Hi, I’m Melissa Van Zalinge, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I wanted to share a bit about my background and approach. Your comfort and trust are paramount, and I am here to support you in making an informed decision about whether we can work together effectively.
Melissa Van Zalinge, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (she, her)
- Work best with: Teens, Adults, Veterans, LGBTQ+ Community
- Appointments: Telehealth only
- Manage Medications: Provides therapy and collaborates closely with our psychiatry team for medication management, available through internal referral if needed.
I work best with individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or self-esteem challenges, the desire for change is a powerful first step, and you’ve already taken it. My clinical approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to address emotional dysregulation and reframe harmful thought patterns. Together, we’ll build practical tools to support your healing and personal growth.
Patients typically say that they appreciate that I provide feedback and seem focused and engaged with them. My patients have appreciated that I challenge them on their distorted thoughts and provide small assignments for them to work on between sessions as it helps them feel like they are constantly taking actionable steps towards improving their mental health and life circumstances. They have reported gaining new coping skills, communication skills, improved self-esteem and feeling better prepared to handle life’s challenges.
You don’t have to face mental health challenges alone. There is no shame in seeking support, and I offer a compassionate, judgment-free space for anyone committed to working on their well-being. It’s a privilege to do this work, and I look forward to walking alongside you in your journey.
Credentials
Education
Master’s Degree in Social Work, University of North Texas, 2020
Personal Interests
A fun fact about me is that I love to read and have been collecting books since I was a teenager. I’m close
to owning 2,000 books now!
In-network and Self Pay
Insurance Accepted
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna/Evernorth
- Curative
- Employers Health Network
- Partners Direct Health
- Sana Benefits
- Seton Health Plan
- UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Self Pay
$180
Self-pay and out-of-pocket session costs for clients without insurance coverage for mental health services.
Specialties and Expertise
Top Specialities
Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Life Transitions, Interpersonal Relationship Struggles
Expertise
- ADD / ADHD
- Alcohol Use
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Boundaries / Assertiveness
- Career Counseling / Professional Growth
- Childhood Abuse or Neglect
- Chronic Illness
- Conflict with Friends
- Depression
- Divorce / Breakup
- Domestic Abuse
- Family Conflict
- Fear of Rejection
- Lack of Emotional Awareness
- Life Transitions
- Loss or Grief
- Marital Conflict / Partner Conflict
- Mood Swings
- Not Happy or Satisfied with life
- Panic Attacks
- Parenting
- Perfectionism
- Self-Esteem / Negative Self-Talk
- Social Isolation / Loneliness
- Stress / Burnout
- Trauma / PTSD
Treatment Approach
Types of Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic
- Strength-Based
Locations
Client Focus
- Age Groups Served: Teens, Adults (15-64)
- Participant Types: Individuals
- Language Spoken: English