Melissa Chairez, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Melissa!

I’m a LCSW who provides a warm, supportive, and insight-oriented approach to therapy. I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety, stress, school-related challenges, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. My goal is to help clients feel heard, build healthy coping skills, and grow in confidence.

My focus

I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety, stress, school-related challenges, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. I strive to create a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their emotions, building healthy coping skills, and developing confidence in themselves and their goals.

My approach

My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I strive to create a safe space where clients feel heard and understood while building insight, confidence, and healthy coping skills. I use evidence-based approaches such as CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to support growth and emotional well-being.

My communication style

My communication style is warm, supportive, and insightful. I strive to create a safe and collaborative environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. I value empathy, active listening, and honest communication while helping clients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout treatment.

My journey to mental healthcare

I was drawn to becoming a therapist because I have always been passionate about helping others feel supported, understood, and empowered during difficult times. Working in school-based mental health strengthened my commitment to supporting adolescents and young adults as they navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, and life challenges.

My goals for you

I help clients reach their goals by creating a supportive and collaborative space focused on growth and progress. Together, we identify strengths, build healthy coping skills, and develop practical strategies to manage challenges. I encourage self-awareness, confidence, and realistic goal-setting throughout the therapeutic process.

Our first session

During our first session, we will spend time getting to know each other and discussing what brings you to therapy. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment where you can openly share your experiences, concerns, and goals. Together, we will begin identifying strengths and creating a plan that supports your growth.

I identify as...

Female
Hispanic or Latinx

Expertise

Specialties

+ 9 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 8 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

First Gen American/Immigrant Parents

+ 2 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Minors
Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Allegiance
Allied
Arlo
Ascension-SmartHealth

+ 17 more

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Los Angeles.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Melissa Chairez