Melissa Pagarigan , LCSW

Melissa Pagarigan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who takes a personal, relationship-centered approach to therapy. She works with people facing a broad range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, attention challenges related to ADHD, and the aftermath of physical, sexual, or emotional trauma. Her work emphasizes building a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation for healing and growth.

Melissa integrates cognitive behavioral techniques with humanistic and strengths-based perspectives, tailoring each intervention to fit an individual’s needs and goals. The cognitive behavioral elements help clients identify and shift patterns in thinking and behavior, while humanistic and strengths-based work focuses on personal values, resilience, and existing resources. This combined approach supports practical change alongside greater self-understanding.

She views seeking help as an act of courage and aims to empower people as they navigate change. Melissa meets clients where they are and collaborates with them to find strategies that feel realistic and meaningful. She welcomes those ready to take the first step toward healing and growth and looks forward to supporting them through the process.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Melissa draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and develop practical strategies for change. This approach is useful for addressing mood concerns, anxiety, and everyday challenges by focusing on skills that can be applied between sessions.

She also uses a strengths-based, humanistic framework that emphasizes a person’s existing abilities, values, and resilience. This perspective supports clients in building self-compassion, enhancing confidence, and exploring goals in a way that honors their lived experience.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Melissa works with clients to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts techniques over time so therapy remains relevant and effective for each individual.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing clients to engage through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to receive consistent support from licensed professionals regardless of location, while maintaining the therapeutic connection that supports meaningful progress.