Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience as a clinician. I am now based in Maryland (primarily) but also licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky and Minnesota. I specialize in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I also have experience working with anxiety disorders and clients living with depression. I am passionate about helping clients navigate life challenges in ways that honor who they are. I am supportive of people from all walks of life, including members of the BIPOC and LGBTQ community.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session will allow me to learn more about what has led you to therapy and about you as a person. You are more than your struggle, more than your diagnosis. The first session will also allow me the chance to make a preliminary clinical diagnosis which will help guide treatment. You can expect this space to be a safe place where you can be your most authentic self. If you are nervous and have concerns, share them with me! This is normal and something we can work through together. I will honor your thoughts and feelings and walk with you at your pace toward your identified goals.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Having over 20 years of experience in this field has allowed me to work with people living with a variety of mental health and life challenges. Being invited to walk alongside clients as they are learning to navigate difficult paths is an honor and privilege. We have inherent strengths and resilience and are powerfully capable of uncovering them. My greatest strength is helping the clients I serve find their courage, strength, and path in ways that support their autonomy. I am not here to give you answers, but to help you discover your own.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with adults ages 18 and older who are living with OCD. Helping clients find their strength and power through Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy has been a rewarding and exciting journey. OCD can be debilitating. It takes courage to deal with the intrusive thoughts, doubts, what-ifs, and fears. Family and friends may not understand how to support you. If you are ready to try a different approach, connect with me. We will work to conquer OCD together! I also provide Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD and treatment for depression and anxiety.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is an evidence-based approach to treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While traditional talk therapy can be very effective for other diagnoses, ERP is highly effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and helping those diagnosed get their lives back. OCD can be very isolating and cause your world to feel smaller and smaller. ERP will give you the skills to help you powerfully conquer your obsessions and compulsions.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) helps clients with post traumatic stress disorder to process trauma related memories. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that uses in-vivo and imaginal exposures to help effectively reduced the symptoms of PTSD.
Integrative
Integrative therapy takes a personalized, whole-person approach to treatment. It blends methods from various therapeutic styles to address a person's unique needs, focusing on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. There are many ways to address concerns and no two clients are exactly the same. An Integrative approach allows me to tailor therapy to your specific needs!
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-Centered Therapy is a humanistic approach to counseling that emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuine connection between therapist and client. It’s based on the belief that people have an innate ability to grow and heal when provided with a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.
12 ratings with written reviews
October 5, 2025
She is very kind, and she helps you feel seen. She wants you know and feel that you are more than any label. She is very caring, and I felt free to just be myself without the fear of being judged.
July 2, 2025
Melanie has been a tremendous light in my life and has been truly amazing! Anyone who has the honor and privilege to work with her is truly blessed!
June 17, 2025
I love her ! I felt so comfortable talking to her ! First session went well. I felt like I can talk how I wanted too !