Melissa DeSantis, MSW

Melissa DeSantis, MSW is currently working as a Resident Counselor at Alta Mira Treatment Centers in Sausalito, California. Alta Mira is an in-patient residential treatment center for adults with dual-diagnosis of addiction and mental health issues. Melissa is also attending Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, on her way to obtaining a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology. Her research area is neuropsychology and the treatment of alcoholism and addiction. The main interest in her research is the use of EEG biofeedback and neurofeedback for the treatment of addiction and sustained recovery. Before coming to San Francisco, Melissa was a Resident Counselor at The Canyon at Peace Park in Malibu, California. She received her Master of Social Work, concentration in Mental Health, from the University of Southern California in 2007. Melissa received her Bachelor of Psychology from Fairfield University in Connecticut in 2005 and worked on the detox and rehabilitation unit of Hall-Brooke Behavioral Health Services from 2003-2005. She has also worked as a Probation Officer for adolescents in the juvenile justice system in Connecticut, a case manager for homeless and mentally ill women in the area known as "Skid Row" in downtown Los Angeles, Child & Family Therapist at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles, and Resident Counselor at an adolescent treatment facility in Malibu.

Melissa's passion lies within the treatment and understanding of those suffering from addiction and alcoholism, psychologically as well as spiritually. Her treatment philosophy is influenced by Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.