Hi, I’m Melissa.
I’m a licensed psychologist in Austin working with individuals and families to untangle life’s messiness and find what really matters.
How I got here.
I came to this work through lived experience. Growing up, I saw how stress and mental health struggles affect not just individuals, but entire families.
Studying psychology gave me a language for what I’d been through—and a path toward healing. That process shaped not only my life, but how I show up in this work today: with curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for each person’s story.
Building a practice
with heart. .
What started as a personal calling grew into something bigger. In 2013, I opened my private practice and founded the Austin Center for Child Psychology to support kids, parents, and families through the ups and downs of growing up.
Over time, my work has grown too. Today, I also support adults, couples, and families as they navigate all kinds of life stages and transitions—relationship challenges, identity questions, or simply the parts of life that don’t fit neatly into a box.
How I Work.
Therapy isn’t one-sided—it’s something we create together. I bring warmth, care, and practical tools to help you feel understood, supported, and more connected to yourself and others. Here are a few values that guide me:
Openness
Healing doesn’t look the same for everyone. I bring research-backed tools and an active, engaged style—but I also stay open to how you make meaning and find your own path to healing.
Curiosity
I bring a curious, non-judgmental approach to understanding the patterns in your emotions and relationships—so you can decide what still serves you and what’s ready to shift.
Respect
Therapy works best when there’s mutual respect. I’ll bring my knowledge and experience, and I’ll always value the insight, strength, and honesty you bring to the process.
Training & ongoing growth.
I earned my doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston, where I focused on making therapy more inclusive and effective across cultures. Since then, I’ve worked with people of all ages in a variety of settings.
Growth is an ongoing part of my work. I stay connected to training and consultation in family systems, relational, and experiential therapies—and I continue my own personal work so I can meet each person with openness, clarity, and care.
A multicultural lens. .
My Lebanese-American heritage has shaped how I think about healing—with a strong respect for identity, community, and the threads that stretch across generations. I bring a multicultural lens to therapy, staying attuned to how culture, history, and systems shape our inner worlds and relationships.
Outside the office.
I was born and raised in Texas and love spending time outdoors with my husband, two kids, and our dogs. I stay grounded through movement, meditation, and finding joy in everyday moments—whether it’s dancing, yoga, or exploring Austin.