Melinda Del Rio, LCSW

I’m what many would call an “Oregon transplant”—I’ve been here since I was eight years old and have made Oregon home ever since. I currently live in Southeast Portland with my two dogs. I began working in social service settings before completing my undergraduate degree and have remained in the field throughout my education and career.

After graduate school, I’ve worked in day treatment and a range of outpatient settings. My own lived experiences navigating complex systems, education, and licensure have deeply shaped how I show up as a clinician and supervisor. Those experiences are part of what drew me to this work and continue to inform my commitment to supporting others in meaningful, grounded ways.

I have supported clinicians working with trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use, and complex life stressors, and I’ve worked clinically with children as young as 11 through older adults, as well as with families. My supervision style is collaborative, supportive, and rooted in respect for each clinician’s unique background, values, and learning style. I believe supervision should be a space where you can think out loud, ask difficult questions, make mistakes, and grow—without shame or pressure. I strive to build relationships that feel steady, honest, and encouraging, while also offering clear guidance and accountability.

Clinically, I value strong assessment and formulation, ethical and culturally responsive care, and practical skills that translate into real-world confidence. I support supervisees in understanding not just what we do clinically, but why—particularly around diagnosis, treatment planning, and documentation.

My clinical approach is relational and trauma-informed, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, TF-CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, somatic awareness, and culturally responsive strategies. I value flexibility and collaboration, tailoring approaches to each individual’s goals, values, and lived experiences while honoring pace, autonomy, and context.

Above all, my goal is to support you in becoming a grounded, thoughtful clinician who trusts your clinical judgment, understands your impact, and feels supported in both your professional development and personal growth. Please email me at melinda.pdx.socialworker@gmail.com.