Sentir Therapy is led by Dr. Melina Foden, a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in treating children, adolescents, young adults, and caregivers.

Melina Foden, PsyD (she/her/ella) is a bilingual, bicultural licensed psychologist. She has received advanced training in multiple evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Parent Management Training (PMT), and behavioral approaches. Dr. Foden uses an integrated and strengths-based approach to meet the unique needs of her clients and families. She has worked with youth presenting with a wide range of clinical concerns, including depression, anxiety, autism, trauma, self-harm, suicidality, inattention, hyperactivity and difficulties with emotion regulation. She also has extensive training in working with parents to help support their child. She takes pride in working collaboratively with her clients and families to create safe spaces and nurture their mental health. Her therapeutic style is described as warm, authentic, and compassionate. Dr. Foden is passionate about serving diverse and marginalized youth and families, and increasing accessibility to mental health services. She incorporates a culturally humble approach with all her clients. Dr. Foden also serves as a clinical supervisor for doctoral psychology trainees.

Dr. Foden received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Following her work in the UCLA Parenting and Children’s Friendship Program, she began her graduate training within the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium where she earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Foden completed her APA-accredited doctoral internship at the USC UCEDD at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). There she provided individual, family, and group therapy to children and adolescents, conducted comprehensive psychological evaluations, and served as a psychology consultant within a multidisciplinary treatment team. At her APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Foden served as the Child and Adolescent fellow within the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. She provided individual and family therapy services and served as a group facilitator within the comprehensive adolescent DBT program.

Dr. Foden is licensed with the California Board of Psychology; PSY33810.

Additional Prior Clinical Settings (include but are not limited to):

• Stanford University School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

• Stanford Autism Center at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

• Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

• UCLA Medical Center, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

• UCLA, Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior

• Children’s Health Council (CHC), Clinical Services Division & Sand Hill School

• El Camino Hospital, Behavioral Health Services