Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Salida, CO covered by United Healthcare

Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes the challenges we face—whether it’s the stress of being a new parent, navigating a difficult relationship, managing trauma, or dealing with anxiety and depression—can feel insurmountable. I believe that every person has inherent strengths that can be harnessed to create positive change. In our work together, we will explore your unique needs and build practical, personalized tools that empower you to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

With over 20 years of experience in diverse behavioral health settings, I bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding to help you navigate challenges. I specialize in maternal mental health, trauma, women's issues, relational issues, family conflict, substance use concerns, anxiety, and work or career-related stress.

After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colorado State University, I worked in the corporate world as a business consultant. While working as a consultant, I frequently observed how people’s hectic work schedules and day-to-day stressors could slowly wear them down emotionally, resulting in their happiness being compromised.

Seeing this trend in the business world, coupled with the passion I’ve always had for understanding people’s thinking and way of doing things, prompted me to pursue my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from University of Colorado Denver. Now with my professional experience and educational background, I can more easily navigate how to handle the day-to-day stressors and help my clients manage the mental health piece of their lives.

Hi. My name is Melinda. I have been working in the field of Mental Health and Substance Use/Abuse since 2005. I have been trained and offer resources for CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, Mindfulness, Trauma-informed and many other styles of therapy.

I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care. I have advanced training in mental health assessment, medication management, and therapeutic support for individuals of all ages. I work with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related issues, and ADHD. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and respected.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in mental health and trauma, I provide compassionate, client-centered care. I believe healing is a holistic process that addresses both mind and body. Working collaboratively with clients, I create a safe space to explore experiences and heal from past wounds.

We often seek therapy when we're ready for change and part of our life has become unbalanced. A feeling of discontent, depression, or anxiety may have lasted a lifetime, or may have been initiated by a transitional change, such as loss of a relationship or career, or a yearning to grow beyond where we have been stuck. I welcome all parts of you, and will meet you where you are at in the journey towards wholeness.

I am a licensed clinical therapist with experience working in both crisis settings and long-term trauma-focused therapy. Early in my career, I worked at a crisis center where I completed my internship and later worked for several years supporting individuals in high-stress and emotionally difficult situations. This experience helped shape a calm, grounded, and compassionate approach to therapy.

I specialize in EMDR-informed therapy, trauma, attachment wounds, codependency, grief, and relational patterns. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck in repeating emotional or relationship dynamics despite having insight into their patterns. My approach focuses on helping clients move beyond survival-based coping and create deeper emotional healing and lasting change.

I use a collaborative, person-centered, and attachment-based approach tailored to each client’s needs. I work with adults from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a supportive space where clients feel emotionally safe, understood, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.