Clinician
Melissa Horton is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) serving as the Intake Coordinator for the Veterans Initiative at the University of San Diego’s Tele-mental Health Clinic. Since joining the initiative, Melissa has conducted over 200 intakes and facilitated numerous individual counseling sessions. Melissa attended Arizona State University for four years and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Elementary Education. She went on to the University of San Diego and completed her two-year Master's of Art program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to beginning her master’s program, Melissa taught Kindergarten in Arizona. During her time there, she noticed a higher need for mental health providers in underrepresented communities. Melissa completed her Practicum experience at two Veteran Affairs clinics in the San Diego area where she provided trauma-informed care, conducted group therapy sessions, and conducted many Intake and Treatment Plan appointments.
Melissa is trained in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE). Since completing her master's program, Melissa has continued to focus on her passion of supporting underrepresented communities. Melissa worked as a Clinician for an outpatient clinic serving individuals that have Severe Mental Illness (SMI). Melissa returned to the University of San Diego in 2025 with a mission to resume the delivery of mental health services to Veterans, National Guard members, and their families. Melissa plans to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the near future and focus on furthering her passion in providing mental health services to underserved communities.
Melissa supports clients through the Veterans Initiative - CVHI branch of the clinic.