Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

1 Endorsed

2211 Post Street, Ste 300, San Francisco, CA 94115

(925) 281-0056

Let's Connect (925) 281-0056

You may feel stuck in cycles of self-criticism, weighed down by anxiety, depression, or perfectionism. These struggles can leave you exhausted, isolated, and unsure of how to move forward. With over 15 years of experience using Expressive Arts Therapy, I help clients loosen old patterns, calm overwhelming emotions, and reconnect with resilience and creativity. Through movement, imagery, writing, and play—combined with evidence-based practices—you can discover new ways of being and restore a sense of possibility.

With over a decade at UCSF, I have extensive experience using and teaching DBT to support clients with acute mood symptoms, suicidality, and psychosis. In my current practice, I integrate Expressive Arts Therapy with Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and perfectionism.

It takes courage to reach out for support. When we're really struggling, our loved ones don't always support us in the ways we need. Clients appreciate my warmth, humor, open mindedness, and expertise in working with a variety of problems related to self-criticism. Therapy doesn’t have to be a bummer. Let's find your flow!

Call or Email Melissa Louise Craven now for a free 15 minute consultation - (925) 281-0056

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

2211 Post Street

Ste 300

San Francisco, CA 94115 map

(925) 281-0056

My website

To maximize safety and convenience, I am meeting patients online and- as requested- in person with Walk and Talks (San Francisco parks).

I specialize in Depression and Anxiety

$185 Per Session, I accept insurance

I see individuals and groups

Let's work to bring anxiety to a manageable level- and reconnect with your creative self. Call/ email me to discuss your hopes in therapy.

Let's Connect (925) 281-0056

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

2211 Post Street

Ste 300

San Francisco, CA 94115 map

(925) 281-0056

My website

To maximize safety and convenience, I am meeting patients online and- as requested- in person with Walk and Talks (San Francisco parks).

I specialize in Depression and Anxiety

$185 Per Session, I accept insurance

I see individuals and groups

Let's work to bring anxiety to a manageable level- and reconnect with your creative self. Call/ email me to discuss your hopes in therapy.

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $185

Payment Methods

Paypal, Venmo, Zelle

Insurance

PPO fee-for-service

I will provide you with a monthly super-bill to submit to your PPO for likely reimbursement. You can pay me through Zelle, Venmo, PayPal. Please reach out with questions, I am happy to help you understand your benefits.

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (925) 281-0056

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (925) 281-0056

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / 52019 Melissa Louise Craven

Education and Years In Practice

In Practice for 18 years

Attended California Institute of Integral Studies, MA, Graduated 2008

Additional Credentials

Membership with International Expressive Arts Therapy Association

Certificate from Postpartum Support International

I have a graduate degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis in expressive arts therapy, 14 years experience using DBT and expressive arts therapy with patients at UCSF, and a certification in Perinatal Mental Health.

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (925) 281-0056

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (925) 281-0056

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

Depression
Anxiety

Expertise

Body Image
LGBTQ+
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Parenting
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
Relationship Issues
Suicidal Ideation

You might find me at a crossroads- adulting, transitioning to parenthood, loss or other role changes. You may be more vulnerable to overwhelming emotions and self-criticism. It's a period in which you're confronting unhelpful patterns passed down from generations. While life feels overwhelming now, you'll see improvements in mood and symptoms as you reflect and apply skills- within a month or two.

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (925) 281-0056

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (925) 281-0056

Endorsement

Ricky Morris

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Group

Communities

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Transgender Allied

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Group

Communities

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Expressive Arts
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Positive Psychology

We'll often use Expressive Arts Therapy to provide fresh perspectives and a flexible stance on stuck issues. We may use skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy to reduce reactivity and assert needs effectively. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and other positive psychology practices come in to help prioritize and make changes. Internal Family Systems helps to process old patterns or trauma.

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (925) 281-0056

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (925) 281-0056

Groups

Online Expressive Arts Therapy Group

Hosted by

Melissa Louise Craven

Overwhelming anxiety or depression getting you stuck? The arts present fresh perspectives and enhance our capacity for change. In this 2-hour expressive arts group, we investigate entrenched patterns with a creative stance. Each week, we attune to the senses and expand our understanding through improv, drawing, music, poetry, or storytelling. No artistic skills necessary! Three ways this group will help you -See that you are not alone: Learn how to slow down in your responses to stress. -Effect change in your relationships, work, and hobbies. -Engage with a healing community: Connect with creative wisdom to live your best life.

Expertise

Anxiety

Depression

Types of Therapy

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

Age

Adults

Session Cost

$150+

Group Meets

Every Fri 9 A.M. - 11 A.M.

Location

San Francisco, CA 94115

Email Melissa Louise Craven about this group or call - (925) 281-0056

Location

Primary Location

2211 Post Street

Ste 300

San Francisco, CA 94115

(925) 281-0056

Email me

My website

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

To maximize safety and convenience, I am meeting patients online and- as requested- in person with Walk and Talks (San Francisco parks).

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Call for a free consultation now - (925) 281-0056

To maximize safety and convenience, I am meeting patients online and- as requested- in person with Walk and Talks (San Francisco parks).

Melissa Louise Craven

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C

Call for a free consultation now - (925) 281-0056

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