Hello and welcome!
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California (LCSW) and I have been working in the counseling field since 2010. I have experience working in outpatient and residential settings with individuals with a range of ages experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and a wide range of challenges.
I use a person-centered, and integrative approach with the individuals I serve. This means that I make consistent efforts to meet you "where you are at". I hope to support you in being a catalyst to progress through your unique process of self-discovery and self-identification. I utilize relationship building, experiential and narrative approaches, and solution-focused therapy. During sessions, we are a team, addressing challenges together to become free from judgment, criticism, and pain.
I believe in creating a space where we can have difficult conversations, work on resolving challenges, and collaborate together to identify goals tailored to your personal needs and experiences. It takes a lot of courage and motivation to reach out for support. I am here for you and thank you for trusting me to support you on your team.
I am available for unscheduled communication with subscribers Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me which can range in times throughout the week; please view "Schedule a session with your counselor" to schedule a time for us to live chat, video, or call.
Please remember that BetterHelp (or sister site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away!
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Anger management, Career difficulties, Depression, Coaching, Codependency, Communication problems, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Emptiness, Family Problems, First Responder Issues, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Phobias, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
CA LCSW 66499
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Melissa Planas. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Melissa is ten out of ten stars! Sessions are the perfect blend of compassionate, reflective listening, perceptive insight, and practical tools/advice. She is especially gifted at noticing and highlighting patterns or blind spots in a kind, thoughtful, and supportive way. I think Melissa would be a good fit for anyone, but I especially want to encourage my fellow empaths and HSPs to seek her out... you won't be disappointed!
Written on Aug 17, 2022 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and compassion fatigue
Melissa is attentive, motivating, and great at organizing the emotional chaos; helping find tethers to reality and wellness.
Written on Dec 01, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and adhd
I have only had a couple of sessions with Melissa but I already feel like I have been seeing her for a long time. She immediately makes you feel at ease from the moment your first session starts. I am really looking forward to seeing how things progress in our upcoming meetings.
Written on Apr 21, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks
She is awesome. Getting to know her and will be able to update as we go. But i really like her and her style. Always happy and smiling which has a calming effect on me.
Written on Apr 20, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Melissa is amazing! She has been so patient with me since I’ve started my sessions with her. She has guided me in a way that has allowed me to open up which has helped me grow immensely! She is very honest and and genuine. Her being invested in me has made me be invested in myself and I have noticed the changes occurring in my life for the better. I would recommend Melissa to anyone who is looking starting to take their mental health seriously but doesn’t know where to start and for those who want to continue to grow and find new ways to be better! She is amazing!
Written on Jan 22, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Melissa is wonderful. So happy to be working with her, especially because I was so hesitant to do online counseling in the first place. Really grateful for Betterhelp and the experience I've had!
Written on Oct 29, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes