CBTTherapistsUSA

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

MG Portrait of Melissa Gonzales

Melissa Gonzales

Practical, affirming therapy for emotional growth

LPC Texas

Experience
5 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Melissa

About Melissa

Melissa Gonzales is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Texas who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and the emotional fallout of trauma and addiction.

Background and approach

She works with clients experiencing a wide range of mood and behavioral challenges, including bipolar symptoms, panic attacks, self-harm concerns, postpartum depression, and struggles with self-esteem and identity. Melissa also addresses issues such as attachment patterns, communication breakdowns, control struggles, and feelings of isolation.

Her practice emphasizes a respectful, affirming stance toward LGBTQ+ clients and anyone seeking an inclusive space to explore personal growth. Melissa draws on cognitive behavioral approaches alongside client-centered and dialectical strategies to help clients identify unhelpful thinking, build practical coping skills, and develop more balanced emotional responses.

Over five years of clinical experience inform her pragmatic yet empathetic style, which aims to support people in finding clearer life purpose, healthier relationships, and greater self-compassion. Sessions are tailored to each person’s needs and goals, combining evidence-informed techniques with collaborative exploration so clients can make measurable changes and strengthen long-term resilience.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Melissa integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy into online sessions to offer practical strategies and emotional regulation tools. CBT helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and develop concrete coping skills for anxiety, mood concerns, and stress. DBT provides skills in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and mindful communication useful for intense emotions, relationship conflict, and self-harm behaviors.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to consider presenting concerns, goals, and personal preferences, and then adapts methods over time so the work feels relevant and manageable for that individual.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent care from Texas without travel, and allow clients to choose the format that best supports their day-to-day life and therapeutic goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Melissa commonly address?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem issues, bipolar symptoms, and coping with life changes, among other related concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style blends practical skill-building with empathetic, client-centered conversation, emphasizing collaboration and tools to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
What level of experience does she have?
She has five years of clinical experience working with a range of mood and interpersonal challenges.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She is licensed as an LPC with license number TX LPC 81038 and practices in Texas.
Which languages does she use in sessions and can she work internationally?
Sessions are conducted in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available for online work?
Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their needs and scheduling.
How is cost and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working together?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression

Also works with

Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityFamily problemsGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionSelf-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Solution-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

Texas

Languages

English