HI, I'M MELISSA! (SHE/HER)
Thanks for stopping by, I'm so glad you are here. Deciding to come to therapy is an awesome first step toward the inner healing you deserve. I am a Queer, Latinx Therapist, licensed in the State of New York and I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC communities. Many of the Clients I work with come to therapy with a history of childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders and gender dysphoria. Some folx also struggle with low self esteem, body image issues, shame and guilt around their sexuality and/or gender identity, life transitions and family of origin issues.
I provide a kind, nonjudgemental, supportive environment for all of my clients and work from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, trauma-informed lens. My goal is to use the power of real human connection to build trust and empower my clients throughout the therapeutic process.
MY SERVICES
FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION
I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation. During this time, you will give me a brief overview of your symptoms, what you would like to work on and I will give you some background on my treatment approaches. This is a good time to ask me some questions. If we both decide we are a good fit for one another, I will go ahead and schedule an intake assessment.
INTAKE ASSESSMENT
During an intake assessment, you and I will have the ability to talk further about some of the issues you would like to work on. I will ask lots of questions during this time in order to get to know you better and to get a better understanding of what your symptoms are. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have forgotten to ask me during the consultation. Together, we will set goals for your treatment. This session usually takes 60 minutes.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Individual therapy sessions is where the work gets done! During our sessions, we will discuss your problem areas, learn and practice utilizing healthy coping skills and I will be checking in with you periodically to make sure your treatment goals are being met. These sessions are usually weekly sessions and are 45 minutes long.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Support Groups are an important way for people to find connection in a safe, non-judgmental space. Support groups are virtual, usually last 6, 8 or 10 weeks and are 50 minutes long. Group members must commit to attending all sessions.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) & GENDER AFFIRMING SURGERY REFERRAL LETTERS
Trans humans deserve the life saving medical care they need and deserve to live their most authentic lives. I offer free HRT and Gender Affirming surgery referral letters for new and existing clients.
FEES/INSURANCE
IN NETWORK WITH AETNA, CIGNA, OPTUM/UMR/UHC
SLIDING SCALE SLOTS ARE FULL AT THIS TIME
SUPERBILL FOR OUT OF NETWORK REIMBURSEMENT CAN BE PROVIDED
INTAKE ASSESSMENT
$200
INDIVIDUAL SESSION
$165
GROUP SESSION
$50
NO SURPRISES ACT/GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
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You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, Health Care Providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
FAQ
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
Yes! Currently, I am an in-network provider, with Cigna, Aetna, and Optum UMR/UHC healthcare plans. If your insurance is not listed as of yet, I can provide a 'Super Bill', which you can give to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have Out of Network Benefits.
WHAT IS A GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE?
A Good Faith Estimate explains your therapist’s rate for each service provided. Your therapist will collaborate with you throughout your treatment to determine how many sessions and/or services you may need to receive for the greatest benefit based on your diagnosis(es)/presenting clinical concerns.
HOW LONG WILL I BE IN THERAPY?
Therapy is very individualized, so it really depends on you! Some people go to therapy with short term goals, while others have lots of issues they want to work on, which can extend the time they are in therapy. I will never keep you in therapy for longer than clinically indicated. My job is to work myself out of a job!
WHAT IS YOUR THERAPY APPROACH?
The relationship between a client and their therapist is the most important part of treatment. My approach is to build trust while also applying evidence-based interventions tailored to each client and their specific needs. I mainly utilize the following interventions: Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Systems Therapy.
WHAT AGE RANGE DO YOU SEE?
I work with individuals between the ages of 18-65. I will work with teenagers under 18 on a case by case basis. If you are the parent of a teen under the age of 18, feel free to reach out so we can talk more about your teen's needs.
WHAT'S YOUR AVAILABILITY?
Reach out to me and let's find a time that works for the both of us!
CONTACT ME
*If you are having a psychiatric emergency, please do not use this form. Call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department for immediate assistance.
(914) 341-2623
