- Stress and anxiety
- LGBT related concerns
- Grief and loss
About Melissa
Melissa Fisher-Goldman is a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 21 years of professional experience. She works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, LGBT concerns, grief, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She focuses on helping people who feel stuck by negative thinking and self-doubt.
Melissa believes clients know their own stories and brings a practical, down-to-earth style to sessions. She listens for patterns that keep people from acting on their goals. Together she and the client look for small, doable steps to reduce worry and build confidence.
Sessions often focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them against real-life evidence. Melissa helps people practice different responses to social situations and rehearses skills that make interactions feel more manageable. She also supports people processing loss and major life transitions.
Her work includes attention to issues related to adoption and foster care, aging and geriatric concerns, blended family dynamics, and fertility or fatherhood questions. She also has experience with chronic illness, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and matters related to BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture.
People who come for help with shame, guilt, family of origin issues, or eating and food-related struggles will find a clinician used to addressing sensitive topics. Intake begins with understanding current struggles and practical goals, then planning the next steps together.
Evidence-based approaches and online sessions
Melissa works with evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on thinking patterns and behavioral practice. Cognitive approaches look at unhelpful thoughts and test them against real situations to reduce anxiety and doubt. Behavioral techniques involve practicing actions and social skills in small steps to make interactions feel more doable.Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will talk with clients about goals and preferences, then try methods that fit those needs. That collaborative process helps decide which techniques to use and how to pace sessions.
Session format and logistics should be confirmed before booking since the biography does not list specific formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. Talk with the therapist about what will work best for scheduling, whether you need a longer session for deeper processing or a brief meeting for skills practice.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She supports people coping with stress, anxiety, LGBT issues, grief, self-esteem and life changes, plus related topics like chronic illness and family of origin issues.
How does she usually work in sessions?
Her approach focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing different responses to difficult situations. Sessions emphasize practical steps and skill rehearsal.
How much experience does she have?
Melissa has 21 years of professional experience and holds an LCSW credential in California.
Where is she based and licensed?
She is licensed as an LCSW in California and practices from that state.
What languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted; sessions are offered to clients within the stated region.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.