many of my clients feel that the combination of exploring their challenges and learning new skills helps to relieve their symptoms.
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (786) 977-4594
"
Many of my clients struggle with depression, anxiety, neurodiversity, or want to better understand their gender/sexuality. During our initial sessions, we will explore your current issues, past history, and identify your goals for therapy. Many of my clients feel that the combination of exploring their challenges and learning new skills helps to relieve their symptoms.
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (786) 977-4594

2 Endorsements

Melissa Sandino
Melissa Sandino
CounselorLMHCC-DBT
Melissa has a vast amount of experience in LGBTQ+, coping skills, and bringing real change to clients lives. Melissa is a very direct, empathetic, warm, and compassionate person in and out of the therapy chair. I would highly recommend her as a clinician.
Victoria Espinosa
Victoria Espinosa
Clinical Social Work/TherapistLCSWRPT-S
Her high level of professionalism and compassionate approach to therapy makes Melissa a valuable asset to anyone seeking support and guidance on their mental health journey.

Client Focus

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Group

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Single Parent
Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Spanish

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Group

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Single Parent
Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Spanish

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Person-Centered
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
I often use DBT skills and techniques in my approach. In your first session we explore your history and what brought you to therapy. We then identify your therapy goals together. Finally, we explore how to use the skills and techniques to address the challenges you are facing and make positive changes in your life.
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (786) 977-4594
"
I often use DBT skills and techniques in my approach. In your first session we explore your history and what brought you to therapy. We then identify your therapy goals together. Finally, we explore how to use the skills and techniques to address the challenges you are facing and make positive changes in your life.
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (786) 977-4594

Groups


Location

Primary Location

Buxani Counseling Care

9700 South Dixie Highway

Suite 880

Pinecrest, FL 33156

(786) 977-4594
"
I offer both in-person & virtual therapy sessions.
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Call for a free consultation now - (786) 977-4594
"
I offer both in-person & virtual therapy sessions.
Photo of Melissa Cruz, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Melissa Cruz
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC-QS, C-DBT, NCC
Call for a free consultation now - (786) 977-4594