About Dr. Melissa Richman

Hello and welcome to my private practice. I want to share a little about myself with you.

I received my Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Pepperdine University in 1991, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 1994 with a concentration in mental health, and my Doctor of Psychology in 2001. I received my LCSW from the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners in 1997. Thereafter, I then served as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychiatric Social Worker in local hospitals such as Northridge Hospital and Cedars Sinai Medical Center. I supervised and managed an Addiction/Mental Health PHP program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center from 1998-2000 and during the start of my private practice I consulted for healthcare companies, assisting practitioners throughout California learning to work with the managed care system. 

Over the years, I have had a focus in the entertainment field working with many high-profile clients in my private practice.  My clients include families, adults, and couples. I care about a divorce environment becoming less traumatic and healthier. I work with couples going through divorce in a “Curative” and “Collaborative” process. I believe in an integrative approach with family law attorneys to assist my client in the divorce process. The ending of a marriage is a significant life change. Essentially, relationship is the constant in life, and this is the core of my therapeutic approach.   

I feel my dual degree in social work and clinical psychotherapy has allowed me to share a great many rewards and lessons in understanding human nature and relationship development. Together, I will support you in building a healthier, more authentic relationship with yourself. We will journey through many layers and explore parts of yourself while healing shame, resolving grief and loss. The end goal is to find contentment and a more unstuck self while having fulfilling relationships personally and professionally.  “My focus is to offer with great humility the chance to empower my patients by cultivating a ‘partnership’ style relationship through their treatment. I do this with my colleagues as well and know this is the main agent of change in patient care. I feel it is a crucial factor in the cohesiveness and progression of my client’s recovery. . Because of the intimate nature of therapy, the therapeutic alliance becomes the most crucial component of success. By entering my clients’ world in a light of support, respect, and safety, I help them seek change through awareness and enlightenment. Being bound to act in a client’s best interest is a high calling that I believe permits no compromise. 

Psychotherapy is a process that is invaluable. I believe that working with a client is all about taking a journey together, where I navigate and guide my client in a deep exploration to achieve change. If one can change or alter their subjective reality, then relief and a new perception will follow. That is the essence of this journey. I hope I can help in this area. “By receiving my patient fully this I hope to enhance your treatment experience.