Melissa Cruz
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Melissa Cruz
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Melissa Cruz is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in South Florida. She received her Master's in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Miami, and Bachelor's in Psychology from Florida International University. She has spent the last ten years studying psychology and mental health. She is a member of Psi Chi, the National Honors Society in Psychology.
Born and raised in Miami, Melissa is a bilingual therapist that has experience working with adults, adolescents, families, and groups. She has worked with clients to address a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, sexuality and gender identity issues, addiction, family relations, life transitions, and immigration trauma. Her therapeutic approach is culturally competent and trauma informed. During the pandemic, she has expanded her services to include both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. More recently, she has served as a therapist at the University of Miami working with adolescents and families. Prior to this, she spent time as a therapist at a residential treatment center working with adults in recovery from addiction and other mental health issues.
Melissa's approach includes building a collaborative relationship with her clients; empowering them to make the necessary changes in their lives. She does this by utilizing a person-centered and cognitive approach, focused on finding skills and approaches that work for them personally. Her clients often bring a variety of concerns to therapy around identity, family, self-worth, belonging and body image, among other topics. Her focus involves providing a safe space that is secure, culturally-aware, and compassionate.
Specializations
Melissa's Areas of Expertise
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Melissa Cruz uses a person-centered and cognitive approach to build collaborative relationships with her clients. Born and raised in Miami, she is a bilingual therapist with ten years of experience working with adults, adolescents, families, and groups across a culturally competent and trauma-informed lens.
Areas of Focus
Melissa Specializes In
Treatment Methods
Therapeutic Approaches
Person-Centered Therapy
Building a collaborative relationship with clients and empowering them to make necessary changes in their lives
Cognitive Approach
Focused on finding skills and approaches that work personally for each client to support meaningful growth
Trauma-Informed Care
Culturally competent and trauma-informed approach addressing concerns including immigration trauma and addiction recovery
Culturally Competent Counseling
Bilingual therapy providing a secure, culturally-aware, and compassionate space for diverse populations
Identity & Body Image Work
Supporting clients around identity, family, self-worth, belonging, body image, and sexuality and gender identity
In-Person & Virtual Therapy
Offering both in-person and virtual therapy sessions to make professional support accessible and flexible
Melissa tailors every treatment plan to the unique needs of each client, working collaboratively with adults, adolescents, families, and groups to achieve meaningful and lasting well-being.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions about working with Melissa Cruz at Buxani Counseling Care.
How do I schedule an appointment with Melissa Cruz?
Please use our online form to schedule an appointment with Melissa Cruz. You can also call +1 786-808-HOPE (4673) and we can assist you.
Is Melissa Cruz accepting new patients?
Melissa Cruz generally accepts new patients, please contact our office directly to check her availability.
Which insurance plans does Melissa Cruz work with?
Buxani Counseling Care accepts the following insurance providers: United Healthcare, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield / Florida Blue, Carrisk, Allegiance, Avmed, UHSS, and UMR.
Where is the work office of Melissa Cruz located?
Melissa Cruz officers services at Buxani Counseling Care located at 9700 S Dixie Hwy #880, Miami, FL 33156, United States.
Does Melissa Cruz offer Telehealth sessions?
Yes, Melissa Cruz does offer both Telehealth and In-office visits.
Ready to Begin?
Start Your Journey with Melissa Cruz
Individuals interested in working with Melissa Cruz can contact Buxani Counseling Care to schedule an initial consultation. During the first appointment, clients can discuss their concerns, therapy goals, and determine the best treatment approach for their needs.
Call +1 786-808-HOPE (4673)