Milissa Duarte

AMFT 161833 | Supervised by Kelly McAnelly, LCSW 120845

Verified licensed therapist by Psychology Today

Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed trying to keep up with daily life, struggling to stay organized, or navigating relationships, identity, or family dynamics that feel confusing or exhausting? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I strive to create a warm, affirming, and grounded space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin making sense of what you’re going through. Whether you’re navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, life transitions, or challenges within your relationships or family system, I work collaboratively with you to strengthen emotional awareness, heal from past trauma, and develop practical tools that support your confidence. My approach is authentic, compassionate, and empowering. I meet you exactly where you are, helping you feel safe enough to be yourself while supporting meaningful, lasting growth.

My Specialities

Individual Therapy

Neurodivergent Care

Children & Teen Therapy

Family Therapy

Parenting/Caregiver Support

Couple Therapy

ADHD / AuDHD / ASD

LGBTQ+ Support

My Path as a Therapist

My path as a therapist began with hands-on work supporting children and adolescents, where I first developed a deep appreciation for the importance of structure, consistency, and emotional attunement. As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), I worked closely with individuals on the autism spectrum, implementing individualized behavioral interventions while also supporting caregivers in understanding and responding to their child’s needs. These early experiences shaped my understanding of neurodivergence, strengthened my ability to build meaningful connections, and reinforced the value of meeting each person where they are with patience, empathy, and practical support.

Through my graduate training in clinical psychology and marriage and family therapy, I have continued to deepen my clinical skills through trauma-informed, relational, and systemic approaches. My work draws from modalities such as DBT, attachment-based therapy, family systems, and object relations, allowing me to support clients in understanding both present challenges and the deeper relational patterns that shape their experiences. When working with children, I incorporate play and art-based interventions to support expression and developmentally appropriate healing, while also integrating caregiver involvement to create lasting, meaningful change.

In my current work, I support children, teens, adults, and families navigating a range of concerns including ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relational challenges, and identity exploration. I am especially passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as supporting women through an empowerment-based lens. I help clients build structure in their daily lives, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop practical tools that foster independence, confidence, and self-understanding. My approach is warm, authentic, and collaborative—creating a space that feels both grounding and empowering.

My cultural lens is rooted in humility, curiosity, and respect for each client’s lived experience. While I identify as a cisgender white woman, I bring both personal and professional experience working with diverse communities, including individuals and families navigating cultural differences, interfaith dynamics, and generational expectations. I am committed to ongoing learning and strive to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and affirmed in all aspects of their identity. I believe therapy is not only a space for healing, but also for growth, self-discovery, and building a life that feels more aligned and authentic.

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Top Issues I Work With:

  • Trauma (PTSD)

  • Neurodivergent care (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD)

  • Family conflict

  • Interpersonal/relationship issues

  • Attachment wounds / Childhood wounds

  • Children & Teen counseling

  • Anxiety and chronic stress

  • Parenting conerns

  • Depression and mood disorders

  • Life transitions and adjustment stress

  • LGBTQ+ support

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Therapy Style:

  • Collaborative

  • Authentic

  • Warm

  • Culturally sensitive and affirmed

  • Structured

  • Interactive

  • Empowering

  • Non-judgmental 

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Trainings & Approaches

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Family System

  • Evidence-based Therapy

  • Art / Play therapy

  • Skill building

  • Attachment-focused

  • Trauma-Informed Care

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

  • Psychoeducation

Education & Credentials

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

  • Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist 161833

  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

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Availability:

Accepting virtual clients

Accepting in-person clients in Torrance (Southbay)

virtual therapy that offers a flexible appointment time in California

Fee:

$120 for individuals | $180 for couples & Families

Sliding scale may be available

virtual therapy that offers low fee in California

Insurance:

Unitedhealthcare | Aetna | Optum

Superbill for All PPO

virtual therapy that is covered by insurance in California

Get Started with Melissa

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