Malissa Wood, MA, LLP/LPC, NBCC holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Oakland University with a specialization in Mental Health.  She is licensed as both a counselor and psychologist, as well as being a Nationally Board Certified Counselor.  
Malissa has 20 years mental health experience in a variety of locations, including hospitals, schools, agencies, and community mental health settings.  She has held executive and leadership roles within her different capacities.  She also has spoken on a variety of topics in the community and on the radio.  In addition, she has written articles for local publications and would love to eventually write child focused therapy books. 
Malissa has been in private practice in Macomb County for over 10 years and has been featured in Metro Parent as one of the “Top Docs” in southeast Michigan, as voted for by her clients. She founded Bella Vita Counseling on the principles she was taught growing up in a close-knit Italian family. Living your beautiful life, is the foundation of which her counseling center was built. Malissa uses innovative, self developed techniques to help get the best out of her clients in treatment.  Her “out of the box” approach is what makes Malissa unique as a clinician. Clients have commented on how Malissa’s relaxed, down to earth approach feels more like sitting with an old friend than counseling. 
Malissa’s style as a therapist is creative and gentle, yet honest and efficient.  All her work is person-centered and focuses on the clients’ needs. She makes her clients feel at home by providing a nurturing, inviting environment. Malissa believes that strong mental health is imperative to one’s health and well being.  She is an advocate for her clients and their families. She feels passionate about treating each client with compassion and respect and learns from each and every one of them as she continues to grow as a therapist. She couldn’t imagine another career that would be more rewarding.