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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 15 reviews
Great news, Michelle is accepting new clients!
She is normally fully-booked.
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in California and Alaska

Recent reviews

Michelle seems very competent and supportive. Would recommend her services to anyone seeking treatment and counseling aids.

Reviewed February 2025

Very patient with my roller coaster schedule. Looking forward to our next session.

Reviewed February 2025

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, sometimes called teletherapy, refers to talk therapy delivered remotely through digital platforms, such as video calls, phone calls, or chat. It can be a great option for people who face barriers to traditional face-to-face therapy, such as those living in remote areas, individuals with mobility issues, or people with busy schedules that make it difficult to attend in-person sessions.

Teletherapy also offers greater convenience and flexibility, allowing clients to access care from the comfort of their homes. Research shows that the treatment outcomes with online counseling are often just as effective as with traditional therapy, providing a viable alternative for individuals seeking mental health support.

Reviews for Michelle Ely

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

5.0

15 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Amazing Easy Great Helped Listens Supportive Attentive Comfortable Grateful Insightful

Michelle seems very competent and supportive. Would recommend her services to anyone seeking treatment and counseling aids.

Reviewed February 2025

Very patient with my roller coaster schedule. Looking forward to our next session.

Reviewed February 2025

Michelle takes the time to get to know me, and has been very supportive.

Reviewed February 2025

I have found that Michelle Ely has really helped me during a difficult time in my life. She gives me tools to help me in day to day life. I always feel that I can be open with how I really feel in the moment about life as well as myself. I really appreciate that she sends messages to help uplift you when needed or randomly. I am glad I found Michelle!

Reviewed February 2025

I’m so happy I was matched with Michelle. She is knowledgeable, kind, great listener, respectful, and I can tell she truly cares about her work.

Reviewed February 2025

I love how she adds in personal anecdotes when she’s giving advice. Makes it more.. personal which is nice. She def goes off of your agenda too. However you’re feeling and want to talk about. She’ll cater towards your goals. Overall just a very personable therapist.

Reviewed January 2025

She is very sweet, patient, and listens also gives me new perspectives I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

Reviewed January 2025

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.

Reviewed December 2024

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.

Reviewed December 2024

Very attentive to my moods and is okay if I’m not up for speaking much

Reviewed November 2024

Michelle is a wonderful counselor and is very easy to talk to and gives amazing feedback.

Reviewed November 2024

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.

Reviewed May 2024

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!

Reviewed April 2024

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

Reviewed April 2024

she's great and listen

Reviewed March 2024

How was your experience with Michelle?

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.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

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.