CBT Therapist Directory

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Merle Montalvo, LCSW

Experienced LCSW guiding life transitions
  • Midlife transition specialist
  • Eclectic evidence-based methods
  • Accepting new clients

About Merle Montalvo

Merle Montalvo is a licensed clinical social worker in Mississippi who brings 23 years of experience to her therapeutic work. She pursued social work as a meaningful midlife transition and often draws on that personal journey when supporting others facing major life changes. Merle holds the LCSW credential - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - which reflects advanced training and experience in providing psychotherapy and clinical social work services.

Her background is culturally mixed, and she emphasizes both individual uniqueness and shared humanity in her approach. Over the course of her career she has worked across a broad range of settings including outpatient, inpatient, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), home health, and hospice, which contributes to a well-rounded perspective on care at different stages and circumstances.

Merle uses an eclectic, person-centered style to tailor treatment to each person's needs. She integrates cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic ideas, and solution-focused strategies alongside humanistic and insight-oriented methods. Her areas of focus include stress and anxiety, grief, anger, self-esteem and depression, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, career and life transitions, compassion fatigue, and ADHD, as well as aging and geriatric concerns and end-of-life support. She aims to meet clients where they are and collaborate on practical steps toward meaningful change.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Also Specializes In

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Merle Montalvo have?

Merle Montalvo has 23 years of experience.

Is Merle Montalvo a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LCSW credential. Her license details are MS LCSW C5031. LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which indicates training and authorization to provide clinical social work and psychotherapy.

In which languages does Merle Montalvo provide therapy?

Merle provides therapy in English.

Where is Merle Montalvo located?

Merle is located in Mississippi.

How can I work with Merle Montalvo as my therapist?

You can work with Merle through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Merle Montalvo work with international clients?

Merle does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Merle Montalvo 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 and Online Support



Merle commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical strategies for changing behaviors and managing symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and mood difficulties. Mindfulness therapy is also part of her work and focuses on present-moment awareness and acceptance skills that can support coping with grief, anger, and life transitions. Motivational interviewing is used when clients want to strengthen their motivation for change - it involves collaborative conversations that explore values and goals to promote meaningful steps forward.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Merle works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques over time as progress and challenges emerge.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to access consistent care from licensed professionals while balancing work, family, and daily demands. These flexible formats allow therapy to fit into a variety of schedules and life situations, supporting ongoing work on coping, relationships, and personal growth.

Ready to start therapy with Merle Montalvo?

Take the first step toward a better you.