Our Clinicians

Dr. Melisa Finch (pronouns: she/her) is a licensed psychologist with  over 20 years in behavioral healthcare. She has extensive experience  with evidence-based therapy for adolescents and adults who present with a  variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD and other  trauma-related concerns, as well as work-related, relationship and other  life stressors.  

Dr. Finch’s therapeutic approach is  based on identifying and developing a person’s strengths and promoting  resiliency to overcome life’s hurdles. She believes that therapy is a  collaborative process in which together, the client and therapist  explore and problem-solve current difficulties. Therapy is  individualized to the needs and goals of the client as each person  brings their own unique personal history, life experience, and  worldview. Using a cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused framework,  clients are guided through a process of self-exploration to understand  the underlying cause of current problems; discover the connection  between one’s thoughts and feelings; and change beliefs and behaviors to  lead a healthier, more fulfilling and purposeful life.  

Dr.  Finch received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the  University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and her Master of Arts and Doctor of  Philosophy degrees in Clinical Psychology at The University of South  Dakota. She completed her predoctoral internship at the Colorado Mental  Health Hospital in Fort Logan, and her postdoctoral residency at the  Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections.  

Dr. Finch  has a breadth of experience, including inpatient, outpatient, and  residential treatment, in community mental health, and in private  practice. She also has a background in clinical administration in the  public and private sectors, providing consultation and support to  behavioral health agencies on program planning and development,  clinical/licensure supervision, and employee training and development.  Prior to joining Forest Psychological Clinic, Dr. Finch worked as a  director for a community mental health agency and was responsible for  overseeing their crisis, residential, and outpatient services.  

In  her free time, Dr. Finch enjoys going to live music, museums, watching  movies, and traveling. She is passionate about social and environmental  issues, and volunteers with local groups to support their mission.