— Work with me
One-on-One Therapy and Walk and Talk
When life narrows to worry, comparison, or treading water, we’ll slow down, orient to the senses, and work intermodally—shifting between drawing, movement, music, and words—to find traction
What issues do I address?
If worry or heaviness has become your default, therapy should feel grounding—not overwhelming. I use expressive-arts processes and concrete tools to help you sleep better, think clearer, and feel more like yourself.
Coming home after a psychosis episode can feel disorienting. I offer structured, online expressive-arts therapy for adults in California to help you steady your nervous system, restore routine, and rebuild confidence—at a safe, sustainable pace.
Use role-play and brief expressive-arts tools to steady your voice, set healthy limits, and feel closer to the people who matter.
As a parent or parent-to-be, you are more vulnerable to overwhelming emotions and self-criticism. In this time of adjustment, there is so much possibility. Let’s tap into your strengths.
What approaches to therapy do I use?
Gain perspective, practice skills, and build a sense of enjoyment through drama, drawing, movement, and writing
Learn skills to accept and better manage overwhelming emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Pivot away from life-draining responses and toward life values.
With compassion, approach the parts of you that react to stress in a way that no longer serves you.
Formats:
Online Therapy
Meet with me in the comfort of your own home via the Zoom platform. In my experience, online sessions are just as effective as in-person and they’re more accessible and convenient for some clients.
Walk and Talk Therapy
Are you someone who thinks on your feet or feels more comfortable sharing while moving? You may benefit from walking therapy sessions. I will meet you at a San Francisco park, where we may walk a trail or pause to practice a skill.
Contact me to book a free, 15-minute consultation. This is an initial opportunity to ask questions and begin to identify goals. In our first session or two, we will get to know your hopes and struggles. In subsequent sessions, you may need to talk through an issue, learn a coping strategy, or practice forms of expression.
Cost:
- Online Therapy: 53 minutes — $200 per session
- Walk and Talk Therapy: 53 minutes — $240 per session
Payment. Credit and debit cards, HSA and FSA cards, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or check.
Using out-of-network benefits? I’m not on insurance panels, but most PPO plans reimburse 50–70% of out-of-network therapy — and I can file those claims for you, so there’s nothing for you to submit. I’m happy to help you understand your coverage before we begin — bring your insurance card to our free 15-minute consultation and I’ll look at it with you. How out-of-network reimbursement works →. Monthly superbills remain available on request if you’d rather file yourself.
Cancellations. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give me at least 24 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, and missed sessions, are charged at the full session fee — I’m not able to fill that time with another client. Arriving 15 or more minutes late counts as a missed session. To cancel, leave a message at (415) 940-3881.
Other clinical time. Collateral work — family meetings, calls with your other providers — is billed prorated from the session fee ($3.33 per minute at $200). Subpoena-related work is billed at $400 per hour.
Your right to a Good Faith Estimate. If you don’t have insurance, or you choose not to use it, you have the right to a written estimate of what your care will cost before we begin. I’ll give you one automatically, and you can ask for one at any time. If you’re ever billed for substantially more than the estimate, you have the right to dispute it. Just ask, and I’ll put it in writing.
In a psychiatric emergency? Please call or go to your closest emergency department, or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Some of my clients and colleagues have said:
I’m a psychiatrist and clinical director who has known Melissa and her work closely for more than a decade. Melissa does excellent work and I trust her and recommend her without hesitation as a skilled and devoted therapist. She will support and be there for you throughout your journey in therapy.
PSYCHIATRIST COLLEAGUE
Find contentment again
Are you ready to take charge of your relationships & happiness?
You can also reach me at melissalcraven@proton.me (preferred) or by texting or leaving a voicemail at 415 940 3881.