Home | Therapy in San Pedro
MELISSA PEDERSEN, MA LMFT INC.
Therapy in
San Pedro, CA
1403 W. 8th St, San Pedro, CA 90732
Free parking. Ground-level entrance.
Melissa Pedersen, MA LMFT Inc.
You just need someone who gets it.
Life here is good, but it isn’t always easy. Long shifts and nights on the docks can wear a family down.
When things get hard, we’re here. We take your longshore, union, and fire insurance. Join us for therapy in San Pedro today.
Call 310-801-8152 or message us to book a free 15-minute consult.
Therapy in San Pedro, CA
Born and raised in San Pedro.
Most people find our San Pedro office the same way. A friend, a cousin, or somebody they work with gave them our number. That’s how it goes in this town, and we work hard to earn that trust.
Melissa, our founder, grew up in San Pedro. After graduate school, she came back home to open this practice for her neighbors. She’s been doing this for 18+ years.
This office sees adults, couples, teens, and kids. People come in when a marriage is in trouble, when work and stress pile up, or when the past keeps coming back. We help you feel better and get back on track.
Meet Our Team
Meet With a Therapist in San Pedro, CA
We’ll match you with the right therapist.
Therapy in San Pedro, CA
What We Help With at Our San Pedro Office
We’ll match you with the right therapist.
Anxiety
Slow down a mind that won’t shut off.
Depression
Get your energy and spark back.
Trauma & PTSD
Stop letting the past run your life.
Grief & Loss
Get support after losing someone close.
Stress & Burnout
Recover from long shifts at the port and long weeks at home.
Work Stress
Leave work at work, so you can enjoy life at home.
Substance Use
Get drinking or using back under control.
Anger
Learn to cool down before you snap.
Marital Problems
Fight less and feel close again.
Relationship Issues
Fix what’s not working with the people you love.
Communication Problems
Say what you mean without starting a fight.
Life Changes
Get through a new baby, a divorce, or retirement with help.
Parenting Support
Find what works with your kids.
Blended Families
Help new stepparents and stepkids find their way.
Self-Esteem
Feel good about who you are again.
Therapy in San Pedro, CA
Who We Support in San Pedro
Adults
Care for adults working through stress, worry, loss, or big changes.
Couples
Married or not, couples come in to fight less and trust more.
Teens
We give teens a safe place to talk when things get complicated.
Kids (5+) & Tweens
We help kids understand their feelings through play.
Longshore, Fire & Union Families
Your insurance is good here, and so is your whole family's.
LGBTQ+ Individuals
Talk to someone without having to explain yourself first.
Therapy in San Pedro, CA
Why Locals Choose Us
We Take Longshore Insurance
If your card says ILWU-PMA, you're covered. We also take union and firefighter insurance.
We're From Here
We know this town, the port, and the families who keep it running.
Easy to Get To
Free two-hour parking and a ground-level entrance.
Fast to Get In
Usually within a week, if not sooner.
In Person, Online, or by Phone
Come in, or talk to us from home anywhere in California.
Melissa Pedersen, MA LMFT Inc.
Visiting Our San Pedro Office
1403 W. 8th St, San Pedro, CA 90732
Our office is on the ground floor.
Free two-hour parking on site.
Usually 9 AM to 6 PM. We don't offer weekend appointments.
Therapy in San Pedro, CA
What Our Booking Process Looks Like

1. Reach Out
Call 310-801-8152 or send us a message. A real person will get back to you within 36 hours.

2. Free 15-Minute Consult
We'll talk about what's going on and answer your questions, with no cost and no pressure.

3. Get Scheduled
We'll match you with the right therapist and book your first session, usually within a week.
Therapy in San Pedro, CA
Questions About Our San Pedro Location
Is there parking?
Yes. Free two-hour parking is available at both of our offices.
Is the office wheelchair accessible?
Our San Pedro office is at ground level. If you have questions about access, call us at 310-801-8152, and we’ll make sure it works for you.
What are your hours?
Our office hours are usually 9 AM to 6 PM. We don’t offer weekend appointments.
What if I need help after hours?
We respond to crisis calls after hours and on weekends. If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
What happens at my first appointment?
You’ll get a warm welcome, and we’ll go over our policies. Then your therapist will ask about your history and give you the time and space to tell your story.
Do you take longshore insurance at the San Pedro office?
Yes. If you’re in the ILWU, therapy is covered for you, for your husband or wife, and for your kids. If your card says ILWU-PMA, you’re covered. We also take other local union insurance and firefighter insurance. Not using insurance? Cash sessions are $200.
Do you see kids at the San Pedro office?
Yes. We see kids from age five, plus teens and young adults. Art therapy is available at our RPV office.
Can I do therapy online instead?
Yes. We do online and phone sessions anywhere in California.
Is there a therapist near me in San Pedro?
Yes. We see people from San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, Lomita, Torrance, Long Beach, and Rancho Palos Verdes. Call 310-801-8152, and we’ll set you up with a therapist in San Pedro.
How fast can I get in?
Usually within a week, if not sooner. Call 310-801-8152, and we’ll get you set up with the right therapist.
Therapy in San Pedro, CA
What Can Change After Therapy in San Pedro
With time and support, you may:
- Feel less stressed and more like yourself
- Sleep better and have more energy
- Get along better with the people you love
- Have a calmer home for your kids
- Know there's someone local in your corner
Melissa Pedersen, MA LMFT Inc.
How To Get Started

Call
For your free 15-minute consult.

Message
Fill out the contact form, and we'll get back to you within 36 hours.
Visit Us for Therapy in San Pedro, CA
1403 W. 8th St, San Pedro, CA 90732