Melissa Byrd, LMHC
“As humans, we all experience the ups and downs of life. Sometimes these ups and downs can feel out of control and that we don’t have the right skills to manage it all.”
Clinical Director
Whether the struggles come from life changes, relationship struggles, substance use, or past experiences, I work collaboratively with my clients to develop practical ways to find relief and process the emotional pieces.
Therapeutically, I work with clients from a humanistic, existential, narrative therapy framework. However, the most important piece to me is to collaborate with my client to find an approach that works for them to make counseling a successful experience.
I graduated from the Masters in Clinical Psychology program at Argosy University in 2010. Since graduating I have worked primarily in private practice, working with a wide variety of people, ages, sexual orientation, and gender. In addition to private practice, I have clinical experience in psychiatric hospitalization systems in Pierce County. I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2012.
I provide administrative support to the main C-STARS office as well as our satellite programs in Juneau, AK, and Yakima, WA.
Outside of my work life, I spend quite a bit of time at the various dog parks in the city with my corgi and Boston terrier. I love working on various craft projects, trying new restaurants, coffee shops and finding tasty treats with my partner as well.


