Opens in a new tab

You don't have to figure it out alone

Therapy for adults & teens

In-person in Sausalito, virtual across California

Life has a way of bringing us to moments we didn't plan for, transitions that unsettle us, relationships that strain under pressure, feelings that don't have easy names. It may be something specific that brings you to therapy or a sense that something needs to change.

Whatever has brought you here,
you're in the right place.

Lisa McNelley, LMFT

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults, teens, and parents navigating some of life's most challenging chapters. Whether you are in the middle of a major life transition, feeling disconnected from yourself, struggling to connect with your teenager, or a teen struggling to cope, I'm here to help you.

Therapy is not about having the right answers. It is about having a supportive environment to work with the questions.

If you’re interested in how my journey has guided me into therapy and shaped my approach, you can find it on the About page.

How I work

I work with adults and teens 16+, with a particular focus on life transitions, women in midlife+, parents navigating their teenager's struggles, and teens trying to find their footing. I bring warmth, directness, humility, and genuine curiosity to every session.

Every person who comes into my office is unique, with their own strengths and challenges. I respect my client’s inner wisdom, sense of self, and agency in deciding what works for them. Therapy is a collaborative process that only works when my client feels seen, heard, understood, and fully accepted for who they are.

You can read more about some of the forms of therapy I provide on the Services page.

In-person & telehealth

I offer in-person sessions in Sausalito, California. My office is a space that feels calm, unhurried, and removed from the noise of everyday life.

If you would rather walk along the Sausalito waterfront than sit on a couch, walk and talk sessions are also an option. Sometimes the best conversations happen outside.

For those who work from home or who live elsewhere in California, I offer telehealth sessions throughout the state.

Ready to take the first step? Reach out to schedule a free 20-minute call to see if we would be a good fit.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Common questions

My fee for a 50-minute session is $175 for individuals and parents. 90-minute sessions are available for family support at $225 per session. I believe everyone deserves access to quality therapy. That’s why I offer a limited number of reduced-fee spots for clients who are eager to start therapy but are seeking a more flexible fee option. If you are interested in beginning therapy but cost is a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll be happy to discuss options.

I am a private pay provider (OON) and do not accept insurance. However, I can provide monthly superbills for you to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Please check with your provider to understand your benefits, as coverage varies by plan.

Yes, I offer in-person sessions in Sausalito, California. My office is located off the 101 freeway and is easily accessible from Bridgeway. If you would prefer to meet outdoors (weather permitting), I offer walk-and-talk sessions along the waterfront footpath that is accessible from the office building.

Yes, I offer telehealth (virtual) sessions for clients residing in California and who need or prefer the flexibility. Telehealth sessions are hosted through SimplePractice, a HIPAA-compliant platform.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with the State of California. I was trained through California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, California where I earned my master’s in science in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Integral Counseling Psychology. I completed my pre-license training as a school-based counselor for alternative high schools as well as supporting clients in private practice.
My years as a school-based counselor has provided me a depth of experience and training to address teen’s mental health challenges, including suicidality, substance use/abuse, self-harm, social media and porn addiction, identity, self-esteem, sexual orientation, early childhood trauma, physical and sexual abuse.
Prior to becoming an LMFT, I worked for 30 years in product development and marketing for technology and non-profits. I hold a BA in Communications and MBA in International Business. I have found this experience particularly helpful in working with clients who show up with issues related to work and work/life balance.

Once you fill out and submit the contact form from this website, I will reach out to schedule a free 20-minute consultation call to learn a little more about your needs, answer any questions, and see if we are a good fit. If you are ready to begin, we will schedule your first session, and I will send the intake paperwork to complete before we begin.

During our first session, we’ll explore your needs, intentions, and goals to create a plan that supports your healing at a pace that feels right. Bring any questions you have, this time is for you.

If you cannot make it to your session, I will make every effort to reschedule you for another date/time within the next week. Emergencies happen. Serious health issues, unavoidable events, and the like, get in the way. Outside of these emergencies, I maintain a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you are unable to make your appointment due to a non-emergency and do not contact me 24 hours prior to your session to reschedule, you will be billed for that session.

Some people come to therapy for short-term support around a specific challenge, while others stay longer for deeper healing, relationship work, trauma processing, or ongoing personal growth. We will explore what level of support you need in our initial session and develop a plan that fits. My goal is to help you feel more supported, connected to yourself, and better equipped to navigate life, not to keep you in therapy indefinitely.