Michelle is the best — I’ve never done therapy so I didn’t know what to expect. Michelle puts me at least and our sessions just feel like a heart to heart. She also gives me action steps which really help me focus on my intentions from week to week. She listens, she’s professional, but also warm and understanding. Perfect mix of giving me grace with tough love.
Michelle Ely, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Michelle is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 5.0 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Michelle. View 8 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California and Alaska
Recent reviews
This is my first time diving into therapy and Michelle has made it easy and me feel comfortable during the process. I feel she really understands what I am going through and is able to help coach me through a difficult time.
More about Michelle
- 6 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
I am licensed in California and Alaska with 29 years of professional work experience as a social worker and 6 years as an Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have experience in helping clients with overcoming past traumatic experiences, reducing stress and anxiety, and addressing relationship issues & parenting issues. I also have experience working with clients on anger management.
My therapy style is warm, interactive and direct. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have an eclectic approach to therapy meaning the interventions I utilize are based on the needs of my client and their current situation.
I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Relationship issues
Parenting issues
Anger management
LGBT
Family conflicts
Trauma and abuse
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Depression
Coping with life changes
Compassion fatigue
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Blended family issues
Caregiver issues and stress
Communication problems
Divorce and separation
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Intellectual disability
Life purpose
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Women's issues
Licenses
Michelle Ely's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1366980260.
- LCSW · California · 86978 · Expires November 2026
- LCSW · Alaska · 165433 · Expires June 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, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.
Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.
Reviews for Michelle Ely
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Michelle is the best — I’ve never done therapy so I didn’t know what to expect. Michelle puts me at least and our sessions just feel like a heart to heart. She also gives me action steps which really help me focus on my intentions from week to week. She listens, she’s professional, but also warm and understanding. Perfect mix of giving me grace with tough love.
This is my first time diving into therapy and Michelle has made it easy and me feel comfortable during the process. I feel she really understands what I am going through and is able to help coach me through a difficult time.
Very attentive to my moods and is okay if I’m not up for speaking much
Michelle is a wonderful counselor and is very easy to talk to and gives amazing feedback.
Michelle has been amazing. I really didn’t know what to expect with therapy as I’m pretty new to it, but she is very good at walking the line of professionalism and friendliness.
Very happy with Michelle so far! It’s been a challenge in the past finding a therapist I mesh well with, but Michelle is great and very easy to get along with! Excited to see the progress we make together!
Michelle has been amazing. Very insightful and has helped me see different perspectives on issues I deal with and how to tackle those issues. Very much grateful to her
she's great and listen
Frequently asked questions
Does Michelle Ely offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Michelle Ely 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 Michelle Ely speak?
Michelle Ely speaks English.
How many years of experience does Michelle Ely have?
Michelle Ely has 6 years of experience.
Where is Michelle Ely licensed to practice?
Michelle Ely is licensed to practice in California and Alaska.
Does Michelle Ely accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Michelle Ely 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 Michelle Ely?
Michelle Ely 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 Michelle Ely?
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.