Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Mount Vernon, NY covered by Aetna

I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2002. Having worked in healthcare and academic settings, I appreciate being part of a treatment team and am available to coordinate care with other providers when beneficial. Rather than see 'how many problems' a person may be facing... I see 'how many ways things can get better'. I value working with folks to see their puzzle from a different angle and to use tools to clarify, change and improve the picture.

I am a board certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry . I have 27 years of experience in practice treating patients with depression, anxiety , mood and bipolar disorders, ADHD, impulse control disorders , schizophrenia , obsessive compulsive disorder , post traumatic stress disorder , dementia and autism related mood and impulse control disorders as well as Somatoform and personality disorders

I am an LMHC in New York. I have been in private practice since 2015. I obtained my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2012 and began working in a residential setting, providing services to adults with chronic mental illness and substance use disorders, receiving numerous promotions along the way. After 11 years, I decided to move onto something new, obtaining a position as a Clinical Director in an outpatient clinic. I recently decided to pursue my private practice full time.

Hi, I’m Melisa, a licensed mental health counselor passionate about helping individuals of all ages navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, using play therapy to foster expression and healing, while also supporting adults with issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles.

If you're seeking support in overcoming life’s challenges, I’d be honored to work with you.

You hold the world together for everyone else. But balancing the complex demands of caretaking, family crises, or supporting a child's disability means your own needs have likely taken a backseat.

My goal is to give you that space back. I bring a grounded, warm presence (and a little humor) to the therapeutic process. Together, we can actively untangle the overwhelm or create a quiet space for profound realizations. Let's talk about how to get you feeling grounded again.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience helping adults and adolescents navigate emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and periods of feeling stuck or overwhelmed. I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology from The New School and completed my undergraduate studies in Psychology at Barnard College. My clinical training included work at several major New York City hospitals and psychiatric facilities, including Coney Island Hospital, Harlem Hospital, South Beach Psychiatric Center, and Beth Israel Center for Clinical Training and Research, where I worked with individuals facing a wide range of psychological and emotional concerns.

In addition to my clinical work, I am the founder and Clinical Director of a private practice, where I supervise and mentor a diverse team of psychotherapists. My background also includes years of experience in education, community programming, and psychological research, which has shaped my sensitivity to the ways culture, family systems, identity, achievement, and environment impact emotional wellbeing.

I view therapy as a collaborative process where clients are invited to make sense of their experiences in a way that feels authentic to them. Rather than directing the process, I focus on creating a supportive environment where individuals can speak openly, reflect at their own pace, and gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. In the midst of busy and often overwhelming daily life, having intentional time to pause and look inward can be a powerful part of personal growth.

Creating room for reflection can open the door to new perspectives and a deeper awareness of internal experiences. As clients begin to better understand their emotional responses and patterns, they often find greater clarity in how they relate to themselves and others. This increased awareness can support more intentional decision-making and help guide the next steps in their personal growth.

I’ve been helping people for over 20 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I’m so proud of you for taking this important step toward caring for yourself. It’s not always easy, and it shows strength and courage.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, addressing a wide range of challenges. My experience includes school settings, college multicultural affairs, outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, and mental health counseling.

I also spent nine years in a hospital setting, working in psychiatric emergency services and on adolescent and adult inpatient units. This gave me extensive experience in crisis intervention and in supporting people through both mild and severe mental health concerns. Today, I continue to work in outpatient mental health, helping clients navigate life’s challenges and build resilience.

My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. Together, we’ll work toward the changes you want to see in your life. I look forward to working with you.