Licensed to practice in Florida and accepts 50 insurances. Specializes in Addiction, Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
(she/her)
Hi there and welcome! First and foremost, I'd like to say how proud I am of you for reaching out and seeking help in your personal journey of healing and growth. This first step in finding a Therapist takes courage! A little about myself: I have been practicing in the field of Mental Health for approximately 15 years. I graduated from the University of North Florida in 2007 with my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and in 2010 with my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. I spent the first 7 years of my career working in in-patient psychiatric care hospitals where I would provide individual as well as group and family therapy services to patients dealing with issues included but not limited to Suicidal attempts, Bi-Polar Disorder with psychotic episodes, addiction issues and schizophrenia. I also began my clinical management experiences while working in-patient psychiatric care. The last 8 years, I have been working outpatient, non-for-profit practice as well as private practice with specialties in addressing Trauma, Anxiety, Addiction issues and Family/Relational issues, specifically related to Attachment Theories. I truly believe that anyone with the courage to reach out for help and the willingness to work, can achieve change and become the best version of themselves. I look forward to assisting you on your growth journey!
During your first session, we will first and foremost discuss HIPPA, confidentiality, and the therapeutic relationship as well as your rights and responsibilities as the client. Then, during that same first session, I will listen as you share with me your main reasons for seeking therapy. Next, we will come up with an individualized plan for how to reach your goals.
I come from a family dedicated to improving overall wellness in individuals; my father was a Psychologist, my mother a Special Education professional and my sister a teacher. Through these influences growing up, I have constantly been surrounded and imbedded with the belief and experience that overcoming adversity is not just achievable, but a beautiful thing. I myself have had to overcome some of life's events, including the passing of my father at a younger age as well as many transitional events such as moving, adjusting, and understanding my own emotions. Finally, I love to learn and stay up to date with relevant psychological approaches, so I hold many certificates and trainings in all of my specialty areas with providing therapy.
All of my client's have one thing in common: a desire to feel better. As human beings, we all gravitate towards wanting to feel positive energy emotions of happiness, peace and hope, and to keep away from negative energy emotions of sadness, fear and hopelessness. With every client I work with, I aim to shift your perspective to seeing and experiencing emotions as neither good nor bad, but all beneficial in some way, shape or form; that all emotions are helpful in pushing us to become our best selves while navigating life.
I identify as
Cash - $125 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter Health
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Florida Blue
Florida Blue - Medicare
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Medicare
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
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy where I use Psychoeducational techniques first to help the client understand the overall process. I then help clients connect the triangular workings of their thoughts, emotions and actions.
EMDR
I received official training and certification through the founding EMDR association, known as EMDRIA. I believe in reprocessing trauma's as well as changing behaviors using this neurobiological approach where Bilateral Stimulation accesses the two hemispheres of the brain and helps client's to rewire their neuropathways.
Attachment-based
I believe the way were raised as children and the bonds we formed, or did not form, effects our current day behaviors, as well as how we interact in relationships. I help client's identify their attachment style and effectively work towards becoming securely attached while developing healthy relationships.
5 ratings with written reviews
June 19, 2026
I have made multiple attempts in therapy seeking. Unfortunately, my experiences have been the "talking" method. This does not work and without finding solutions to the problem it's just sending spiraling. With Melissa, she is direct and goal focused to find a solution that will help and that can be utilized outside of the counseling session. I truly am grateful for such a direct and goal oriented therapist.
December 4, 2025
I like that she is focused on the client and is has years of experience with trauma. She is very warm and easy to talk to. She is very kind and open.
December 2, 2025
Melissa was very friendly and welcoming. She was knowledgeable and answered any questions that I had. Melissa took the time to go over therapy for someone like myself that is new to it. I look forward to working with her.