Dr. Laura Waters, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist PSY31585

Dr. Waters is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been practicing in the field for over a decade. She has worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health, private practice, and university counseling centers. Dr. Waters has extensive experience providing therapy and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults, and has been a supervisor for predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees for over five years.

She works with a variety of psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, procrastination, ADHD, autism, behavioral problems, performance anxiety, and phobias. She works with individuals from early childhood through adulthood and has specialized training in evidence-based treatments for children, adolescents, and families.

Although Dr. Waters utilizes evidence-based treatments to support her clients in achieving their goals, she approaches treatment from a relational and developmental framework, preferring to see her clients as whole persons rather than symptoms to be managed. She believes in creating a safe, neuro-affirming, anti-racist, allied space for her clients to explore their challenges while identifying and utilizing their strengths.

Dr. Waters particularly loves conducting psychological assessments and strives to make that process efficient, enlightening, and enjoyable for her clients.

Book dr. Melissa for your event

Dr. Melissa is a sought after presenter who engages her audience with energy, charisma, and critical information. She regularly speaks on the topics of ADHD, trauma, foster and adoption, attachment, child development, parenting, mental health, and faith. Inquire for more information.

Words from the families
we’ve walked alongside.

I had an amazing training experience with Therapy SoCal. Dr. Jinariu is an excellent supervisor and utilizes a strengths-based approach with her practicum students. I feel very confident in my skills working with trauma, adoption, and ADHD thanks to the... More

Erica Kirk, MA

former Masters level Associate

Dr. Melissa Jinariu is amazing to work with and I really enjoy collaborating with her. She works with families in high conflict divorce to help them heal and move forward. She is wonderful with children and incredibly intuitive. I appreciate... More

Emily Robinson, Esq.

Minor's Counsel

Dr. Jinariu is one of the most compassionate and knowledgable clinicians in the field of pediatric psychology. She truly cares about her clients and is an expert in trauma and trauma-informed care. Her standard of excellence is bar none.

Brooke Angaga

LMFT

Dr. Melissa Jinariu is amazing to work with and I really enjoy collaborating with her. She works with families in high conflict divorce to help them heal and move forward. She is wonderful with children and incredibly intuitive. I appreciate... More

Emily Robinson, Esq.

Minor's Counsel

Answers to your mental health questions

Faq

Need More Questions?

Yes. Therapy SoCal’s multilingual team offers services in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Armenian, and Russian. Language availability may depend on the clinician and type of service requested.

Yes. Christian and faith-sensitive counseling is available for clients who would like their beliefs incorporated into therapy. Faith integration is optional, client-led, and offered alongside evidence-based psychological care. Clients do not need to request faith-based services to receive treatment at Therapy SoCal.

Child therapy may help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism-related needs, OCD, trauma, grief, disruptive behavior, emotional regulation, social challenges, family transitions, attachment concerns, and school-related difficulties.

The recommended treatment approach depends on the child’s individual needs and the results of the initial consultation.

Therapy may be helpful when emotional, behavioral, developmental, or social difficulties interfere with your child’s daily life. Signs may include persistent worry, sadness, withdrawal, intense emotional reactions, changes in sleep, school difficulties, family conflict, avoidance, or trouble recovering from a stressful experience.

An initial consultation can help determine whether therapy, psychological testing, parent support, or another service may be appropriate.

To request therapy or psychological testing, complete the form on the Contact Therapy SoCal page or call 661-904-0088.

Please include the type of service you are seeking, the client’s age, your preferred location or telehealth option, and a convenient way to reach you.