300 Main Street #201 Grand Junction, Co 81501
Phone 970-549-2849 Fax 970-549-1400
Our Clinicians
Our team of experienced clinicians at Monument Behavioral Counseling is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective counseling services. Each clinician brings a unique set of skills and expertise to help you on your journey towards healing and growth.
Melissa Posta was born and raised in the Grand Valley. She is married and has a son and two daughters. She enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her friends and family. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Counseling in 2005 from Colorado Mesa University and received her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Adams State College in 2008. She has worked with children and families in a variety of capacities since 2000; including in-patient residential treatment, family preservation, outpatient therapy and in-home therapy. Throughout her experience, she has utilized a variety of evidenced based approaches, including family, individual and group therapy. Some of the approaches that she utilizes include Systemic Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She specializes in treating sexual abuse, PTSD, Disruptive Behaviors, ADHD, attachment issues, depression, anxiety, and other childhood disorders. She works with toddlers, children, teens and adults. Melissa is a co-owner of Monument Behavioral Counseling, which has now been in business since 2019. She looks forward to the opportunity to work with you, your family and your children.
Insurances Accepted: BCBS, RMHP, Cigna, Aetna, Tricare, UHC, Medicaid, Second Wind, Victims Comp.
Melissa Posta
MA, LPC
Lyla Jensen
MA, LPC, NCC, LPC-S
Lyla Jensen was raised in Palisade Colorado and has been a life long resident of the Western Slope. She enjoys hiking and camping, as Colorado has so many wonderful places to explore. She also enjoys painting, gardening, traveling and spending time with her husband. She has always had a passion for helping others and has been trained and certified in multiple therapeutic approaches - including Art Therapy, EMDR, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Lyla has been working in the mental health field since 1990 and has experience working with adolescents, adults and families. She has worked with youth in the juvenile justice system, residential treatment and integrated health care. She has also worked in in-patient psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, crisis stabilization, and private practice, providing assistance and guidance to people of all ages. Lyla received her Bachelors Degree in Counseling Psychology from CMU in 2005 and went on to receive her Masters Degree in Community Counseling from Adams State College in 2008. She is a co-owner of Monument Behavioral Counseling, which has now been in business since 2019. Lyla ooks forward to providing assistance for you, your family, and the community.
Insurances Accepted: BCBS, RMHP, Cigna, Aetna, UHC, Medicaid, Second Wind, Victims Comp.
Patricia Choudhary-Grigley
Patricia Choudhary-Grigley who goes by Trish (she/her) has been working in the mental health field since 2009. Trish graduated from Mesa State College, now Colorado Mesa University, in 2009 with a Bachelors in Psychology. She received her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health from Adams State University in 2014 where she was in the honor's society. She is both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor. Trish uses many evidenced based practices and is able to meet people where they are at and help them grow from there. Trish is a mom, wife and proud community member. She truly care about our community and the people in it. When she is not working she is chasing after her kids, listening to audio books and camping. Trish enjoys the outdoors and is a bit of a Star Wars fan. Trish has worked in various settings in the community and is thankful for the opportunity to walk beside you in your path to recovery.
Insurances Accepted: BCBS, RMHP, Aetna, Tricare, UHC, Medicaid, Second Wind, Victims Comp.
LPC, LAC
Callie is a Grand Junction native and has always had a passion for helping children and families in our community. As a result, she pursued a career in social services, where she could make the biggest impact in others lives. She received her Bachelors degrees in Social Work from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in 2023 and then earned a Masters degree in Social Work from Colorado Mesa University in 2024. Since then, Callie has been working under the supervision of Linda Manchester, LCSW with the goal to complete the required hours in order for her to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Callie's passion for supporting children and families, along with her experience in both family reunification and individual therapy have made her a great addition to the Monument Behavioral Counseling team where she had been providing counseling services for the last two years. In her clinical work, she draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, and family systems approaches to help clients build insight, develop coping skills, and strengthen their support networks. Outside of her clinical work, Callie enjoys spending time outdoors in the mountains with her family and exploring new trails with her dog and husband. She looks forward to supporting you and your family on the journey toward healing, peace, and recovery.
Insurances Accepted: BCBS, RMHP, Cigna, Aetna, UHC, Medicaid, Second Wind, Victims Comp.
Callie Allen- Clark
MSW, SWC
Kymberly Maestas- Cannon
MA, LPC, NCC, CAS, NCC, CCPT
Kymberly, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Addictions Specialist, Nationally Board-Certified Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional originally from Denver. Kymberly received her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling in 2004 and has one year of her PsyD in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Kymberly has been in the valley since 2000 and works with individuals aged 12 and up focusing on trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, interpersonal conflict, adjustment disorders, and other mental health issues. Kymberly uses various treatment modalities including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, Systemic and Structural Therapy, and Somatic Techniques. Kymberly started her career on the eastern slope working with high-risk juveniles in the Youthful Offender System and has spent over two decades specializing in trauma, complex dual diagnosis, forensic assessments, individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, and person centered approaches. Kymberly strives to provide the best possible care for her patients and is diligent with keeping up to date with trauma based continuing education as part of her Board Certification. Kymberly has worked in Residential Treatment Facilities, Lead therapist at the Department of Human Services, Director of Outpatient Programs, Community Centers, and private practice. Kymberly loves animals, traveling, reading books, spending time with her family, being outside, and eating as much Mexican food as possible.
