Profile image of Heather Melver

Heather Melver, LCSW-A(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, LCSW-A
Washington
Anxiety -Caregiver stress & support-Chronic illness- Depression- Life transitions-Mind-body connection-

See Heather's Details for:

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Heather brings years of experience working with teens and adults across a variety of settings and communities. As a Social Worker, her practice is grounded in strengths-based, relational, systems-oriented, and client-centered care. She draws from modalities such as Person-Centered Therapy, ACT, CBT, and DBT, while also integrating mindfulness, self-compassion, values clarification, body and breath work, and somatic and nervous system-informed practices rooted in diverse multicultural traditions that honor the connection between mind, body, community, and environment.

Heather approaches therapy through a trauma-informed and decolonizing lens, recognizing that emotional distress cannot be separated from the larger systems people navigate every day. She understands that experiences related to oppression, marginalization, chronic stress, capitalism, colonialism, ableism, racism, and identity can deeply impact wellbeing. As a white, cisgender woman, Heather is committed to continually examining her own perspective and the space she occupies within the therapeutic relationship. She approaches this work with humility, curiosity, accountability, and respect for each person’s lived experience and inner wisdom. This commitment includes ongoing reflection through therapy, clinical supervision, continuing education, reading, and community learning.

Heather welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with people from all walks of life. She has significant experience supporting women and queer clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, chronic and terminal illness, burnout, and major life transitions. She has offered Telehealth services for several years and is excited to begin offering in-person appointments in Tacoma, Washington beginning in June.

If you enter into a counseling relationship with Heather, you find that she meets you where you are on your path. Her work is grounded in the belief that each person carries an innate capacity for healing, meaning-making, and growth. Rather than focusing on “fixing,” therapy becomes a space for connection, reflection, and reconnecting with yourself, your values, and the life you want to move toward.


Message to clients

Life is messy, and in the pace and pressure of everyday life it can be easy to feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or alone. I created Minding the Gaps Therapy as a space where people can show up fully as themselves — without judgment, without needing to be “fixed,” and without having to navigate life’s challenges alone. My approach is client-centered, relational, and grounded in compassion, collaboration, and curiosity.

I approach therapy through a trauma-informed and decolonizing lens, recognizing that many of the struggles we carry are shaped not only by personal experiences, but also by the larger systems and environments we move through every day. Together, we can explore patterns, emotions, relationships, identity, and nervous system responses while reconnecting with your strengths, values, and inner wisdom.

Transformation can feel vulnerable. Fear, uncertainty, grief, and resistance are all natural parts of change. Therapy offers a space to slow down, reflect, build skills, and practice new ways of relating to yourself and the world around you. Healing does not have to happen all at once, and you do not have to do it perfectly.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, life transitions, chronic illness, identity exploration, or simply feeling stuck, I would be honored to walk alongside you. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out for a consultation or schedule one today.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 24 years

Mindful Therapy Group, Therapist, 2024 - Present
Foundations Counseling, Therapist, 2024 - Present

Columbia University, Masters of Social Work: Clinical Social Work, 2002
Pacific Lutheran University, Bachelor of Arts In Social Work, 1997

Licensure

Washington: SC61544331

Languages

English

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Caregiver stress & support - Coping with anxiety, stress, fatigue, and burnout related to caring for a loved one; balancing the needs of others with one's own needs and health

Chronic illness - Receiving a diagnosis; adjusting to lifestyle and medication changes; coping with related changes in mood, emotions, and relationships; managing symptoms and stress

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress

Mind-body connection - Practicing mindfulness to draw together how the body feels physically and how the mind feels mentally; healing both physically and mentally




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Parents
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Kaiser Permanente HMO
  • Kaiser Permanente PPO
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • Regence Blue Shield

Heather Melver is accepting clients using listed insurances, paying listed fees, or using health insurance out-of-network benefits other than:

  • Cigna
  • United Healthcare


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$140 (55min)

Additional session information

Therapist's note

Private Pay available for $100


Book a Free Initial Consultation

The practice will call you for a free 10 minute phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!

This provider has no upcoming call times available.