Melissa McDonald Wertz , LCSW, CSW

Melissa McDonald Wertz is a licensed clinical social worker in Colorado who brings more than 10 years of experience as a therapist and case manager to her practice. She has supported people facing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, substance use and process addictions, PTSD and other trauma-related issues, grief and life transitions. Her work also spans relationship and family difficulties, parenting and intimacy-related challenges, eating and sleeping concerns, career stress, compassion fatigue, and end-of-life and hospice counseling.

Her therapeutic style is warm and interactive, grounded in the belief that a strong therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change. She aims to create a space where clients can share their concerns and build insight and practical tools to move forward. Melissa uses an integrative approach drawing from cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, solution-focused strategies, and trauma-focused interventions to tailor treatment to each person’s needs. She holds the credentials LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and CSW (Clinical Social Worker) in Colorado.

Taking the first step toward improved wellbeing can feel daunting, and Melissa views that step as an expression of courage. She is committed to walking alongside clients, helping them identify goals, develop coping skills, and pursue lasting change.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Online Flexibility

Melissa often draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness therapy to guide online work with clients. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing practical skills to change them - it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-focused awareness and self-compassion techniques that help reduce reactivity, improve coping with difficult emotions, and support sleep and eating challenges.

She also incorporates motivational interviewing to support people who are ambivalent about change; this approach emphasizes collaboration and helps clients clarify their values and strengthen motivation for goals such as reducing substance use or improving self-care. Selecting the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process - Melissa collaborates with each person to tailor methods to their needs, goals, and preferences so therapy feels relevant and practical.

Online therapy offers flexibility to fit care into busy lives. Sessions may be conducted by video call or phone, and shorter exchanges can take place via live chat or text-based messaging, allowing for timely check-ins and continued progress between appointments. These options increase accessibility and make it easier for clients to engage in consistent work regardless of location.