Milissa Duarte
AMFT 161833 | Supervised by Kelly McAnelly, LCSW 120845
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.
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
Therapy Style:
Collaborative
Authentic
Warm
Culturally sensitive and affirmed
Structured
Interactive
Empowering
Non-judgmental
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)
Availability:
Accepting virtual clients
Accepting in-person clients in Torrance (Southbay)
Fee:
$120 for individuals | $180 for couples & Families
Sliding scale may be available
Insurance:
Unitedhealthcare | Aetna | Optum
Superbill for All PPO
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