Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

6 Endorsed

23361 Madero, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

(909) 316-3351

Let's Connect (909) 316-3351

The thought of going to therapy can be overwhelming and scary, but it doesn't have to be. As your therapist, I will hold a safe space for you, free from judgement and provide plenty of support. This will be a place where you can heal from past traumas and/or present issues that are making you feel stuck. I will meet you where you are and only take you where you want to go. I have over eight years of experience in both mental health and hospital settings. I started my career as an ER Social Worker at CHOC and most recently was with the County of Orange providing psychological evaluations for suicidal and homicidal minors.

I am no stranger to crisis and trauma, and can handle raw emotions with the upmost compassion and care. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches and will tailor them to your needs as we work together. My specialties include LEOs, anxiety, depression, addiction, codependency, trauma, crisis resolution, grief, pregnancy/postpartum, and family/relational.

I validate that asking for help is difficult and I thank you in advance for trusting me with your story. Crisis and trauma can often take a toll on your relationships, your own mental health, and your children. Secrets keep us sick, so allow me to provide the safe place for you to finally free yourself from all you have kept hidden.

Call or Email Melissa Houlston now for a free 15 minute consultation - (909) 316-3351

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Bellator Psychological - Orange County

23361 Madero

Mission Viejo, CA 92691 map

(909) 316-3351

Bellator Psychological - Riverside

6117 Brockton Avenue

Riverside, CA 92506 map

I specialize in First Responders, Trauma and PTSD and Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

$150 Per Session, I accept insurance

I see individuals, couples and families

Let's Connect (909) 316-3351

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Bellator Psychological - Orange County

23361 Madero

Mission Viejo, CA 92691 map

(909) 316-3351

Bellator Psychological - Riverside

6117 Brockton Avenue

Riverside, CA 92506 map

I specialize in First Responders, Trauma and PTSD and Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

$150 Per Session, I accept insurance

I see individuals, couples and families

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $150
Couple Sessions $150
Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

ACH Bank transfer, American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal, Venmo, Visa, Zelle

Insurance

Aetna
Anthem
Blue Shield
BlueCross and BlueShield
Carelon Behavioral Health
Cigna and Evernorth
Holman Group
Magellan
Medicare
Optum
Oxford
TRICARE
TriWest
United Medical Resources (UMR)
UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
Out of Network

I accept various types of insurances. Check out my list!

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (909) 316-3351

I accept various types of insurances. Check out my list!

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (909) 316-3351

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / 101154 Melissa Houlston

Education and Years In Practice

Attended USC school of Social Work , LCSW, Graduated 2015

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Feel free to ask about qualifications and training experience. Email or (909) 316-3351

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Feel free to ask about qualifications and training experience. Email or (909) 316-3351

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

First Responders
Trauma and PTSD
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

Expertise

Addiction
Alcohol Use
Anger Management
Anxiety
Behavioral Issues
Child
Codependency
Coping Skills
Depression
Divorce
Domestic Violence
Family Conflict
Grief
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Sexual Abuse
Stress
Suicidal Ideation
Veterans

My specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma, crisis resolution, grief, codependency, substance abuse, pregnancy/postpartum, and family/relational issues. I also provide care to law enforcement, veterans, and their family members.

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (909) 316-3351

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (909) 316-3351

6 Endorsements

Dr. George Dabdoub

Psychologist, PsyD

Melissa is one of the best clinicians in the field. She is an expert at helping depressed and anxious people learn how to quickly feel better. Melissa is extremely capable and I highly recommend working with her if she has availability.

Dr. Alan Acre

Psychologist, PsyD

Melissa is an incredible therapist that knows how to implement her skills in her home life and with patients. She is able to help people achieve their full potential and feel better from the issues that they suffer from. I highly recommend Melissa.

Bellator Psychological and Consultants Corporation

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

Clients always have incredible things to say about Melissa. She's highly recommended and her clients always walk away feeling much better. I would recommend her to anyone.

Susie VanDyke

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT

I've had the privilege of observing Melissa work, and her commitment to personalized, client-focused interventions is truly inspiring. Her impact on clients' lives is both profound and positive.

Kassandra Estrella

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT

Melissa is a gifted therapist who truly listens and helps clients find their own strength. Their approach is both gentle and insightful, making them an invaluable resource for anyone seeking personal growth and healing.

Priya Sharma

Psychological Associate, MA, AMFT

A dedicated therapist, Melissa supports first responders and veterans with evidence-based treatments for PTSD and anxiety. As the spouse of a fire fighter she uses culturally sensitive and peer-informed methods to drive meaningful recovery and wellness.

Client Focus

Age

Children (6 to 10) ,

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults ,

Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples ,

Family

Age

Children (6 to 10) ,

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults ,

Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples ,

Family

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Attachment-based
Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Compassion Focused
Emotionally Focused
Experiential Therapy
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Family / Marital
Family Systems
Humanistic
Integrative
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Trauma Focused

I like to ensure that the person feels comfortable and can trust that they will feel better quickly. I also make sure that clients receive evidenced based therapies that are proven to work and work quickly.

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (909) 316-3351

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (909) 316-3351

Groups

First Responder Spouse Support Group

Hosted by

Melissa Houlston

Clients learn and share resources and skills that help them thrive as spouses of first responders.

Location

6117 Brockton Avenue

Riverside, CA 92506

Email Melissa Houlston about this group or call - (909) 316-3351

Codependency Support Group

Hosted by

Melissa Houlston

Codependency can be defined as any relationship in which two people become so invested in each other that they can't function independently. Your mood, happiness, and identity are defined by the other person. If you have had difficulty making decisions in a relationship, difficulty identifying your own feelings, valuing the approval of others more than valuing yourself, lacking trust in yourself or having poor self-esteem, having fears of abandonment or having an exaggerated sense of responsibility for the actions of others, then this group is exactly what you need to heal and grow. This group is confidential.

Session Cost

$30

Location

Bellator Psychological Consultants Corporation

6117 Brockton Avenue

6117 Brockton Ave

Riverside, CA 92506

Email Melissa Houlston about this group or call - (909) 316-3351

Parenting Group

Hosted by

Melissa Houlston

If you are having difficulty with that child or adolescent that just pushes your buttons, then this group is for you. Together we will discuss appropriate and healthy developmental growth and problematic behaviors. We will assist with understanding healthier ways to communicate and address those unwanted behaviors.

Expertise

Parenting

Age

Adults

Session Cost

$30

Location

6117 Brockton Avenue

Riverside, CA 92506

Email Melissa Houlston about this group or call - (909) 316-3351

Location

Primary Location

Bellator Psychological - Orange County

23361 Madero

Mission Viejo, CA 92691

(909) 316-3351

Email me

My website

Additional Location

Bellator Psychological - Riverside

6117 Brockton Avenue

Riverside, CA 92506

(909) 316-3351

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

Magnolia Center

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call for a free consultation now - (909) 316-3351

Melissa Houlston

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call for a free consultation now - (909) 316-3351

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