Live Better Counseling
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About Marissa

Credentials
Pre-Licensed Professional Counselor, Pennsylvania
Certified Elementary and Secondary School Counselor, Pennsylvania


Education
PhD Candidate (2024) Educational Psychology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Master of Science, School and Mental Health Counseling, University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Science, Education: Middle and Secondary, Saint Joseph's University

Therapy Approach and Style
Marissa takes a direct approach in guiding her clients- helping them recognize their strengths to foster personal growth. Her style is relationship-oriented. She focuses on building a safe, supportive environment for her clients through a strong therapeutic rapport and centers the relationship around openness and acceptance. She implements Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Qualifications
Marissa has specialty trainings in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Anxiety Management, Grief Counseling, Special Education, and College Admissions Counseling. ​Prior to entering the field of therapy, she was a certified school teacher in PA & NJ.

Languages
Understands Spanish and Italian

Outside of Therapy
Marissa loves to travel and learn about different parts of the world through food, music, and cultural experiences.
During college she had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome. She loves to go back and visit in summer. She also
 loves dancing and has been taking Salsa and Bachata lessons. She likes to attend concerts, comedy shows as well as spending time with her dog and loved ones.
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Session Rate 
$150 per 50 minute 

What Students Say...


"Thank you so much for helping me adjust to high school! It was definitely difficult for me to transition to this school, especially due to coming from another country. However, with your aid, things went so much easier over time. I am so grateful to have you as my counselor. You helped me in so many ways whether it be choosing courses or college decisions.Thank you for guiding me for the past 4 years and for supporting my decisions. I am truly grateful for the advice that you have provided me." 
- Former Student



"Over the years there have been many wonderful teachers and staff but I am writing to tell you that I believe one of your staff members is extraordinary and has gone above and beyond to help my daughter throughout high school. Marissa Kimmel became her guidance counselor at the start of her sophomore year. She was diagnosed with depression, an anxiety disorder, and anxiety and panic attacks. To say that Marissa has been an invaluable resource for her would be a huge understatement. She has struggled throughout high school with her mental health and Marissa has been a safe and welcoming touchstone for her for the past three years. At the start of her sophomore year, she had a difficult time making it through classes without needing to leave due to panic and anxiety attacks. We found a wonderful therapist and psychiatrist for her but it was Marissa she was able to go to on a daily basis when she was struggling. Marissa helped us get her on a 504 plan, communicated with her therapist, psychiatrist, teachers and helped her advocate for herself and navigate through high school. I truly do not think my daughter would have been able to get through high school without the constant and unwavering support of Marissa. She is an unbelievable asset to the district and I will be forever grateful for what she has done to help our family."
- Parent of Former Student​

​Live Better Counseling
​
2211 Post Street, Suite 300
San Francisco CA 94115

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(415) 480-5264​
​​www.livebettercounseling.org

​
By Appointment Only
​​
​In Person & Video
The best way to contact us is via the contact form
  • Home
  • Services
  • Therapists
  • Office
  • Request Appointment