Heal From Past Hurts, Build Trust in Yourself, and Develop Capacity for Joy, Play, and Connection
Trauma therapist supporting children and adults looking to move from feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsafe to experiencing safety, presence, and meaningful connection.
Melissa Forrow
LCSW, LAC, Clinical Therapist
"My play therapy and adult trauma training help create a truly safe space to explore."
Verified Professional Licenses & Training
Compassionate, Collaborative Trauma Care
I am a trauma therapist who works with children and adults looking to heal from past hurts, build trust in themselves, and develop capacity for joy, play, and connection.
Many of my clients show up looking for support due to feeling overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, or unsafe. Others have difficulty staying present with their experience or struggle in relationship. Our work together is a team effort - I bring my therapeutic expertise and you bring expert knowledge of yourself.
I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities and philosophies to support your individual preferences, needs, and goals - whether you are hoping to get to know and understand different parts of yourself, build coping skills, process past traumas, or improve your relationships. My goal is to always hold space for you to show up just as you are, and to also support you in getting where you want to be.
Broad Clinical Expertise
"Melissa and I worked together in a large agency providing training to therapists building their skills. I find her to be charming, warm, and wise. She is well loved by her colleagues, and you will enjoy her kindness and the strength of her therapy."
Jon Roberts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAS
Post-Graduate Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
Clinical Practice Milestones
Providing trauma-informed, customized care since 2015.
Specialized Paths to Healing & Self-Regulation
I work with kids and adults, tailoring my clinical approach to your exact situation.
Trauma & PTSD Treatment
Specialized training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and trauma-informed care to help you process past traumas and build a sense of safety and connection.
Synergetic Play Therapy
Research-informed play therapy integrating neuroscience with the healing power of play to help children build self-regulation skills and process overwhelming emotions.
First Responder Support
With over 5 years as a co-responder with Denver Police Department, I provide compassionate, expert care for first responders navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and work-related stress.
Addiction Counseling
As a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), I support individuals struggling with substance use, dual diagnosis, and recovery.
Anxiety & Depression
Evidence-based approaches including DBT, SFBT, and Motivational Interviewing to help you develop coping skills and improve emotional regulation.
Relationship & Family Support
Collaborative work with individuals, couples, and families navigating conflict, transitions, and communication challenges.
"Highly recommend for littles and adults. Melissa is a reliable, warm, curious, and gentle therapist who hangs out in the thick of it with you as you test out the waters for yourself."
— Amanda Potter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Join Me in the Playroom!
Many of the kids I work with are navigating common stressors such as anxiety, school challenges, social struggles, family transitions, or trauma. I draw from a decade of clinical experience and from training in Synergetic Play Therapy to create a healing and therapeutic playroom environment.
Through our work together, I help children build self-regulation skills, process overwhelming emotions, and strengthen their sense of safety and connection. My goal is to create a supportive space where children—and their families—can grow, heal, and thrive.
I take a collaborative approach with parents and caregivers, recognizing their essential role in the healing process and working together with them to support lasting change for the whole family.
Inside Play Therapy:
Neuroscience Integration: Uses physiological safety models to help regulatory centers of children's brains process stress.
Active Parent Partnerships: Caregivers receive detailed debriefs and actionable tools for the home environment.
Emotional Literacy: Kids learn to identify tension and translate big behaviors into clear communication.
Melissa specializes in creating comfortable, healing states of play for children experiencing separation anxiety, divorce transitions, and ADHD.
"With years of firsthand experience as a mental health first responder, Melissa is considerate, knowledgeable, and highly skilled in treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD with first responders. With Melissa, you will receive compassionate, expert care."
Nicholas Runyan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC
A Confidential Therapist Who Understands the Call
Many of the first responders who walk into my office report feeling constantly on edge, haunted by intrusive memories or nightmares, or struggling with guilt, anger, or emotional numbness. Sometimes they notice changes in how they sleep, how they relate to people, or how they manage their emotions. Others notice tension, fatigue, or digestive distress.
As a former co-responder with the Denver Police Department, I draw on my lived experience as a first responder in addition to my training and experience as a trauma therapist to support you in your journey so that you can be the person that you want to be and live the life you want to live, on and off the job.
Specific Institutional Experience:
- Denver PD Co-Responder (5+ Years): Responded to extreme high-acuity crisis scenes inside officers' vehicles.
- Denver STAR Program Pilot: Formulated mobile response dispatch workflows alongside clinical medics.
- Colorado State Patrol Instructor: Delivers crucial instructional stress management training at state academies.
Additional Clinical Sub-Specialties & Areas of Support
I support individuals and families experiencing all levels of emotional transitions
Session Formats, Fees, & Coverages
Clear, straightforward structures designed to keep the focus purely on your healing.
Session Investment
Payments are processed securely on the day of the session.
Insurance & OON
In-Network Coverages:
- Medicaid: Colorado Access
- Medicaid: CCHA
- Aetna Network Members
Out of Network: Custom invoices/superbills provided for direct client reinforcement payouts.
Formats & Special Aid
Where We Meet:
In-Person: Golden physical clinic
Online: High-security telehealth portal
CO Firefighters Benefit
Colorado Firefighters can access $1,000 in behavioral benefits via the CO Firefighters Benefits Trust.
Helpful Answers to Common Queries
What are your fees? Do you accept insurance?
I charge $170 per 50 minute session for individuals, and $200 for couples sessions. I am in-network with Medicaid (Colorado Access and CCHA) and Aetna. I am happy to provide a superbill so that you can get reimbursed for services if you have a different insurance with out-of-network benefits.
How often do you recommend we meet?
I recommend beginning with weekly sessions. However, the frequency with which we meet will depend on your specific therapeutic needs and we can reevaluate it over the course of our work together.
Can we meet in person?
Yes, I have availability for in-person sessions in Golden at 1019 8th St, Ste 302, Golden, CO 80401.
Do you prescribe medication?
I am not licensed to prescribe medication. If you are interested in incorporating medication into your treatment, I am open to exploring that possibility with you and coordinating with your prescribing physician.
Do you have experience working with individuals struggling with substance use?
Yes, I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). If you are concerned about your substance use, I am prepared to discuss your concerns and help you work through them.
What experience do you have working with first responders?
I worked for over 5 years as a co-responder with the Denver Police Department, responding to 911 calls of all kinds in a police car with a Denver officer. I was also part of the pilot for Denver's STAR program, which pairs clinicians and medics to respond to mental health calls where police are not deemed necessary. I currently teach classes on stress management and suicidality at the Colorado State Patrol Academy. I also have a decade of clinical experience providing trauma-informed care to individuals and families, including many first responders.
Let's Connect & Begin
Schedule Note:
I have availability for new clients beginning the week of June 8th. Most of my work time is spent in sessions with clients. If I miss your call, please leave me a voicemail and I will do my best to get back to you within 24 hours.
Primary Call / SMS:
(720) 807-7541Secondary Office Phone:
720-432-4214Highly Secured Email:
melissareidforrow@gmail.comPhysical Office Location:
1019 8th St, Ste 302
Golden, CO 80401
Clinical Office Hours:
Monday — Thursday, 10am — 7pm
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Kind Words from Colleagues & Clients
Respected by peer clinical practitioners, emergency search responders, and local parenting communities.