(she/her)
Hello, I'm Melissa! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker residing and practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I hold a BA from New York University and an MSW from Fordham University. I utilize a holistic, strengths-based approach with patients to help them achieve their goals, both inside and outside of treatment. My focus is on tailoring therapy to your unique needs and supporting you through life's challenges. I have extensive experience treating patients with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship stress. When I'm not practicing therapy, you can find me crocheting/knitting, fostering kittens, and trying all of the best foods that Philly has to offer.
During our first session, I will gather some standard intake information and ask you what you're hoping to get out of therapy. ("I don't know yet" is a perfectly acceptable answer!) I like to use this time to get to know one another and answer any questions or concerns you might have. My clients say that our sessions feel more like a conversation--They also know that I'm good for at least one 'dad joke' or pun during session!
My greatest strengths stem from my person-centered, identity-affirming, and pragmatic approach. Having worked with clients across the lifespan all over New York and Pennsylvania, I have come to learn that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' treatment plan. I am committed to meeting every patient 'where they're at', instead of immediately prescribing a cookie-cutter solution. Every patient and problem deserves their own unique approach! I help patients connect the dots between past experiences and current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I also bring a non-judgmental stance to therapy and enjoy working with clients in both traditional and non-traditional relationship- and family structures.
My sessions are most helpful to folks contemplating changes in their adult lives. I enjoy helping patients work through relationship and dating issues (LGBTQ+ and poly affirming!), caregiver fatigue, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, grief and day-to-day stressors. I am also well-versed in the effects of trauma and enjoy helping patients process and employ healthy coping skills. My practice is person-centered and patient-led. I like to think that my patients are in the driver's seat, and I'm just a helpful copilot along for the ride!
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Our thoughts influence our feelings, and our feelings influence our behaviors. If we can shift unhelpful thought patterns and reframe negative cognitions, we can change how we feel about ourselves and how we show up in the world!
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy teaches proactive skills to manage difficult emotions and increase interpersonal effectiveness. If you struggle with 'big feelings' and how to manage them, DBT can be a helpful tool!
Eclectic
Our sessions are tailored to you and your specific needs. I pull most often from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy while incorporating skill-building and problem-solving. I also like to incorporate humor into sessions and use it to build rapport with my patients.
1 rating with written reviews
June 4, 2026
Melissa is a gentle soul, who is soft spoken and empathetic. She also will motivate you to reframe, and offers emotional tools to learn and grow. I've been struggling understanding emotions, and she's been providing the kindness, understanding, and help to move forward with more clarity. Highly recommend... Wish we'd meet under different circumstances so we could be best friends.