Licensed to practice in 3 states and accepts 49 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Grief and 8 more.
(she/her)
Often rebooked
My path to becoming a mental health provider has been deeply influenced by both my personal background and my professional experiences. Growing up, I was surrounded by the work of my mother, who was a social worker. I saw firsthand the impact she had on individuals and families, and it inspired me to pursue a similar career. I was always drawn to the idea of helping others navigate difficult circumstances and providing support during times of crisis or transition. Her work shaped my understanding of the value of compassion, empathy, and practical intervention in improving lives. As a licensed therapist, I specialize in helping individuals manage the emotional, psychological, and practical aspects of these life adjustments. I take a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, emphasizing empathy and understanding. My methods are tailored to each person’s unique experiences and challenges. Over time, we’ll work together to deepen your self-awareness, develop coping mechanisms, and create practical tools for managing the ups and downs of life. I provide a safe space where you can feel heard and supported as you explore your feelings and develop skills to move forward. I focus on helping you make meaningful shifts in how you think, feel, and act. If you’re ready to take the first step toward navigating life’s transitions with more ease and confidence, I’m here to help.
In our first session, my focus is on getting to know you — not just the challenges that brought you here, but also your strengths, values, and hopes for therapy. You don’t need to have the perfect words or a fully-formed story — we’ll take our time. I’ll ask some thoughtful questions to understand your background and what you're looking for, but there's no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. It’s also totally normal to feel a little unsure or even nervous — many people do. My goal is to create a space where you can start to feel heard, supported, and not judged. Just showing up is already a meaningful first step, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in deep respect for each client’s unique path. I blend evidence-based methods with a relational, person-centered foundation — meaning that while we may draw from approaches like [CBT/DBT/Somatic/etc.], the relationship we build plays a central role in the process. Clients often tell me they feel genuinely seen and safe in our sessions — even when exploring painful or vulnerable topics. I aim to help you not just "cope," but understand yourself on a deeper level, so that real and lasting change can happen. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, self-compassion, and the ability to move through life with more ease and authenticity.
I work best with adults who are feeling overwhelmed — by work, relationships, caregiving, or just the nonstop pressure to keep everything together. My clients are often insightful, high-functioning individuals who are used to managing on their own but are beginning to realize that something needs to shift. They come to therapy wanting a safe, nonjudgmental space to slow down, reflect, and begin to feel more like themselves again. I’m especially attuned to working with people who may be new to therapy or unsure what to expect. If you've been feeling hesitant, skeptical, or even burned by past therapy experiences, you’re not alone — and it doesn’t mean help isn’t possible. I meet clients where they are, at their pace, with warmth and respect. I’m deeply committed to creating a safe, affirming space for individuals from marginalized backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ clients, and those navigating intersectional identities. Many of my clients are processing both personal challenges and systemic stressors.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $100 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
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
NC State Health Plan
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
WellCare
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns, develop healthier coping skills, and work toward measurable goals. I tailor CBT techniques to each individual’s needs, drawing from evidence-based strategies to address anxiety, depression, and trauma-related concerns.
Narrative
I use Narrative Therapy to help clients explore the stories they tell about themselves, separate their identity from problems, and discover strengths and values that support growth. Together, we re-author narratives to promote empowerment, resilience, and healing.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT to help clients build skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. I integrate DBT techniques to support clients in managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and increasing overall emotional resilience.
Compassion Focused
I use Compassion-Focused Therapy to help clients develop self-compassion, reduce shame and self-criticism, and foster a kinder inner dialogue. This approach supports emotional healing by building emotional safety, self-acceptance, and overall well-being.
Strength-Based
I use a Strength-Based approach to help clients recognize and build upon their existing skills, values, and inner resources. By focusing on what’s working and empowering clients to harness their strengths, we work collaboratively toward meaningful change and personal growth
5 ratings with written reviews
February 26, 2026
Melissa immediately made me comfortable sharing, and I think that is the mark if a great person and therapist. I look forward to continuing to work with her.
October 20, 2025
Melissa is amazing! Instantly felt at ease from our first appointment. Great at checking in to see how the week went and then continuing to work thru things as they pop up. She comes with humor and relatability this is so helpful.
October 8, 2025
I loved meeting her and am excited to work with her.