Melissa 'Elle' Ortega, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Melissa is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
More about Melissa
- 10 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
Hello and welcome. My name is Melissa “Elle” Ortega (she/her) and I am a licensed clinical social worker LCSW (109661), MSW, MPH in California. As a highly skilled and compassionate clinician, I come with a decade-long history of hospital-based care as a medical social worker; supporting patients and their families in both in-patient care and outpatient care settings, including: in-patient psychiatry, emergency medicine, ICU, urgent care, internal and family medicine, nephrology peritoneal dialysis (PD), oncology, palliative medicine, med/surg, NICU, Labor and Delivery (L&D), and Family-centered care (FCC). With such a strong foundation, I understand first-hand the impact of disability on one's mental health, wellness, and relationships with others; and strive to support my clients through it.
Through a strengths-based approach, I strive to meet my clients where they are and offer a safe space to be heard, process difficult emotions, and find empowerment. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solutions Focused Therapy intervention(s), and yes a lens in medical social work in session, to tailor to client’s individual need(s). I truly believe we aren’t meant to live this life alone; and with support, our darkest hours can be met with the light of resilience, if only we are brave enough to ask for help and support.
So whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, and/or depression; I am here to support you in that process. So what do you say? Let’s face it together.
Specialties
Licenses
Melissa 'Elle' Ortega's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1013492800.
- LCSW · California · 109661 · Expires August 2026
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Melissa 'Elle' Ortega
Frequently asked questions
Does Melissa 'Elle' Ortega offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Melissa 'Elle' Ortega works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Melissa 'Elle' Ortega speak?
Melissa 'Elle' Ortega speaks English.
How many years of experience does Melissa 'Elle' Ortega have?
Melissa 'Elle' Ortega has 10 years of experience.
Where is Melissa 'Elle' Ortega licensed to practice?
Melissa 'Elle' Ortega is licensed to practice in California.
Does Melissa 'Elle' Ortega accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Melissa 'Elle' Ortega does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
How can I communicate with Melissa 'Elle' Ortega?
Melissa 'Elle' Ortega can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Melissa 'Elle' Ortega?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.