Melissa Ortega, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through Octave
At a glance
Melissa is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, Octave.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- Great news, Melissa is accepting new clients!
- She is normally fully-booked.
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
More about Melissa
- 4 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
My name is Melissa “Elle” Ortega (she/her), and I’m a licensed clinical social worker. I support clients navigating the impact of disability on mental health, wellness, and relationships. In therapy, I use CBT, MI, and Solution-Focused interventions while offering a safe space to be heard, process difficult emotions, and find empowerment. Come as you are, get comfy and cozy, and we’ll face it together.
Specialties
Insurance Accepted
- Centivo
- Cigna
Treatment Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic
- Relational
- Solution-focused
- Strengths-based
Licenses
Melissa Ortega's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1013492800.
- LCSW · California · LCSW109661 · Renews August 2026
About online therapy
- Affordable.
- Get high-quality therapy without the high price. Clients pay an average of $28 per session with in-network insurance.
- Convenient.
- Schedule sessions that fit your life, not the other way around.
- Available now.
- No long waitlists. Get matched with a licensed therapist and start therapy as soon as your benefits are confirmed.
Octave makes evidence-based therapy easier to access and easier to afford. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, or life transitions, Octave connects you to thoroughly vetted therapists that can meet on your schedule, take insurance, and care about helping you find clarity.
It works: 74% of Octave clients see meaningful improvement with their depression and anxiety symptoms in three months, and outcomes consistently exceed national averages.
Reviews for Melissa Ortega
Frequently asked questions
Does Melissa Ortega offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Melissa Ortega works with clients by video conferencing.
What language(s) does Melissa Ortega speak?
Melissa Ortega speaks English.
How many years of experience does Melissa Ortega have?
Melissa Ortega has 4 years of experience.
Where is Melissa Ortega licensed to practice?
Melissa Ortega is licensed to practice in California.
Does Melissa Ortega accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, Melissa Ortega accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does Melissa Ortega accept insurance?
Yes, Melissa Ortega accepts Centivo and Cigna.
Does Melissa Ortega accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Melissa 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 [a major teletherapy service] experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Melissa Ortega offer?
Melissa Ortega offers clients Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
How do I get started with Melissa Ortega?
Just tap the BOOK 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.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap BOOK NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to Octave's website to start your therapy journey.