True Life Psychology Clinicians
Anthony Bonavita, PhD.
Psychologist, PSY31286
(He/Him)
Dr. Bonavita’s clinical path began in the presence of profound human vulnerability. After earning a Master of Divinity from Naropa University, he trained as a chaplain through the University of Colorado Hospital’s Clinical Pastoral Education program, working closely with individuals and families during times of illness, uncertainty, and grief.
He later served as a hospice chaplain throughout Colorado’s Front Range and in Santa Barbara, California. These years—spent accompanying people at the end of life—deeply shaped his understanding of suffering, meaning, and what truly matters. They also sparked a calling to work with individuals earlier in life, before crisis and loss had narrowed the possibilities for change.
This led him to pursue doctoral training in clinical psychology. In 2017, Dr. Bonavita completed his PhD in Clinical Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute, after which he provided psychological services with the Palliative Care team at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. In 2019, he became a licensed psychologist and established his private practice.
Today, Dr. Bonavita works with a wide range of psychological concerns, maintains ongoing study in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and regularly attends Buddhist meditation retreats. His work is informed by both rigorous clinical training and long-term contemplative practice, bringing depth, presence, and care into the therapeutic relationship.
Melanie McMillan, PsyD.
Psychological Associate #94028501
(she/her)
I am a psychological associate supervised by Dr. Anthony Bonavita. Born in Singapore, I studied in Los Angeles and later lived and worked in London for many years before returning to Los Angeles, which I now call home.
I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in philosophy from Loyola Marymount University. Afterward, I pursued a master’s degree in organizational psychology at City University in London, which led me to a role in recruitment for MI5, the British Security Service, specializing in psychometric assessment. Upon moving back to Los Angeles, I dedicated my time to motherhood. Eventually, I chose to pursue my doctorate at Pacifica Graduate Institute, drawn to its emphasis on depth psychology. My research centers on trauma, specifically developing a treatment modality for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
As a psychoanalytically oriented therapist, I see therapy as a collaborative effort between the therapist and the patient, working together to uncover the root of their discomfort. I have experience in community mental health and am now in private practice, where I primarily treat individuals and couples dealing with complex PTSD, grief, anxiety, and depression. Living in three countries has given me a multi-cultural perspective on my work and I approach my patients the same way I approach life—with curiosity and acceptance.
Chris Mendoza, PsyD.
Registered Psychological Associate #94028512
My journey into psychology has been shaped by a lifetime of service, leadership, and personal growth. Immediately after high school, I joined the military, later pursued opportunities in athletics at both the collegiate and professional levels overseas, and eventually returned to military service following the events of 9/11. After completing my military service, I worked in a variety of leadership roles while continuing my education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and a Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. Along the way, I also worked in law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical services—experiences that deepened my appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and the challenges people face during life's most difficult moments.
These experiences ultimately led me to Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I completed my doctoral training in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology and began integrating my life experiences with a deeper understanding of suffering, healing, and personal transformation. This journey continues to inform my work today and has fostered a profound appreciation for the complexity of identity, relationships, growth, and the ways people make meaning of life's challenges.
I approach therapy through a collaborative, relational, and trauma-informed lens tailored to each person's unique experiences and needs. Drawing from psychodynamic, relational, existential-humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral perspectives, I help clients explore both present-day challenges and the deeper patterns that shape their lives, relationships, and sense of self. Central to my work is a commitment to emotional attunement, curiosity, and fostering greater self-understanding. I work with adults facing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and challenges related to identity, purpose, and emotional well-being. My intention is to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to live with greater authenticity, connection, and meaning.