I believe that your current position in your journey is completely understandable considering the context of your past experiences. My goal is to create a compassionate, welcoming, and supportive environment that promotes personal development and positive change. Taking a human-centered approach, I incorporate various therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and narrative therapy. I collaborate closely with each client to help them harness their inherent strengths in order to effectively navigate challenges.

I provide my services to and greatly enjoy working with adolescents (from high school age and older) as well as adults. My main concentration is on one-on-one therapy, but I also engage with couples and families, tackling concerns linked to emotions, managing conflicts, adapting to changes, navigating life transitions, and overcoming relationship obstacles.

Areas of Focus

Depression, Anxiety, Identity/Self-Esteem, Interpersonal Relationships/Conflict, Life Transitions, Boundaries, Shame/Guilt, Family Caregiving

Insurance Accepted

Melissa is currently paneled to accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Friday Health and North Carolina Medicaid Plans (except UnitedHealthcare Community Care) and some Employee Assistance Providers including AllOne and Health Advocate.

Education and Clinical Experience

Melissa’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ottowa Univeristy in Kansas and a Masters in Social Work, which she received in 2019, Western New Mexico University, where she graduated with Honors and also received a certificate in Rural Social Work. 

After completing her Bachelor’s degree and while working on her Masters program Melissa worked in a behavioral health psychosocial rehabilitation setting where she worked with a diverse clientele and was responsible for providing clinical interventions with individuals, groups and/or families.

Personal Interests

Melissa is originally from Lexington, North Carolina however as an adult moved to South Carolina and then Las Vegas, Nevada where she lived with her husband until they returned to the East Coast in 2018.  She enjoys reading, healthy cooking, working out, spending time with her family, watching movies and exploring her hometown area now that she has returned to the area.