Insurances Accepted: RMHP, UHC, Medicaid, Second Wind, Victims Comp, IMatter, Aetna, Cigna, All Health one EAP, Intermountain EAP, Select Health Colorado, Quest Behavioral Health, BCBS, Carelon Behavioral Health
Abby Blackford
LPC
Abigail (Abby) Blackford (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who works with individuals ages 13 and up, providing thoughtful, evidence-based support for a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, and ADHD. With a collaborative and client-centered approach, Abby works alongside each individual to create a personalized treatment plan that reflects their unique goals and values. She draws from a range of effective therapeutic modalities, including: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based Techniques. Abby brings over 20 years of experience in the mental and behavioral health field, including work with youth in a residential treatment setting, serving as a case manager for the Boys and Girls Aid Society, working as a behavior specialist for adolescents at Hilltop Community Resource Center, and providing therapy to individuals as a licensed professional. Abby earned her bachelor’s degree from Mesa State University in 2015 and completed her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Colorado Christian University in 2022. Abby has extensive experience across diverse settings, which has informed a flexible and deeply empathetic approach to care. She is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where clients can work through challenges.A long-time resident of Grand Junction, Colorado, Abby has lived in the community since 2000, with a formative relocation to Portland, Oregon from 2005 to 2007. These life experiences have contributed to her grounded and relational style as a therapist. Outside of the counseling room, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family—activities that reflect the values of balance, connection, and presence that she also brings into her therapeutic work. Whether someone is beginning therapy for the first time or returning to it with new goals, Abby is committed to meeting each client where they are—with empathy, skill, and care.
Insurances Accepted: RMHP, UHC, Medicaid, Victims Comp, BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, Select Health, Carelon
Mariella Arrascue
LCSW
Mariella is a licensed clinical social worker who believes in prioritizing, advocating, and empowering others for their mental health. She believes it takes courage to ask for help, so she is happy to help and is glad you are here! She has been practicing social work for seven years and with a focus of working with clients who face depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief from young to late adulthood. A passion of hers is to support women during motherhood.
She believes we are all unique and have our own story, meaning an individualized approach and treatment is necessary. Mariella prioritizes collaboration, so takes pride in collaborating on a solid treatment plan together and keeping focus on the goals. Mariella believes open communication, honesty, and respect are characteristics of a healthy therapeutic relationship. She is here to listen to you, challenge you, and support you on your healing journey.
"In our first session, you will have an opportunity to share your story and why you are here. I will ask questions. We will figure this out together in a welcoming and safe environment where you can be vulnerable and feel safe. From that point, we will work together to make your goals a reality. "
Insurances Accepted: BCBS, RMHP, Cigna, Aetna, UHC, Medicaid, Second Wind, Victims Comp.
Ashley Walsh
M.A., LPC-S
Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She works with individuals ages 12 and up, providing thoughtful, collaborative support for those navigating anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, neurodivergence, relationship concerns, and attachment-related patterns. Ashley is especially passionate about helping clients better understand themselves and the experiences that shape how they relate to the world and to others.
Ashley is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colorado State University in 2013 and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Denver in 2016. Her professional background includes community mental health, child welfare, crisis intervention, and outpatient private practice, where she has worked for the past seven years.
Her therapeutic approach is primarily person-centered and integrative, drawing from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), mindfulness-based practices, attachment-focused interventions, and Motivational Interviewing. Treatment is tailored collaboratively to each client’s needs, goals, and readiness for change.
Sessions with Ashley are laid back, direct, and collaborative, with an emphasis on authenticity, insight, and meaningful growth. Outside of her clinical work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, and reading. She values authenticity and connection both in and outside of the therapy space.
Insurances Accepted: BCBS, Aetna, Select Health, Carelon
Frances Hicks is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience supporting adolescents, adults, and families. Raised in Wasilla, Alaska, she has spent the past ten years serving individuals and families in Mesa County. Frances earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Auburn University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Vanderbilt University. She has been practicing since 2012 and has been licensed as an LPC since 2014.
Frances specializes in trauma, mood disorders, adolescent concerns, and attachment-related issues, working with clients ages 12 and up, as well as parents seeking support in better understanding and connecting with their children. She uses an eclectic, individualized approach drawing from CBT, CPT, solution-focused, and attachment-based models, tailoring therapy to each client’s unique needs and goals. Frances is known for creating a warm, grounded, and collaborative space that supports healing, insight, and lasting change.
Outside of work, Frances enjoys rock climbing, hiking, canyoneering, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two children.
Insurances Accepted: BCBS, Quest behavioral, Select health, Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Anthem EAP, Cigna, United, UMR, GEHA, Medicaid
Frances Hicks
LPC
