Licensed to practice in North Carolina and accepts 44 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 9 more.

Melissa Stokes

(she/her)

LCSW, 9 years of experience

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
VirtualAvailable

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I provide individual therapy sessions via telehealth. I obtained my Master’s Degree in 2017 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and have been practicing as a therapist for nine years. My areas of expertise include working with adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD. Additionally, I assist clients who are grappling with relationship difficulties, academic and career pressures, insomnia, attachment issues, and other challenges. I am also an advocate who enjoys working with diverse populations and communities, including LGBTQ individuals, single parents, and minority groups.

Get to know me

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

Our initial session will serve as an evaluation. During this session, we will engage in a comprehensive discussion of your personal history, including your relationships, mental and physical well-being, and any current stressors or symptoms. This information will be instrumental in developing your personalized treatment plan, which will be based on person-centered goals. The duration of this appointment is approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Subsequent appointments will typically last around 50 to 55 minutes, unless a shorter meeting is deemed necessary.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of the things my clients really appreciate about working with me is that I create a comfortable and non-judgmental space where they feel free to share their thoughts and feelings. I always encourage clients to share their needs and let me know what feels right or not for them. I make sure clients have the time and room they need to talk, while also offering practical tools to help them reach their goals.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am passionate about collaborating with motivated individuals who aspire to gain greater control over their thoughts, emotions, and actions. My clients are eager to acquire appropriate tools for their daily lives and are receptive to exploring their past to identify underlying causes and triggers. My availability is as follows: - Mondays: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM - Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM - Wednesdays: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM - Fridays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Currently, my late afternoon and evening availability is limited, and I am unable to accept new clients seeking weekly appointments that are only available at 4:00 PM or later. Please be mindful of this when scheduling an intake with me as a new client.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

ADHD

Self Esteem

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is employed to address the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other related disorders. This therapeutic approach involves identifying and challenging negative cognitions, core beliefs, and maladaptive thought patterns and coping mechanisms. By exploring the underlying causes of these symptoms, we can break the cycle of negative thoughts that influence emotions, which in turn affect behaviors. Clients are empowered to recognize and modify these detrimental patterns, enabling them to establish healthier and more positive patterns in their lives.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness is employed to assist clients with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma. Mindfulness fosters a heightened sense of connection to one’s emotions, physical body, and the external environment. I provide clients with diverse techniques for integrating mindfulness into their daily routines.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is traditionally employed to assist individuals who have experienced trauma. However, it also proves beneficial for those who require the re-processing of negative core beliefs stemming from depression, grief, and other distressing experiences. EMDR employs bilateral stimulation, commonly through tapping, to facilitate the re-processing of painful and traumatic memories and core beliefs.

, 61 ratings

5 ratings with written reviews

January 15, 2026

I have been working with Melissa for a few years and I have never felt so secure in my connection with a therapist until her. She is great at working through my trauma while helping me navigate my goals to become a better, healed version of myself. She also helps me with ways to enhance skills to make my ADHD work with me instead of against me. She’s made me comfortable enough to want to explore EMDR, which I will be doing with Melissa once we both agree I’m in a good place to start.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 1 with Melissa

May 1, 2025

I've had a wonderful experience working with Melissa. She's an excellent listener and always creates a safe, open space for honest conversation. Melissa provides thoughtful feedback and practical solutions, and she knows when to be direct in a way that’s both respectful and constructive. She’s easy to talk to, open-minded, and has a great way of challenging me when I need it, which has really helped me grow. I’m grateful for her support and guidance.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 34 with Melissa

April 25, 2025

Every session feels like a safe, judgment-free zone where I can be completely myself. She truly listens, not just to respond, but to understand, and that alone makes such a huge difference. On top of that, she offers practical, everyday coping mechanisms that I use, which helped me feel more grounded and in control. She's real, compassionate, and someone I genuinely look forward to talking to. She's not just a Clicnician, she’s become one of the most trustworthy and supportive people in my life.

Verified client, age 18-24
Review shared after session 28 with Melissa