Dr. Melissa Risso
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, CSE, CST (she, her)
Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
11 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401
Let's Connect (650) 262-5707
Are you tired of talking endlessly about the problems in your relationships and are ready to find solutions? Are you frustrated with all the general relationship advice out there and just really want a professional therapist to understand your unique situation and guide you through it? I’m Dr. Melissa Risso, and I can help. I am a Licensed MFT, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator with a passion for helping individuals and couples live better lives. My education, professional experience, and life experience have taught me how to listen to people without judgment.
I’m not afraid of challenging and complicated relationship problems, especially when it comes to exploring sexuality and intimacy. In fact, I work with some of the tough problems even other therapists don’t want to work with (sexual problems, histories of trauma, alternative sexualities)! I’m not afraid to talk about sex-- all strictly professional!
While I don’t have all the answers to every problem you might face—I’m not super-human—I will take the time to understand you, and we will work together to create a plan for success just for you. I got into this line of work because I believe everyone has a story to tell that deserves to be heard— that we all face challenges that need the support of someone.
Call or Email Dr. Melissa Risso now for a free 15 minute consultation - (650) 262-5707
Let's Connect (650) 262-5707
Finances
Fees
- Individual Sessions $245
- Couple Sessions $270
- Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible
Payment Methods
American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, VisaInsurance
- Concern
- Lyra
- Out of Network
Dr. Melissa Risso
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, CSE, CST
Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (650) 262-5707
Qualifications
- Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / MFC80126 Melissa Risso
- In Practice for 12 years
- Attended California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), Human Sexuality/Ph.D., Graduated 2021
- Degree/Diploma from Santa Clara University Master's in Counseling Psychology / 2010
- Degree/Diploma from UCLA BA in Sociology & Psychology / 2009
Education and Years In Practice
Additional Credentials
Dr. Melissa Risso
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, CSE, CST
Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (650) 262-5707
Specialties and Expertise
Top Specialties
- Sex Therapy
- Relationship Issues
- Sexual Abuse
Expertise
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Bisexual
- Body Image
- Cancer
- Career Counseling
- Consensual nonmonogamy practices
- Coping Skills
- Divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Exploring Self-Fulfillment/Identity
- Family Conflict
- Geriatric and Seniors
- Grief
- Infertility
- Infidelity
- Lesbian
- LGBTQ+
- Life Coaching
- Marital and Premarital
- Men's Issues
- Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
- School Issues
- Self Esteem
- Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
- Stress
- Thinking Disorders
- Transgender
- Trauma and PTSD
- Veterans
- Women's Issues
Dr. Melissa Risso
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, CSE, CST
Do these issues align with your needs? Email or (650) 262-5707
11 Endorsements
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 ,
Sex Worker Allied ,
Transgender Allied
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 ,
Sex Worker Allied ,
Transgender Allied
Treatment Approach
Types of Therapy
- Attachment-based
- Existential
- Family / Marital
- Family Systems
- Feminist
- Gottman Method
- Humanistic
- Imago
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative
- Positive Psychology
- Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
- Somatic
- Trauma Focused
Dr. Melissa Risso
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, CSE, CST
Ask about what different forms of therapy will be like. Email or (650) 262-5707
Groups
Women's Sexual Health Group
This group is for women of all ages and sexualities who would like to explore sex and/or sexual concerns. Topics include communication around sexuality, anxiety related to intimacy, self-pleasure, mindfulness with sexuality, and more! This 6 week long group will provide a safe, confidential space to explore and gain support around these topics. Group meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7 PM to 9 PM. For more information, please contact Melissa Risso, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, at (650) 295-0919 or RissoCounseling@gmail.com
Expertise
Relationship Issues
Sex Therapy
Women's Issues
Age
Adults
Session Cost
$50
Group Meets
Every Mon 7:99 P.M. - 9:99 P.M.
Location
Risso Counseling
120 N El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA 94401
Email Dr. Melissa Risso about this group or call - (650) 262-5707
Navigating Intimacy After a Baby (Online)
"Navigating Sex After a Baby" is an 8-week online therapy group for women exploring the emotional, physical, and relational shifts that impact intimacy after childbirth. Led by Dr. Melissa Risso, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist & AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, this group offers a supportive space to process identity changes, body image, low libido, and partner dynamics—while gently reconnecting with your sexual self.
Expertise
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
Women's Issues
Age
Adults
Session Cost
$70-$90
Group Meets
Every Tue 9 A.M. - 11 A.M.
Email Dr. Melissa Risso about this group or call - (650) 262-5707
Location
Nearby Areas
Counties
Neighborhoods
Dr. Melissa Risso
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, CSE, CST
Call for a free consultation now - (650) 262-5707