I am a social worker licensed at LCSW level in Mississippi. Sometimes we need someone to help us make needed changes or keep track of how we’re doing with the many ways we and our lives can change. Becoming a social worker was a midlife transition for me. “It’s never too late.” was a saying that became a mantra as I learned from challenges related to making a new life 30+ years ago. But now, with a stronger cognitive perspective, I’d change that to, “It’s not too late right now”.
My cultural background is mixed. To me, each person is unique, but our common humanity makes us alike. My experience is broad including : outpatient, inpatient, IOP, home health and hospice.
I take an eclectic approach towards working with others, so that I can fit what I offer to your individual needs. Modalities and techniques I can bring to our work include: humanistic, insight-oriented, cognitive behavioral, wholistic, and solution focused .
Additional areas of focus:Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and geriatric issues, Codependency, Communication problems, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Divorce and separation, Family of origin issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Merle Montalvo. 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.
Merle is always attentive and professional. She provides many strategies to overcome anxiety and to deal with family issues. I would highly recommend her to anyone suffering from anxiety.
Written on Sep 09, 2025 after therapy with Merle for 5 years and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
Merle is a compassionate, thoughtful and qualified therapist. I look forward to talking to her each week.
Written on Jun 30, 2025 after therapy with Merle for 6 months
Merle is fine. As a caretaker with a lot of demands and technical difficulties better help is not a fit
Written on Jun 11, 2025 after therapy with Merle for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Merle was incredibly kind and patient with me. Listening to me go off on a tangent and showing me other ways I could express myself. I appreciate all the help she offered me.
Written on May 13, 2024 after therapy with Merle for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and self esteem
I feel completely comfortable to be myself and openly discuss things I'm dealing with in my sessions with Merle. I feel like she really understands and cares about the things I have to say and the things I'm going through. 10/10
Written on Apr 28, 2023 after therapy with Merle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, c
Wonderful to talk to, very understanding and supportive
Written on Apr 19, 2023 after therapy with Merle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
I’ve been working with Miss Merle for over a year now and the progress we’ve made is life changing. She’s so very knowledgeable and so easy to talk to!
Written on Feb 07, 2023 after therapy with Merle for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Ms. Merle is an extremely knowledgeable, caring therapist. I feel like she listens and has solutions. She encourages me, helps me to make sense of how I feel, the anxiety and stress I'm struggling thru, and I teaching me psychology, theories, and strategies so I can not only find a way to get thru, but to find joy and happiness and purpose again.
Written on May 06, 2022 after therapy with Merle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Marvelous Merle!
She’s down to earth and relatable. Her tone is incredible. You may get spa day Merle or southern mama Merle. She adjusts to my needs and tone to level with our conversation. And, when you’re on the phone, I couldn’t think of anything more important than tone. It’s like an air hug of warmth and understanding sprinkled with advice and encouragement.
Written on Dec 09, 2021 after therapy with Merle for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I love Merle!!! She understands my concerns and situations. She is Awesome!!!!
Written on Sep 10, 2021 after therapy with Merle for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and sleeping disorders
Merle is the most amazing counselor for me. I have participated in therapy in the past, and she is one of the most influential sources of positive mental health I have ever experienced. I am so greatful for her expertise, candor, humor, and compassion. I look forward to more work with her.
Written on Aug 03, 2021 after therapy with Merle for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and compassion fatigue
I’m pleased so far with better help. Thank you, and I look forward to more sessions
Written on Jun 24, 2021 after therapy with Merle for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, anger management, and adhd
I've just completed my 3rd session with Merle and already her suggestions when applied in my daily life have improved the quality of my well being. She is very knowledgeable in array of areas and facets of therapy and how to apply them to daily life, not just in session. What this does is actually puts me in the driver's seat of the improvement of my mental health. I feel that this approach will let me move as fast or slow as is comfortable for me. 10 out of 10 would recommend this therapist to anyone willing to do the work of getting better. As a bonus, Merle is one of the coolest people in the world!
Written on Jun 08, 2021 after therapy with Merle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and career difficulties
So far I've had nothing but good experiences with Merle. She's been very kind and understanding of my feelings, as well as focused on my desire to overcome my issues, and giving me great stepping stones to make progress. I didn't know how much sleep affected daily problems, but her advice to start with sleep issues and move from there was a game changer.
Written on Apr 30, 2021 after therapy with Merle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Merle has been such an encouragement, especially during 2020. Being able to communicate with her via txt whenever needed, about anxiety or parenting issues or dating is such a great thing. I definitely would recommend Merle to a friend, and have twice already.
Written on Jan 14, 2021 after therapy with Merle for 1 year
She's amazing!
Written on Mar 23, 2020 after therapy with Merle for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Merle is a great counselor. She pays close attention to my questions and needs and provides valuable insight to helping me address my problems.
Written on Mar 04, 2020 after therapy with Merle for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and grief
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