Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
- Depression
How Melissa works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCPC, LPC
- Licensed in
- Alabama, Georgia, Illinois
- Years in practice
- 13
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Melissa
Dr. Melissa Chovan is a licensed counselor with 13 years of clinical experience. She practices in Alabama and focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and the effects of trauma.
Melissa uses clear, practical methods so people can feel heard and make steady changes. She offers a warm and respectful style that stays interactive rather than distant. Sessions emphasize building a strong working relationship, learning skills, and setting realistic goals.
Background and approach
She aims to help people feel more hopeful and able to cope with daily demands. Her background includes work in community mental health, independent practice, state prison settings, and programs for at-risk youth. Melissa has also provided services in situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, and child protective services cases.
This variety informs how she approaches different problems and life stages. Melissa draws on several practical approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior strategies, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and client-centered methods. She uses these tools to address concerns like addiction, grief, parenting stress, relationship conflict, and first responder issues.
She also supports people facing career changes, life purpose questions, and compassion fatigue. Her approach is collaborative and focused on teaching skills people can use outside sessions. She encourages participation, questions, and small steps toward change.
People who want a straightforward, skill-based approach with a supportive tone often find her style helpful.
What Melissa works with
Everything Melissa lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Melissa's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
- Depression
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Codependency
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- First responder issues
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Life purpose
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Phobias
- Postpartum depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Melissa lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How her approaches translate to online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person. It helps people feel understood and shapes treatment around their priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns in thoughts and behaviors and teaches concrete skills to reduce anxiety, anger, and depressive symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication when feelings feel overwhelming.Choosing the best approach is collaborative. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or has not worked before. Together they decide whether to emphasize CBT skills, DBT strategies, client-centered work, or a mix that fits the issue at hand.
Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video is useful for full conversations and practicing skills in real time. Phone sessions work when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text messaging can be helpful for brief updates, homework support, or when writing feels easier than talking. These options make it simpler to schedule care around work, family, or busy days.
Questions people ask about Melissa
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, addictions, trauma, grief, parenting issues, and related concerns listed in her profile.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is warm, respectful, and interactive. She focuses on building a working relationship and teaching practical skills.
What is her clinical background?
She has 13 years of experience as a therapist and has worked in community mental health, state prison settings, at-risk youth programs, and independent practice.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds LCPC and LPC credentials and practices in Alabama.
Which languages are offered and can she see international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as session formats.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on therapist availability.