Melody G. Rhode, PhD

Psychologist

Dr. Melody G. Rhode is a Psychologist in Bellingham, WA with special training and skill in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. As a Psychologist, Melody G. Rhode, PhD performs mental health assessment and therapy. Psychology is a medical specialty focused on helping patients understand the causes of their mental health disorders so they can be treated with therapy or medication. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Psychologists include depression, anxiety, specific phobias, alcohol, drug, and gambling addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, behavioral disorders, bereavement, and marital problems. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Psychologists include mental health assessment and diagnosing, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, group therapy, addiction counseling, marriage counseling, exposure therapy, and referral to other specialists as needed.

A psychologist is an individual who is licensed to practice psychology which is defined as the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, and modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods, and procedures, for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health. The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to, psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and neuropsychological functioning; counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavior analysis and therapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorder or disability, alcoholism and substance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, as well as of the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability; and psycheducational evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation. Psychological services may be rendered to individuals, families, groups and the public.

Marriage & Family Therapist

Dr. Melody G. Rhode is a Marriage & Family Therapist in Bellingham, WA with special training and skill in interviewing and diagnosing clients, then counseling them and treating any mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage and family. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, Melody G. Rhode, PhD performs counseling and emotional support to help families navigate relationship and behavioral issues, while seeking to secure a long-term solution to mental and emotional disorders and a wide variety of relationship issues. Marriage & Family Therapy is the modification of perceptions and behavior, as well as improvement of communication among spouses and family members in crisis. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Marriage & Family Therapists include marital conflict, dysfunctional behavior, communication issues, and mental illness. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Marriage & Family Therapists include interviewing, observing, counseling, and customizing treatment plans for clients in marriages and families.

A marriage and family therapist is a person with a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, or a master's or doctoral degree in a related mental health field with substantially equivalent coursework in marriage and family therapy, who receives supervised clinical experience, or a person who meets the state requirements to practice as a marriage and family therapist. A marriage and family therapist treats mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage and family systems. A marriage and family therapist provides mental health and counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups.