FindADHDTherapists

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

LCSW

Merle Montalvo, LCSW

  • Experience23 years
  • LocationMississippi
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Grief
  • Therapy approachesCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Therapy
View booking options

Check the available next steps for working with Merle online.

About Merle

Merle Montalvo is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Mississippi who brings 23 years of experience to a wide range of life challenges.

Background and approach

She draws on a varied clinical background that includes outpatient care, inpatient settings, intensive outpatient programs, home health, and hospice, which informs a practical, compassionate approach to issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, self-esteem, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, career transitions, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and ADHD.

Her own midlife transition into social work shaped a belief that change is possible at any stage of life, and she uses that perspective to support people navigating midlife shifts, end-of-life matters, and vocational or purpose questions.

Montalvo practices with an eclectic, person-centered stance, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic ideas, and Solution-Focused techniques as needed. This flexibility lets her tailor interventions to a client’s goals, combining insight-oriented thinking with practical strategies for coping and growth.

Merle’s style emphasizes collaborative problem solving and applying evidence-informed tools in accessible ways. She offers services in English and works with clients through a variety of online session formats consistent with her practice in Mississippi.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Merle commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy in her work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and replacing them with concrete, testable strategies to reduce anxiety, depressive symptoms, and stress-related reactions. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-focused awareness and acceptance skills that can help with rumination, emotion regulation, and coping during life transitions.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. She works with each person to evaluate which methods best fit their concerns, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the blend of techniques over time so the work stays practical and meaningful.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility by letting clients meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options can make it easier to attend regularly, integrate skills between sessions, and maintain momentum during busy or changing schedules while working with licensed professionals and therapists who tailor care to individual needs.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Merle commonly address?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, self-esteem struggles, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, career changes, compassion fatigue, ADHD, and related mood and adjustment issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is eclectic and person-centered, blending insight-oriented work with practical, action-focused strategies to match each person’s needs and goals.
What is her background and experience?
She has 23 years of experience across outpatient, inpatient, intensive outpatient programs, home health, and hospice settings, which informs her clinical perspective.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She is licensed as an LCSW with credential details MS LCSW C5031 and practices in Mississippi.
Does she provide services in other languages or to international clients?
Services are provided in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for meeting with her?
Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging according to therapist availability.
How are fees and payment structured for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a session based on the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Licensed

Mississippi

Languages

English

What Merle can help with

Merle Montalvo works with clients on stress and anxiety, grief, anger management, self esteem, and depression.

How Merle approaches therapy

Merle's clinical approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Merle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Mississippi, with 23 years of clinical experience.