Hello everyone! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NY. I received my Masters from Brooklyn College and have been practicing for 7 years. I am also a certified Telemental Health Provider, Certifed Advanced Grief Specialist, and Certified Trauma Treatment Professional. In my experience as a therapist I have worked with adults aged 18-55 in a college setting providing individual therapy services to first-time/transfer/continuing education students from a variety of backgrounds. My philosophy centers on you, teamwork, and focusing on your strengths. I see our therapeutic journey as a collaborative effort that serves as a guide for transforming your life. Think of us as partners in this process: I'm here to provide you with the tools and support you need, while you take the lead in building your path to personal growth. Just like an architect doesn't construct the building for you, I won't solve your challenges for you. Instead, I'll empower you to create your own blueprint for success. Together, we will establish a foundation for you to confidently face future challenges with your skills.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Starting therapy for the first time can be very daunting so establishing a safe and welcoming space for every client is my top priority. In the first session we will get to know each other and complete an intake to gather general information about diagnostic symptoms and different life areas. We will discuss your presenting concerns and create a person-centered plan to address your goals. We will also review my recommendations which can sometimes include discussing other treatment options if my clinical recommendation is that I am not the best fit to meet your needs and/or require a higher level of care. I also like to leave room at different points in the initial session so that you may ask questions as they arise.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Two of my greatest strengths in my experience as a therapist are my creativity and my resourcefulness. I pride myself on retaining resources to assist my clients in their learning process such as worksheets, as well as referral sources that are local to their community in the event that they prefer to receive long-term/specialized treatment in person. I was able to hone my referral skills by creating a diverse mental health resource referral book that includes mental health resources for 4 of the 5 boroughs in New York City. It also includes resources for immigration assitance, homeless services, BIPOC specific services, differently abled services, and support groups. As a person of color, I have a commitment to working with clients who are part of communities much like my own that are underserved in the area of mental health. I also have a personal goal to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness in minority communities.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I have extensive experience working with young women who are first generation college students/professionals and are trying to find a work-life-school balance while also attending to the many roles they play in their lives. I've helped many clients struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, social anxiety, grief, anger management, and life transitions. I also have experience providing clients with career counseling. I have a current interest in continuing to work with adults who are experiencing life transitions, anxiety, relationship conflicts, academic difficulties, and career transitions/searching.

About Stefani Melendez