Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
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Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC

Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
5 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
Call Me
Let's Connect (406) 521-4500
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Waitlist. Contact to join the list for in-person and online therapy.
Billings, MT 59101
Are you looking for a therapist who honors your autonomy and trusts you as the expert of your own life? Are you open to self-reflection and motivated to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in a supportive environment? You don’t need someone to “fix” you, but you might be looking for a space where you can actually be honest about what’s going on. I work with people who are used to holding it together on the outside, even when things feel much less clear underneath. That might look like stress, burnout, relationship patterns that keep repeating, or using substances in ways that are starting to feel harder to manage.
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where we build on your strengths and resilience. I also work with pre-licensed clinicians as an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), providing Oregon LPC supervision via telehealth.
Facing life's challenges can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. I'm here to listen, understand, and support you. Together, we'll explore your challenges and build on your strengths. Let's work toward the life and relationships you deserve. Reach out today—taking the first step can make all the difference. You're not alone; help is here.
Take the first step to help. Call or Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson now - (406) 521-4500

My Practice at a Glance

Waitlist. Contact to join the list for in-person and online therapy.

Wits' End Therapy

Billings, MT 59101

(406) 521-4500

Wits' End Therapy

Portland, OR 97239

My website
I offer online video sessions to Montana and Oregon clients, and in-person sessions to people in the Billings, MT area.
I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Grief and Relationship Issues 
$225 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and couples  
Let's Connect (406) 521-4500
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC

My Practice at a Glance

Waitlist. Contact to join the list for in-person and online therapy.

Wits' End Therapy

Billings, MT 59101

(406) 521-4500

Wits' End Therapy

Portland, OR 97239

My website
I offer online video sessions to Montana and Oregon clients, and in-person sessions to people in the Billings, MT area.
I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Grief and Relationship Issues 
$225 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and couples  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $225
  • Couple Sessions $250
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Medicaid
  • Optum
  • PacificSource
  • Providence
  • UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
"
For Montana clients, I take all insurance. For Oregon clients, I can only accept private pay (out-of-pocket) at this time, however I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance.
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
or call with questions - (406) 521-4500
"
For Montana clients, I take all insurance. For Oregon clients, I can only accept private pay (out-of-pocket) at this time, however I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance.
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
or call with questions - (406) 521-4500

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of Montana / BBH-LCPC-LIC-57127 Melissa Alvarez Thorson
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 7 years
  • Attended National Louis University, Doctorate in Mental Health Counseling and Supervision, Graduated 2025
  • Additional Credentials

  • License: State of Montana Licensed Addiction Counselor BBH-LAC-LIC-49962 / 2020
  • Certificate from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) by EMDR Consulting, LLC 57127 / 2022
"
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Montana and Oregon, as well as a National Certified Counselor. I am trained in trauma-informed therapy and EMDR, and have years of experience working with adults and couples.
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
or call with questions - (406) 521-4500
"
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Montana and Oregon, as well as a National Certified Counselor. I am trained in trauma-informed therapy and EMDR, and have years of experience working with adults and couples.
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
or call with questions - (406) 521-4500

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Grief
  • Relationship Issues

Expertise

  • Addiction
  • Alcohol Use
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Family Conflict
  • LGBTQ+
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Past Incarceration
  • Racial Identity
  • Stress
  • Substance Use
"
I help with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, stress, and relationship issues. A typical treatment plan involves exploring your experiences, identifying strengths, and developing coping strategies in a supportive, non-judgmental space. You can expect increased self-awareness, resilience, and improved well-being, empowering you to make positive life changes and thrive.
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
or call with questions - (406) 521-4500
"
I help with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, stress, and relationship issues. A typical treatment plan involves exploring your experiences, identifying strengths, and developing coping strategies in a supportive, non-judgmental space. You can expect increased self-awareness, resilience, and improved well-being, empowering you to make positive life changes and thrive.
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
or call with questions - (406) 521-4500

5 Endorsements

Dr. Jordan G Shaw
Dr. Jordan G Shaw
Licensed Clinical Professional CounselorPhDLCPCCCMHC
Melissa's compassion and care are central to her work with clients. She brings a wealth of experience in the behavioral health professions to her work, and she draws on her clients to walk with them along their healing journey.
David Eichler - Next Stage Therapy and Counseling
David Eichler - Next Stage Therapy and Counseling
Clinical Social Worker License CandidateMSWSWLC
Melissa is as passionate about helping people as anyone I have ever known. She supervises young therapists with compassion and care. She is also dedicated to improving herself to better serve her clients, having recently earned her PHD.
Dr. Ambrin Masood
Dr. Ambrin Masood
Licensed Clinical Professional CounselorPhDLCPCCFMHETF-CBT
Whether facing addiction, trauma, or life's daily challenges, Dr. Thorson provides compassionate care, tools for healing, and guidance to help you build resilience, strengthen relationships, and move forward with hope.
Shu-Han Huang
Shu-Han Huang
CounselorPhDLCPCCADC
Melissa creates a compassionate and collaborative space where clients feel truly seen, supported, and empowered to make meaningful change. Her work reflects a deep respect for client autonomy and a strong commitment to healing and growth.
Star Gazing Counseling
Star Gazing Counseling
CounselorMSLCPC
Melissa Alvarez Thorson is a caring, direct, and highly skilled therapist who truly empowers her clients. She provides a safe, supportive space while offering practical tools for change. Anyone seeking help would benefit from her support.

Client Focus

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples

Communities

Gay Allied
Queer Allied

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino
Native American

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples

Communities

Gay Allied
Queer Allied

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino
Native American

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Culturally Sensitive
  • EMDR
  • Existential
  • Family / Marital
  • Interpersonal
  • Multicultural
  • Person-Centered
  • Positive Psychology
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
In your first session, we will collaborate to find the best approach for your unique experience and needs. I use person-centered therapy to provide an environment of unconditional acceptance and support to explore challenges and work toward your goals. Together, we can identify and eliminate the obstacles that are keeping you from experiencing the joy and self-worth you deserve.
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
or call with questions - (406) 521-4500
"
In your first session, we will collaborate to find the best approach for your unique experience and needs. I use person-centered therapy to provide an environment of unconditional acceptance and support to explore challenges and work toward your goals. Together, we can identify and eliminate the obstacles that are keeping you from experiencing the joy and self-worth you deserve.
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
or call with questions - (406) 521-4500

Location

Primary Location

Wits' End Therapy

Billings, MT 59101

(406) 521-4500

Additional Location

Wits' End Therapy

Portland, OR 97239

(406) 521-4500
"
I offer online video sessions to Montana and Oregon clients, and in-person sessions to people in the Billings, MT area.
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Take the first step to help. Call now - (406) 521-4500
"
I offer online video sessions to Montana and Oregon clients, and in-person sessions to people in the Billings, MT area.
Photo of Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Dr. Melissa Alvarez Thorson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LAC, NCC
Take the first step to help. Call now - (406) 521-4500