Melissa is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC-S) with the training to diagnose and treat a wide range of emotional and behavioral disorders. She received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio; MA in community mental health from Marshall University; BA in early childhood development; and BS in dietetics/nutrition from Marshall University.  
 
Melissa has over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. Prior to joining Providers for Healthy Living, she worked for nonprofit community mental health agencies, was a hospital crisis specialist, a clinical consultant, and an adjunct professor.  
 
Melissa specializes in treating adults and children with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorders, learning disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, adjustment issues, peer relationships, grief issues, social media misuse, and attachment disorders. She has experience working with parents and families as well. Melissa has specialized training in trauma-focused care including EMDR, Somatic Body Work, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga for PTSD.  
 
Her clinical treatments and interventions include evidenced-based models, strength-based counseling, Gestalt Therapy, Play Therapy, Narrative and Poetry Therapy, Emotions-Focused Therapy, CBT, Family Systems, and Parts Psychology. Her focus is on holistic therapy which integrates mind, body, and spirit.  
 
She provides a safe space where clients can explore changes, challenges, and choices.  
 
“Within the client is a theory of change waiting for discovery.”--Hubble, Duncan, and Miller (2003) 
 
Melissa is licensed by the Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapist Board.  Her license can be verified on this website:  https://elicense.ohio.gov.