Melissa Lopez

Sometimes life’s ups and downs can make clients feel stuck, unsure on the who, what, when, and where to begin. Major life transitions or even the day to day responsibilities of caregiving, single or coupled parenting, or the weight of juggling multiple roles at once may feel too heavy to manage alone. A sense of isolation during these times can have a lasting impact on relationships, community building, self image, and identity.

I utilize a direct and empathetic approach to address the client’s needs for support, to reach their individual goals in therapy. My approach is affirmative and mindful of every client’s unique cultural identity.

I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where clients can feel heard, understood, and respected. I value a therapeutic relationship that is built on trust, through honest and direct communication. I explore patterns with clients and supply them with the tools they need, so that they may work toward a fulfilling life. Together we can identify solutions and work through life’s many challenges, one step at a time.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling from Capella University. For the past four years I have worked with incarcerated transgender women and cisgender men, teens and adults in residential treatment, as well as older adults in inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. I have extensive experience providing crisis intervention and supporting individuals with serious mental illnesses. In addition to my clinical work, I have also volunteered as a court appointed special advocate, and guardian ad litem for children in foster care.