Works with
- Anger
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Compassion fatigue
How Melissa works
- Not listed
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Nevada, Utah, Washington
- Years in practice
- 10
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Melissa
Melissa Pagarigan is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on helping people manage anger and related relationship and parenting stresses. She frames early sessions around safety and clear goals so parents can feel heard and develop practical ways to respond to strong emotions. She works in English and practices from Nevada as a Utah and Nevada LCSW.
With ten years of overall experience, Melissa draws on straightforward, evidence-informed methods to address trauma, grief, compassion fatigue, ADHD, bipolar concerns, and self-esteem struggles.
Background and approach
She has worked with people who experienced physical, sexual, and emotional trauma and helps them rebuild a sense of control and calm. Her style is personal and relational. She aims to build a trusting connection and then teach tools people can use between sessions.
Melissa commonly uses cognitive-behavioral ideas to change unhelpful thinking and behavior, humanistic principles to center each person’s values, and strengths-based work to highlight existing coping skills. Sessions tend to focus on short, practical steps - breathing and grounding techniques, clearer communication skills, and manageable behavior changes. She tailors those steps to each person’s goals and circumstances rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan.
Melissa encourages people who are worried about taking the first step to try a single session and see how it feels. The goal is steady progress and more confidence in handling anger, parenting strain, relationship conflict, and the emotional fallout of trauma.
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.
Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Support
Melissa commonly uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to help people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. These methods teach concrete skills for managing anger, reducing anxious thinking, and improving communication in relationships.She also uses humanistic approaches that focus on listening and understanding each person’s values and goals. This helps clients clarify what matters to them and make choices that fit their life. In addition, strengths-based work highlights existing coping skills so people can build confidence and use what already works for them.
Choosing the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will discuss options, try techniques in session, and adjust the plan based on how well the strategies match the client’s needs, goals, and preferences. The process is about finding workable tools together rather than imposing a fixed method.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let people use visual cues and practice communication skills in real time. Phone sessions require less bandwidth and can be easier during a short break. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for quick check-ins, ongoing support between sessions, and people who prefer writing over speaking. These options make it easier to fit consistent care into a busy life.
Questions people ask about Melissa
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She helps people with anger management, relationship and parenting stress, trauma and abuse, grief, compassion fatigue, self-esteem, bipolar and ADHD-related challenges.
How would you describe her approach in sessions?
Sessions are personal and down-to-earth. She uses practical tools like cognitive-behavioral strategies, humanistic listening, and strengths-based exercises to build skills people can use day to day.
What is her clinical background?
She is a licensed clinical social worker with ten years of overall experience working with a range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
Where is she based and what are her credentials?
She practices from Nevada and holds licensing as a Utah LCSW and a Nevada LCSW.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
What formats are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.