Melissa Reyerson-Slifer, LISW, LCSW

Therapist in California

Calm, practical therapy for everyday struggles

Continue with Melissa Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

Depression and anxiety
Relationship support
Skill focused

About Melissa

Melissa Reyerson-Slifer is a licensed social worker who helps people facing depression, anxiety, relationship strain, and life transitions. She holds LISW and LCSW credentials and draws on five years of clinical therapy experience. Melissa aims to create a calm, nonjudgmental place where people can talk about what feels hard and find workable next steps.

She uses practical, straightforward methods in sessions. Conversations focus on understanding what is happening now and trying small changes that can make daily life feel better. Melissa emphasizes collaboration and helps clients set clear goals they can notice week to week.

Her background includes broader mental health work across different settings before focusing on therapy. That experience shaped an interest in trauma, grief, and problems like panic, obsessive thoughts, or hoarding. Melissa brings that exposure into a steady, problem-solving style in the room.

Clients can expect a mix of listening, skill-building, and checking progress together. She uses approaches such as client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and the Gottman Method for relationship concerns. Sessions are aimed at practical coping, clearer communication, and reducing symptoms that interfere with daily life.

Melissa works in California and holds licensure as IA LISW and CA LCSW. Conversations are conducted in English and aimed at helping people move toward manageable change and greater balance.

This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.

Side note

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Also works with

LGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

DissociationHoardingObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Credentials

Iowa, California

Languages

English

Licenses listed

LISW, Iowa: 090798
LCSW, California: 121273
NPI: 1740775568

As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.

Approaches that translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and building trust so people feel heard and understood; it helps when someone needs a steady, accepting space to talk through depression or relationship worries. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches concrete skills to change them, which can reduce symptoms like low mood or panic. The Gottman Method is a structured way to improve communication and manage conflict, useful for people wanting clearer interaction patterns with a partner.

Finding the right approach is a joint process. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't worked before. Together they adjust methods and try practical techniques until something fits the client's needs.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know how appointments are scheduled. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week - sessions can be shorter check-ins or full therapy talks depending on what is needed. It can also reduce travel time and make it simpler to keep consistent appointments, helping therapy become a regular part of everyday life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Melissa address?

She works with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem problems, stress, grief, and related concerns such as panic, OCD symptoms, phobias, dissociation, and hoarding.

What is her therapy style like?

Sessions combine listening with practical skills. Melissa uses collaborative problem solving, short-term goals, and techniques to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Melissa has five years of therapy experience and additional background in the mental health field prior to providing clinical services.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She holds IA LISW and CA LCSW licensure and practices in California.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

International clients are not accepted at this time.

How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?

Cost varies with location and therapist scheduling; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.