Melissa Anne Behrends-Gelfman, MA, LMFT
(Her, She)
Preferred Name: Meli
About Me
I finished my basic training in 2023 and have been pursuing full certification ever since. I am finally certified (A dream come true!) As of 10-1-26. I've been working with Michelle Gottlieb, and Curtis Rouanzoin for my consultation hours and have been truly blessed to learn from them.
I am a graduate of Brandman University (Now UMASS Global) part of the Chapman University System in 2018. I obtained licensure as an MFT in 2024 (April) and now 2 years post licensure. I have begun working as a supervisor to new associates in the MFT field.
I have come from a long line of strong women, but am the first to graduate from college. I still intend to apply to doctoral program in the next 2 years to further my education. My grandmother who raised me, passed in 2013 but I know I would have made her proud.
I'm a good therapist not only because of my education but also because of my lived experiences. I was raised in poverty, a child in the welfare system and it did not stop me from attempting to have a better life than those of the women in my lineage who came before me. I am also an extremely spiritual person, highly-intuitive, and skilled in empathy and understanding. I continue along on my path to prove my worth to my children, for them to see their worth and to believe that they can do anything they put their minds to.
Education & Experience
Undergrad program at California Baptist University - class of 2005 Magna Cum Laude.
2005 - Worked for Trinity Residential Services - with minors who were sex offenders as a child care worker.
Had my children from 2007 to 2011.
2011- Worked for Victor Community Support Services as a mental rehabilitation specialist.
Grad Program completed at Brandman University - part of the Chapman University system - pre UMASS Global, 2018.
2017 - I worked at a methadone clinic (Aegis Treatment Centers) as a counselor, for my very first practicum position.
2018 - I worked as a clinical social worker in a foster family agency (Greater Hope).
2019 - I worked for Lutheran Social Services as the Head Therapist for the success first program, with children ages 5-18.
2020 - I worked for Desert Mountain Children's Center (SELPA) - as an intervention specialist.
2021 - I worked for a private practice (Nspiring Change)
2022 - Found my current position with Clarity Family Therapy Services, based out of Los Angeles and have been with them ever since.
Currently I am with Rula, Headway, and Clarity Family Therapy Services.
As of June 2026, I opened my private practice "Phoenyx Psychotherapy".
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
As of 2025 I have started volunteering with the TRN (Trauma Recovery Network) EMDR Hap, Los Angeles Chapter as the regions coordinator under Dr. Jonna Fries.
As of 2026 I have restarted my membership/affiliation with CAMFT.
As of 2025, I also have joined the SEIU union for caregivers.
Specialty Area
- ADHD/Neurodiversity
- Abuse/Neglect
- Addictions
- Alcohol/Substance Abuse
- Anger Management
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Chronic Illness/Medical Issues
- Depression
- Domestic Violence
- Eating Disorders
- Family Issues
- Gender Identity
- Grief/Loss/Mourning
- Moral Injury
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
- Phobias
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Self-Harm
- Sexual Abuse
- Somatic Issues
- Spirituality
- Stress Management
- Suicide Risk
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults
- First Responders
- Immigrants
- LGBTQ+
- Seniors
- Underserved
- Veteran Center
- Veterans/Military
Language
- English
- Spanish
Insurance
- Aetna
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Cigna
- Kaiser Permanente
- Magellan Health
- Medicare
- Sliding Scale
- TRICARE
- UnitedHealth
carelon, LA Care, Anthem Blue Cross, Molina, Optum
