Dr. Elizabeth Briggs is the founder of Cultivate Wellness and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, as well as a Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

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Dr. Briggs brings an integrative, psychodynamically grounded approach to therapy that emphasizes self-exploration, insight, and meaningful change. Her work is informed by a combination of depth-oriented theory and evidence-based practices, allowing her to thoughtfully tailor treatment to each client’s unique experiences and goals. Her clinical specialties include working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating relationship and family conflict, life transitions, trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, substance use concerns, and body-focused repetitive behaviors.

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Dr. Briggs currently serves as the Regional Director for Effective School Solutions and has extensive leadership experience in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. She has held leadership roles within CARF- and JCAHO-accredited programs and has developed and overseen behavioral health programming in collegiate and K–8 school-based settings. Her work has focused on expanding access to care, empowering clinicians and educators, and strengthening community and district partnerships. She has also contributed to professional development and training for educators and mental health professionals. 

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Outside of her professional work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time in nature, gardening, traveling, exploring new restaurants, and sharing life on the coast with her husband, two dogs, and cat.

Matthew Melendrez is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #18450) practicing under the supervision of Dr. Elizabeth Briggs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in International Affairs, a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is currently completing a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology. Matthew also brings specialized training as a Certified Rape and Domestic Violence Crisis Counselor and is certified in Mental Health First Aid, with additional training in attachment-based and trauma-informed interventions.

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Matthew provides a trauma-informed, multicultural, and integrative approach to therapy, drawing from attachment theory and Polyvagal Theory to support emotional regulation, relational safety, and healing. His clinical interests and areas of focus include working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating trauma and complex trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, grief and bereavement, fertility and reproductive mental health (including IVF, miscarriage, and infertility), foster care and adoption-related concerns, neurodivergence and disability-related stressors, racial and multicultural identity development, interracial family dynamics, gender-based and sexual abuse/violence, and spiritual or religious trauma. His work is grounded in the belief that lasting change emerges when both individual experience and broader relational, cultural, and systemic contexts are thoughtfully explored.

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In his personal life, Matthew places a strong value on relationships, community engagement, and justice-oriented living. He enjoys time with his wife and two children, staying connected to family and friends, and remaining actively involved in his community.

 

He is guided by the words of Dolores Huerta, who once told him, “Remember to play and remember to dance, because you need your legs to be strong for marching.”