Hi, and welcome to my psychotherapy practice.

My journey into this work began with a simple but powerful question: Why do we do what we do? That curiosity led me to study psychology at the University of California, San Diego, and it continues to guide me in the work I do today.

After graduating in 1993, I began working in an Acute Diversion Unit in San Francisco, supporting individuals living with severe mental illness. It was there that I witnessed both deep struggle and incredible resilience—experiences that shaped not only my career, but who I am as a therapist and as a person. I found myself continually moved by my clients’ capacity for strength, even in the most difficult circumstances, and it was this work that inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others find a greater sense of peace.

I later earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University, where I worked closely with underserved communities throughout San Francisco. During that time, I developed a strong foundation in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and the complexities of family and relationship dynamics.

Like many of my clients, I’ve moved through different seasons of life. I stepped away from my career for a time to raise my family, and when I returned, I worked in opioid addiction treatment. That experience deepened my respect for how complex and courageous the process of healing can be, and it continues to inform the compassion and perspective I bring to my work.

Since 2007, I have been in private practice, primarily working with adults and couples. Over the years, it has been an honor to sit with people as they navigate challenges, grow in self-understanding, and begin to make meaningful changes in their lives.

In 2025, I returned to my hometown in the East San Francisco Bay of California. Today, I work with clients both in person and virtually throughout California, while continuing to support my Ohio clients through telehealth. I feel grateful to maintain those long-standing relationships while also building new connections in my local community.

I believe therapy is a place where you can bring your full self—without judgment. Together, we explore the patterns that may be holding you back, whether they show up as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or something harder to name. Many of these patterns exist outside of our awareness, yet they can deeply shape how we experience ourselves and others.

My role is to offer a steady, compassionate presence as we begin to understand these patterns and create space for something new. In a safe and trusting environment, therapy can become a place of insight, healing, and real transformation.

This process looks different for everyone, but meaningful change is possible. With openness, curiosity, and a strong therapeutic relationship, therapy can lead to a more connected, fulfilling way of living.

I work with adult individuals, couples, and families, and I am deeply committed to providing inclusive, affirming care for all clients. I proudly support LGBTQ individuals and those from communities that have not always felt seen, supported, or understood.

Melissa Strombeck, IMFT-S
Ohio License: F.0700005-SUPV
Ohio Training Supervision Designation: LE-00038724
California License: LMFT 146603

I am a clinical fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, an organization that promotes high standards for education and experience in family therapy.