- detox experience
- IOP and PHP
- education background
About Marissa
Marissa Melhuse is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with four years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression. Marissa also focuses on concerns such as communication problems, control issues, divorce and separation, forgiveness, guilt and shame, loneliness, post-traumatic stress, and self-love.
She has practiced across levels of care including detox, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs. That experience shaped how she approaches complex, overlapping needs like substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. Marissa draws on an integrative style and uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide sessions.
Her background in education influences how she explains ideas and tools in simple, usable ways. Sessions include skill building for coping and concrete steps for managing cravings, stress, or overwhelming memories. The focus is on small, repeatable practices that fit into everyday life.
Marissa aims to help people develop sustainable coping skills and work toward greater stability. She discusses goals with each person and adjusts the work as needed. People who come because of guilt or shame will find that these feelings are addressed alongside related problems like addiction, grief, or relationship strain.
Sessions are conducted in English and Marissa does not accept international clients. Cost varies by location and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
How evidence-based techniques are used in online sessions
Marissa uses an integrative approach that includes evidence-based therapeutic techniques. One approach she uses focuses on skills training for stress, anxiety, and addiction-related symptoms. This work teaches specific tools for managing cravings, reducing panic, and coping with high-stress moments in daily life.Another component addresses trauma-related symptoms and post-traumatic stress through structured, targeted methods. That work helps people process upsetting memories and learn ways to reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts and emotional reactivity.
Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Marissa collaborates with each person to identify which techniques fit their goals and preferences. She adjusts the plan over time based on how the work is going and what the person finds most helpful.
The biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm the available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, shorten travel time, and allow for flexible scheduling around work or caregiving. It can also make some check-ins shorter when that suits a person’s needs. Licensed professionals can adapt these methods to work in virtual sessions, and the aim is to help clients use practical tools in everyday situations.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression. Additional focus areas include communication problems, control issues, divorce and separation, forgiveness, guilt and shame, isolation, post-traumatic stress, and self-love.
How would she approach feelings of guilt or shame?
She uses an integrative approach and evidence-based techniques to address guilt and shame alongside related issues. The work emphasizes skills and practical steps rather than labels or moral judgments.
What is her clinical background and experience?
She has four years of experience and has worked across detox, partial hospitalization program (PHP), and intensive outpatient program (IOP) settings. That history informs how she manages complex or co-occurring issues.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California. Her practice is located in California.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats does she provide?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Specific pricing will be provided during the matching or scheduling steps.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing the short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session. That process connects you to the scheduling steps.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.