Melissa McDonald Wertz, LCSW, CSW
Compassionate Colorado LCSW for meaningful change
- Trauma and addiction
- CBT and mindfulness
- Flexible online sessions
About Melissa McDonald Wertz
Melissa McDonald Wertz is a licensed clinical social worker based in Colorado with 10 years of experience providing therapy and case management. She works with people facing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, substance use and behavioral addictions, PTSD and other trauma-related issues, grief, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions. Her approach blends practical skills with emotional support so clients can build insight and develop tools to manage symptoms and move toward healthier functioning.
Melissa's style is warm and interactive, with an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for change. She creates a welcoming space for clients to share their experiences and to explore individualized strategies for recovery and growth. She uses an eclectic mix of evidence-informed approaches - including cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, solution-focused methods, and trauma-focused interventions - tailoring interventions to each person rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
She holds the credentials LCSW and CSW - LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker and CSW indicates a clinical social work credential - and brings experience supporting people through caregiving and end-of-life concerns, veteran and military-related issues, process addictions, and compassion fatigue. Melissa frames the decision to seek help as a courageous first step and aims to walk alongside clients as they pursue meaningful change.
Melissa's style is warm and interactive, with an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for change. She creates a welcoming space for clients to share their experiences and to explore individualized strategies for recovery and growth. She uses an eclectic mix of evidence-informed approaches - including cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, solution-focused methods, and trauma-focused interventions - tailoring interventions to each person rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
She holds the credentials LCSW and CSW - LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker and CSW indicates a clinical social work credential - and brings experience supporting people through caregiving and end-of-life concerns, veteran and military-related issues, process addictions, and compassion fatigue. Melissa frames the decision to seek help as a courageous first step and aims to walk alongside clients as they pursue meaningful change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
Hospice and end-of-life counselingVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesParanoiaPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Melissa McDonald Wertz have?
Melissa McDonald Wertz has 10 years of experience working as a therapist and case manager.
Is Melissa McDonald Wertz a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credentials LCSW and CSW. License details are CO LCSW CSW.09923891.
In which languages does Melissa McDonald Wertz provide therapy?
Melissa provides therapy in English.
Where is Melissa McDonald Wertz located?
Melissa is located in Colorado.
How can I work with Melissa McDonald Wertz as my therapist?
You can work with Melissa through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Melissa McDonald Wertz work with international clients?
Yes. Melissa works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Melissa McDonald Wertz cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches for online care
Melissa blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy with Motivational Interviewing to address a range of concerns in online sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and teaching concrete skills to change them - it is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Mindfulness Therapy cultivates present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance to reduce reactivity and support emotional regulation, which can be helpful for stress, trauma symptoms, and chronic worry. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented style that helps people find their own reasons for change and strengthen motivation, often useful for addictions and behavior change.Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Melissa works collaboratively with clients to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and to tailor interventions so therapy aligns with what matters most to the individual. This collaborative process helps determine which methods to emphasize and how to adapt them for online work.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and shorter interactions can occur through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, to maintain continuity across life transitions, and to access licensed professionals regardless of location.
Ready to start therapy with Melissa McDonald Wertz?
Take the first step toward a better you.