Licensed to practice in Tennessee and accepts 43 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Depression and 6 more.
(she/her)
Welcome! I'm Melissa. Do you feel anxious, troubled, or unhappy most days? Do you simply want someone to listen, understand, and help? I'm in recovery for alcohol use disorder and a combat veteran. I've had to learn coping skills or lose everything. I understand anxiety and depression, which helps me provide a compassionate, collaborative, and grounded approach. I specialize in helping individuals develop coping skills that can be used in real-time to alleviate negative moods and improve daily functioning. Whether you're facing a major life transition or seeking to learn coping skills, I'm here to walk with you through the process. Healing isn't linear, and therapy should be tailored to your unique goals and strengths. I can help you better understand the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors: "What makes you tick?" Together, we can identify negative thinking and reshape it in a way that changes how you feel. I can help you challenge negative thoughts and identify more helpful/realistic thoughts. This will help you better enjoy your life because you will view it more positively. We'll create long-term change with tools such as quick and easy mental exercises. I also integrate journaling, mindfulness exercises, and stress-reduction techniques to support positive outcomes. Together, we can identify healthy coping skills that actually work. You deserve a life that brings you contentment and joy. Let's work together on this journey of healing.
Our first session will focus on developing a relationship, answering questions, and discussing presenting concerns. I am committed to providing empathetic and personalized care to each client, tailoring treatment to address specific issues. I utilize an empathetic and collaborative approach to foster hope, insight, and resilience.
I became a therapist because I believed I could empathize and help people based on my past struggles with addiction and trauma. I genuinely care about people. When I was in need, social workers helped me. I want to pay it forward. One thing I wish all clients knew is that their self-talk can make or break them. Self-talk is powerful. Our brain is a computer, it believes what we tell it and responds accordingly. This can be a very good thing or a very bad thing. My niche is helping people gain control over their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through various evidence-based exercises.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $130 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Trauma-Focused CBT
My work incorporates Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based approach designed to support individuals in processing trauma. I help clients build coping and emotional regulation skills, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and gradually process traumatic memories in a safe and structured way.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
My experience with this modality was developed while practicing as an individual psychotherapist and providing DBT-focused skill development and distress tolerance support.
Narrative
I utilize narrative therapy to support individuals in creating a coherent narrative of their traumatic experiences, thereby reframing their memories, gaining control of their lives, rather than being defined by the traumatic experience, and beginning the healing process.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
My work is informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), a parts-based, non-pathologizing model that views the mind as composed of distinct internal parts. I support clients in developing awareness of these parts, unblending from protective patterns, and cultivating Self-leadership to promote healing, integration, and resilience.
23 ratings with written reviews
June 2, 2026
Melissa has an knowledgeable, vibrant, and calming approach that makes therapy worthwhile and inspiring for me.
May 1, 2026
Melissa is genuine, listens, and has solutions for anxiety and depression.
March 12, 2026
Melissa was a great fit for me.