Melissa Rivera, LMFT
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through Octave
At a glance
Melissa is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, Octave.
- Great news, Melissa is accepting new clients!
- She is normally fully-booked.
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
More about Melissa
- 7 years' experience
- Female
- LMFT
My work is with adults helps them explore their interlocking identities, discover their path, and navigate through the adjustments to new responsibilities and demands of adulthood, like enrolling in college, adjusting to school, and/or work life, moving away from family, or moving back in with family.
I help adults who experience feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, or defeat from the pressures of work-life, family, relationships, self-criticism, addiction, and other co-occurring disorders. I offer support to the experiences unique to the LGBTQQIA+ community. Part of my practice is also devoted to creating a safe space and validating the often-discounted struggles of ethical vegans, animal advocates, and people who are grieving the loss of their animal family members. I will work with you to build and apply safe coping skills to assist in breaking through your obstacles and challenges, despite your circumstances.
Specialties
Treatment Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Harm Reduction
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused
- Strengths-Based
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Licenses
Melissa Rivera's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1659650265.
- LMFT · California · 105924 · Renews January 2026
About online therapy
- Affordable.
- Get high-quality therapy without the high price. Clients pay an average of $28 per session with in-network insurance.
- Convenient.
- Schedule sessions that fit your life, not the other way around.
- Available now.
- No long waitlists. Get matched with a licensed therapist and start therapy as soon as your benefits are confirmed.
Octave makes evidence-based therapy easier to access and easier to afford. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, or life transitions, Octave connects you to thoroughly vetted therapists that can meet on your schedule, take insurance, and care about helping you find clarity.
It works: 74% of Octave clients see meaningful improvement with their depression and anxiety symptoms in three months, and outcomes consistently exceed national averages.
Reviews for Melissa Rivera
Frequently asked questions
Does Melissa Rivera offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Melissa Rivera works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Melissa Rivera speak?
Melissa Rivera speaks English.
How many years of experience does Melissa Rivera have?
Melissa Rivera has 7 years of experience.
Where is Melissa Rivera licensed to practice?
Melissa Rivera is licensed to practice in California.
Does Melissa Rivera accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Melissa Rivera does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of [a major teletherapy service] experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Melissa Rivera offer?
Melissa Rivera offers clients Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems.
How can I communicate with Melissa Rivera?
Melissa Rivera can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Melissa Rivera?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap BOOK NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to Octave's website to start your therapy journey. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.