Licensed to practice in Virginia and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Addiction, Anxiety, Coping Skills and 4 more.

Melissa King

LPC, 5 years of experience
No reviews yet

New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, and I believe everyone deserves a place where they feel safe, heard, and supported. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, I am passionate about helping adults navigate addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and life's many challenges and transitions. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where we can work together to build hope, healing, and lasting change. I have a special passion for working with adults in recovery, military members, veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and individuals living with both mental health and substance use concerns. Whether you're facing a recent life change, feeling stuck, or have been carrying emotional pain for years, you don't have to face it alone. Together, we'll identify your strengths, explore what's getting in the way, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with confidence. My approach to counseling is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, and relapse prevention strategies. I believe therapy is most effective when it combines compassion with practical skills that you can apply in your everyday life. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working in intensive outpatient treatment, substance use recovery, and clinical leadership. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the resilience of the people I serve and reinforced my belief that meaningful change is possible, even during life's most difficult moments. Clients often describe me as approachable, compassionate, genuine, and easy to talk to. I believe healing begins with a trusting relationship, and I consider it an honor to walk alongside my clients as they rediscover their strengths, overcome challenges, and create lives that feel healthier, more balanced, and more fulfilling.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Starting therapy is a big step, and it's natural to feel a little nervous or unsure about what to expect. My goal is to make your first session as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Our first session is about getting to know one another. We'll spend time talking about what brings you to counseling, the challenges you're facing, and what you hope to gain from therapy. You don't have to tell your entire life story in one session, and there's no pressure to share more than you're ready to. We'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I'll ask questions about your personal history, relationships, mental health, physical health, and any past experiences with counseling or treatment. This helps me gain a better understanding of your unique experiences and identify the best ways to support you. We'll also discuss your goals for therapy and begin developing a plan that reflects what is most important to you. Whether your goal is managing anxiety, recovering from substance use, healing from trauma, improving relationships, or simply feeling more like yourself again, we'll work together to create a path forward. Most importantly, your first session is an opportunity for you to determine whether I feel like the right fit for your needs. A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful counseling, and I welcome any questions you may have about my approach or the counseling process. You don't need to have all the answers before coming to therapy. You only need to show up as you are. Together, we'll build a safe, supportive space where healing, growth, and lasting change can begin.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe one of the greatest strengths I bring to counseling is my ability to create a space where people feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. Building trust is the foundation of meaningful therapy, and I strive to provide a supportive environment where you can speak openly without fear of judgment. I bring a balance of compassion and honesty to our work together. While I'll always meet you with empathy and understanding, I'll also gently challenge unhelpful patterns and encourage you to move toward the goals that matter most to you. My approach is collaborative—we'll work as a team to identify your strengths, overcome obstacles, and celebrate progress along the way. With experience treating substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring mental health concerns, I understand that healing is rarely a straight path. I recognize that every person's journey is unique, and I tailor therapy to fit your individual needs, values, and goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I am approachable, genuine, and easy to talk to. I combine evidence-based treatment with practical strategies that can be applied outside of our sessions, helping you build confidence and create lasting change in your daily life. Above all, I believe that everyone has the capacity to grow and heal. My role is to walk alongside you, provide guidance and support, and help you recognize the strengths you already possess as you work toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal client is an adult who is ready to take the next step toward healing, even if they aren't sure exactly what that looks like yet. They may be struggling with substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or a major life transition and are looking for a safe, supportive space to better understand themselves and create lasting change. I especially enjoy working with individuals in recovery, military members, veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and others who often carry the weight of caring for or protecting those around them. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected on the inside. Others may be rebuilding their lives after addiction or learning to manage both mental health and substance use challenges. My clients don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. The most important quality is a willingness to be open to the process and a desire to improve their quality of life. Whether someone is taking their first step into counseling or returning after previous treatment, I meet them where they are with compassion, respect, and practical guidance. Together, we'll work to identify your strengths, develop healthier coping strategies, and build the confidence and resilience needed to move toward the life you want. My goal is to help you not only overcome current challenges but also create meaningful, lasting change that supports your long-term well-being.

Specialties

Top specialties

Addiction

Anxiety

Other specialties

Depression

Military/Veterans

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I believe that therapy should be personalized because no two people have the same experiences or goals. Rather than using the same approach with everyone, I take the time to understand what is most important to you and create a plan that fits your needs. Our work together will focus on understanding the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. We'll identify practical ways to manage stress, cope with difficult emotions, improve relationships, and make healthier choices. If you're working toward recovery from substance use, we'll also develop strategies to help you prevent relapse, build resilience, and maintain long-term recovery. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable talking openly about your experiences. Together, we'll build on your strengths, work through challenges, and develop practical skills that you can use in your everyday life. I believe lasting change happens when people feel understood, supported, and empowered to take meaningful steps toward the life they want.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.