LGBT therapists in Durango, CO

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 approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and commitment to your mental health journey. This may feel like a holistic and person-centered approach that explores bodily consciousness, emotional processing, belief systems, social supports, cultural upbringing, and past trauma. You can also expect to develop practical tools for managing stress and building resilience as well. Above all, therapy should leave you feeling empowered, capable, and heard. My goal is to foster a safe environment where you feel free to open up without fear of judgement and the accountability to progress towards your goals, both within and beyond our sessions.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Colorado who works with individual and couples. I offer therapy to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression and trauma and specialize in support for new and emergent parents as they navigate pregnancy, birth and postpartum. My therapy style is relational and non-judgmental; reverent and light-hearted.

Before entering the mental health field, I had what was my dream job: guiding outdoor trips in the United States and abroad. Though this work was invigorating, what felt the most meaningful to me was walking alongside people as they embarked on a life-changing experience, whether backpacking through a storm or exploring a new country. I became a therapist because I saw an opportunity to provide life-changing experiences of a different kind. Prior to starting my therapy practice, I worked in an outpatient community mental health clinic with young people and their families. My most exciting adventure yet, becoming a mother to my daughter in 2025, led me to find my passion in supporting new parents.

I am an Indigenous, Latina, and Somatic-based therapist from the Sonoran Desert. I am bi-lingual in English and Spanish. Working to remove the barriers that trauma creates is my expertise. I hold my B.F.A in Dance, a Master’s degree in Somatic Psychology/Dance Movement Therapy, and I am EMDR and DARe certified. In my professional career I have worked as an educator and therapist, with over 25 years of experience, serving diverse ethnic and LGBTQ communities. I currently see clients in person in Tucson, Arizona, and I have flexibility in scheduling after the initial consult. I am licensed in Arizona and Colorado. I can see clients via virtual visits in both states.

Compassionate Growth for Every Stage of Life

LPC (WY & CO) | Trauma-Informed & Solution-Focused Care

Choosing a therapist is a significant step toward the life you want to lead. I believe that while life can present overwhelming challenges, you possess an innate resilience and the capacity for profound growth. My goal is to provide a safe, confidential, and collaborative space where we can transform those challenges into strengths.

I am a therapist and school-based social worker who works with children, adolescents, and families. I specialize in supporting anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, executive functioning, as well as school-related stress. With experience in both school and clinical settings, I understand how these challenges show up in everyday life. I also work closely with parents to build practical tools that support growth at home.

Greetings and thank you for checking out my profile! I've worked with kids, teens, adults and families for over 20 years, and have a passion for helping people feel better.

My primary focus is the restoration of the nervous system. I specialize in supporting recovery from complex, relational, and medical trauma. Because trauma impacts every layer of how we function, my practice also centers on the deeply connected challenges that come with it—including severe anxiety, chronic stress, mood fluctuations, complex personality patterns, and the profound journey of grief and loss.

Example: "I have always wanted a job where I was of service to others, but I didn't know how to channel that into a career until I took an introduction to psychology course in college. We learned a lot about mental illness, what causes it and different ways to treat it, which inspired me to pursue my degree. I loved the idea of helping others overcome mental illness and helping them achieve their life goals."