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 1708 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309   •   315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

(404) 565-4385    | 

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Melody Contreras, M.S.
Advanced Assessment Extern

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

Positionality: I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Latina therapist-in-training and first-generation immigrant. My multicultural background informs my commitment to providing culturally responsive, affirming, and inclusive care for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Hi, I'm Melody!

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Latina therapist-in-training (pursuing my doctorate in Clinical Psychology) with experience working with college students, first-generation students, immigrants, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

My clinical experience includes providing individual therapy, conducting psychological assessments, facilitating psychoeducational workshops, and supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and trauma-related concerns. I am especially passionate about working with individuals whose cultural identities, family dynamics, and lived experiences shape how they move through the world.

I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. My approach is grounded in cultural humility and centers each person’s unique identities, values, strengths, and experiences. I believe therapy can be a meaningful space for healing, growth, and self-discovery, and I feel honored to walk alongside clients as they work toward goals that feel authentic and important to them.

My Approach

My therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also integrating person-centered and culturally responsive perspectives. I believe our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and cultural experiences are deeply interconnected and all play an important role in shaping our well-being. Through CBT, I support clients in identifying unhelpful thought patterns, developing healthier coping strategies, and building practical skills to navigate life’s challenges. At the same time, I value the person-centered foundations of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard, which help foster a strong, supportive therapeutic relationship.

In my work with clients, I strive to meet each person where they are and tailor therapy to their unique needs, goals, values, and cultural experiences. I view clients as the experts of their own lives and believe therapy is most meaningful when it is collaborative. Rather than telling clients what to do, my role is to support them in exploring their experiences, deepening self-understanding, identifying strengths, and creating meaningful change. I am committed to providing a respectful, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel safe, empowered, and supported in their personal growth.

Outside of Work...

Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, partner, and pets. I love traveling, exploring new places, attending soccer matches, doing puzzles, building LEGO sets, watching movies and TV shows, and finding opportunities to experience new things. As a doctoral student, I also value quiet time to relax, recharge, and appreciate the simple moments that help me maintain balance and well-being.

Academic Training

I am a doctoral student pursuing in my Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Mercer University. I completed my M.S. in Psychology from Mercer University. I am working under the supervision of Dr. Melanie Wilcox, Ph.D, ABPP.

 

  • In Progress: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Mercer University; expected in 2028

  • M.S. in Psychology from Mercer University

  • B.S. in Psychology, Minor in Sociology, University of North Georgia

  • ​B.A. in Marketing, Minor in  Business Administration, University of North Georgia

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