

For more than 25 years, I’ve worked with people who feel stuck—whether that’s because of anxiety, low mood, difficult relationships, or negative beliefs that make it hard to move forward. If life feels overwhelming or you’re just surviving day to day, you’re not alone.
I’ve spent much of my career supporting individuals and families through major life transitions, including years working overseas with military families. Because of that experience, I understand how disruptive change, stress, or trauma can feel—and how important it is to have the right support while navigating it.
Clients often describe me as compassionate, insightful, and encouraging. My goal is to help you get to the heart of what’s bothering you and rediscover a sense of direction, confidence, and possibility in your life.
My name is Melyssa Rivera-Lopez; a Forensic Licensed Clinician who graduated with high honors from Barry University. I have 20 + years of experience working in the field. Responsibilities include delivering evidence-based treatment options, assessments, diagnosis, recommendations pertaining to mental health status, and serving as an expert witness. Other functions include policy and program development, mediation, advocacy, and behavioral science research.
Life can be full of different stressors, which is where I can help. I will provide a warm, non-judgmental, safe, and interactive environment where we take on complex subjects, deep-seated traumas, or for you to say the things you've never told anyone before. I understand these are difficult subjects to speak about, and I will build a therapeutic relationship with you so that you feel strong enough to share. By doing this, we can form realistic and attainable goals to establish growth and promote healing. Remember that healing is not linear. The best gift you can give yourself is to master the chaos & find a way around it.
Hi! I'm Femina, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who blends compassion with clarity and practicality. I notice patterns in how people think, communicate, and relate to themselves and others, and I help clients understand how these patterns show up in their daily life. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be honest while also being gently challenged. Clients often tell me they appreciate how I help them build emotional resilience, communicate effectively, set boundaries, and make meaningful changes that last. My focus is not just on coping, but on growth that feels real and empowering.
I give you the tools to communicate more effectively, re-establish connection, rebuild trust, and recover after betrayal. I also help you heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and sex & love addiction.
I received my PhD from Columbia University and did a Postdoc at Johns Hopkins University. I am an expert in the field as evidenced by my speaking engagements on TV, radio, and conferences. I have also taught at several universities and have published in peer-reviewed journals.


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