Melanie Castillo
Costa Mesa,CA
Summary
Dynamic licensed psychotherapist with extensive experience at Thriveworks Counseling and Coaching, excelling in crisis intervention and treatment planning. Proven ability to manage diverse caseloads while fostering client relationships through active listening and effective communication. Adept at delivering impactful therapy sessions and mentoring emerging professionals in the mental health field.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Therapist
Thriveworks Counseling And Coaching
Telehealth
04.2026 - Current
- Provided crisis support and safety planning for clients in distress.
- Completed intake assessments and developed treatment plans for counseling services.
- Delivered individual therapy sessions for Thriveworks Counseling and Coaching clients.
- Documented progress notes in client records following Thriveworks standards.
Clinical Supervisor
Motivo
Telehealth
04.2023 - 10.2025
- Supported clinical staff across Motivo Behavioral Health Services.
- Assisted with crisis response coordination for Motivo clients.
- Pursued continuing education opportunities related to clinical practice areas.
- Joined team meetings to review best practices for client care.
Therapist/Clinical Supervisor
Cerebral
Newport Beach, CA
06.2021 - 05.2023
- Therapist position entails telehealth services only. Clients are adults with a variety of mental health issues, ranging from anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, PTSD, etc. Meet with associates on weekly basis for case review.
Clinical Supervisor
Straight Talk Counseling Center
Santa Ana, CA
09.2019 - 06.2021
- Interview hire and supervise trainees in grad school, facilitating a mentoring relationship with trainees, provide crisis interventions, teach, monitor, review documentation, provide ongoing trainings as well as communicate and provide written evaluations from graduate schools. Host and attend practicum fairs to promote site and elicit interest with trainees.
Licensed Psychotherapist/Owner
OC MENTAL WELLNESS
Newport Beach, CA
06.2014 - 12.2020
- Private practice: Providing individual, couples, and family therapy. Focused on addiction, co-dependency, depression, challenges with different stages of life.
Licensed Therapist/Group Facilitator
VARIOUS TREATMENT CENTERS
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
01.2014 - 12.2020
- Interacted with clients, reviewed records, conducted assessments, and collaborated with professionals to evaluate mental or physical conditions of clients.
- Monitored, evaluated, and documented client progress towards treatment goals while counseling clients individually and in groups to support dependency recovery, life adjustments, and personal changes.
- Assessed client needs and developed treatment plans across various treatment centers.
- Conducted individual therapy sessions for behavioral health and substance use clients.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions employing trauma-informed and client-centered approaches to enhance client engagement and recovery.
Adjunct Professor
LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE
Long Beach, CA
01.2007 - 12.2019
- Developed course materials including syllabi and engaging projects; delivered dynamic lectures on abnormal psychology and cognitive processes to undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to student readiness for human services careers; recognized by disability department for exceptional support to students with disabilities.
- Instructed courses at Long Beach City College using approved curriculum, ensuring educational standards and learning outcomes were met.
- Created lesson plans aligned with department learning objectives and tailored to meet diverse student needs.
- Assessed student work and returned feedback through Canvas gradebook
Clinical Supervisor
PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY SERVICES
Hawaiian Gardens, CA
04.2004 - 05.2014
- Provided clinical supervision to unlicensed therapists, ensuring adherence to clinical standards and professional development.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for family relationship problems, delivering targeted interventions for at-risk families and coordinating efforts with probation officers and child services.
- Facilitated partnerships with external organizations, improving service delivery effectiveness.
Education
Masters - Counseling Psychology
National University
12-2004
Skills
- Individual and group counseling
- HIPAA compliance
- Caseload management
- Group facilitation
- Telehealth therapy
- Family therapy
- Clinical documentation
- Adjunct professor experience
- Crisis intervention
- Treatment planning
- Clinical supervision
Timeline
Therapist
Thriveworks Counseling And Coaching
04.2026 - Current
Clinical Supervisor
Motivo
04.2023 - 10.2025
Therapist/Clinical Supervisor
Cerebral
06.2021 - 05.2023
Clinical Supervisor
Straight Talk Counseling Center
09.2019 - 06.2021
Licensed Psychotherapist/Owner
OC MENTAL WELLNESS
06.2014 - 12.2020
Licensed Therapist/Group Facilitator
VARIOUS TREATMENT CENTERS
01.2014 - 12.2020
Adjunct Professor
LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE
01.2007 - 12.2019
Clinical Supervisor
PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY SERVICES
04.2004 - 05.2014
Masters - Counseling Psychology
National University