About  Family & Children's Services, Inc.

Founding Therapist, Melinda Haynes, MA, LMFT
I am honored to assist children and their families as they transition from crisis to stability, from confusion to clarity, and from pain to healing, in a variety of life situations.  My background is working with children who have encountered difficult times, including trauma, insecure attachment, or abuse. 

Oftentimes, a child's emotional concerns will show up in unpleasant behaviors.  I work with the child and the parent/s to address the various components of environment, internal emotional states, coping skills, parenting approaches.

When appropriate, I collaborate with school staff and other important people in the child's life.  This may include family counseling to address sibling conflict, attending IEP meetings and the like.

I am community-based, meaning I use our natural community environment to facilitate healing via experimental and nature-based activities.  I have found that children and teens respond very well to this type of intervention.

I also have a play therapy office located in Chico that features a sand tray, a variety of miniatures,  puppets, and various other child-focused therapy items.

Some of my professional highlights are...
- Working with children healing anxiety, depression and trauma (PTSD) that has resulted from a variety of painful life circumstances 
- Working with parents to heal their own childhood wounding and/or mental health issues to experience more success in their role as Parent
- Working with families as they recover and reunite after Court ordered detainment (known as CPS or CSD involvement); sometimes referred to as Reunification Therapy 
- Received additional training in trauma-focused recovery (TF-CBT) and attachment trauma recovery
- Previously in private practice as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Oklahoma (no. 1153)
​- Member of the American Association of Christian Counselors since 2014.
- California Southern University, Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, 2009- magna cum laude
- CSU, Chico, Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, 2003, cum laude


530-518-1406

Please note that no therapist can guarantee results. There are both risks and benefits to counseling and success varies due to many factors. Please check with your therapist for more information on this.
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​Melinda Haynes, MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
California lic. no. 102308
Serving Chico, Paradise, Oroville, Gridley 
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