Who is Melissa Dumaz?

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Melissa Dumaz is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in guiding clients through the intricacies of emotional, mental, and physical trauma. Her expertise also extends to addressing grief and loss, enhancing relationship satisfaction, navigating parenting challenges, managing life transitions, and fostering self-care.

Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of La Verne and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach. She became a licensed therapist in 2009, bringing a wealth of experience from her role as an in-house therapist for the Violence Intervention Program in Los Angeles. Her career also includes pivotal roles at the Hollywood-YMCA Counseling Center, Penny Lane Centers, Counseling 4 Kids, and Foothill Health & Rehab Hospital Center, where she honed her therapeutic skills and earned the respect of her peers.

In 2010, Melissa took a significant step in her career by opening her own practice, uniquely named “U Help You.” This choice reflects her foundational belief that everyone possesses the inner strength and capabilities necessary for overcoming their challenges; they simply need guidance to unlock and utilize these internal resources.

Melissa’s passion for changing lives through therapy is palpable. She views her work as more than a profession—it’s a calling to alleviate the profound pain no one should have to endure alone. She often shares that her most rewarding moments come when she witnesses the transformative realization in her clients—the "light bulb" moments that signal a pivotal breakthrough in their therapeutic journey.

Dedicated to providing personalized care, Melissa tailors each session to meet the unique needs of her clients, empowering them to discover their inner strength and live confidently. Her specialized training includes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Incredible Years Parenting Program, and Seeking Safety. Melissa is also a proud Clinical Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), actively contributing to the professional community and staying abreast of the latest developments in therapy.