Melissa has targeted experience in substance use treatment at outpatient programs which includes group and individual therapy. Melissa currently works with clients (ages 16+) who are struggling with the impact of trauma in their lives as well as a broad range of mental health disorders including borderline personality disorder, schizoaffective disorder, anxiety, and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. Other services include family therapy and couple’s therapy.

Melissa’s approach to therapy is person centered and includes a comprehensive review of a client’s history in order to understand the client’s life story impacting the person they are today. Treatment is customized to reflect this understanding and emphasis is placed on developing the therapeutic relationship in order for change to occur. Practical skills to improve daily life functioning may be developed utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), with an emphasis on mindfulness as a means to create personal growth.

Melissa’s educational background includes a B.S. from Villanova University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairfield University.