Founder

Licensed Clinical Social Worker #96049

Location: Online, San Ramon & San Francisco, CA

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hello, I’m Christine R. Melendres, Founder & CEO of Sweet Mango Therapy Group, based in California. We are the first Filipina-owned group psychotherapy practice dedicated to serving the Filipina/x/o and AAPI community in the United States.

Born in Iba, Zambales, the Guinness Book of World Records recognizes it as the home of the world’s sweetest mangoes—where my roots lie. As a descendant of the Kapampangan and Sambal people, my ancestral ties extend to Bacolor, Pampanga, and Botolan, Zambales. Having immigrated to the United States at the age of 3 with my parents, I emerged as a trailblazer within my family—the eldest granddaughter on both sides, the first to graduate college in the United States, and the only licensed therapist.

I attended UC Berkeley for my undergraduate degree in Sociology with a minor in education, followed by pursuing my Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Individuals, Families, and Groups at San Francisco State University. Growing up in Daly City, California, I actively engaged in community work from the age of 12, dedicated to serving the Filipino American community. My passion for the mental health field is deeply rooted in my own immigration experiences and bicultural identity.

Specializing in helping high-achieving BIPOC women, particularly those identifying as Filipina/x/o and Asian American, I address issues such as burnout, anxiety, depression, trauma, and imposter syndrome. My approach is culturally sensitive, person-centered, trauma-informed, and warm. As a Brainspotting Practitioner, I utilize interventions tailored to your situation, drawing from my 10 years of experience in various clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and a group home for homeless pregnant women in crisis.

Beyond my practice, I’ve been a speaker for large and mid-size Bay Area companies, sharing valuable insights on mental health and wellness. Cultivating collaborative relationships with local and national organizations, I contribute to the healing and empowerment of the Filipino community. I was appointed as the Co-Coordinator of Mentorship for the Asian American Psychological Association Division on Filipinx Americans (2023-2025).

I was also a Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) delegate for the immersion program in 2023. The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a joint initiative of the Philippine Embassy, Consulates General in the United States, and the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI).

Some fun facts about me: I enjoy playing with my two young children, watching comedy shows with my husband, listening to podcasts, and indoor cycling.

Education

• 2011 Master of Social Work, San Francisco State University, Concentration: Individuals, Families, and Groups
• 2004 Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Education, University of California, Berkeley

Licenses

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker – California Board of Behavioral Sciences – Issued 08/2020
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – Evergreen Certifications – Issued 08/2020
• Medical Social Work Certificate – Society for Social Work Leadership in Healthcare, California Chapter – Issued May 2011

Trainings

• Brainspotting: Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, Phase IV
• Mindful Self-Compassion
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing

Presentations, Panels, & Podcasts

Dare to Dream: Stepping Forward with Courage, “In Full Bloom” Workshop, Thriving Women’s Network, CA, May 2023

Navigating Mental Health: Understanding Symptoms, Coping Strategies, and Work-Life Balance, A Workshop Promoting Self-Care in the Workplace, Innovative Legal Services, CA, May 2023

Self- and Community Care: Praxes of Radical Love and Healing in Filipinx Studies (with Christine Melendres, LCSW and Jeannie E. Celestial, PhD, LCSW), 2023 Bulosan Center for Filipinx Studies Research Conference, CA, June 2023

Linig into 2023, “Therapin*y Thursdays”, Therapin*y, CA, January 2023

Fil-Am Professional Career Panel, (with Christine Melendres, Franco Finn, AJ Emboido, Henni Espinosa, Isabella Reyes, Jaymeebaaby), LinkedIn & LinkedIn Asian Alliance, CA, October 2022

Thriving versus Surviving: A Workshop About Building Resiliency and Promoting Self Care within the Asian American Pacific Islander Community (with Brandon A. Shindo, MSW, LCSW, and Christine Melendres, MSW, LCSW), Great Place to Work, San Francisco, CA, May 2022

Journey on Being an Autism Mom, Episode 8 of The GRACE Matrix™ Own Your Journey Podcast, CA, January 2022

Therapist Meet & Greet, “Therapin*y’s Anihan”, Therapin*y, CA, October 2021

Investment Per Session

• Individual Therapy, 50 minutes: $250
• Family Therapy, 60 minutes: $300
• Superbill Provided Upon Request