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Headshot of Melina Papanikolaou, LICSW

Melina Papanikolaou

Therapist
3 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Relationship issues, Identity issues, Trauma, Chronic conditions
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I’m a therapist who believes you deserve to be met with understanding, respect, and care, exactly as you are, right now. Finding someone you feel comfortable with is an important first step, and building trust together is at the heart of our work.

Life brings stress, change, and unexpected challenges. Even when things seem manageable on the surface, those experiences can quietly affect how we think, feel, relate to others, and move through the world. Therapy offers a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re carrying, and develop healthier ways to cope and grow.

I work with adults navigating everyday stress, major life transitions, self-doubt, career pressures, relationship concerns, and questions around identity. My approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and focused on helping you feel more grounded, confident, and connected.

You're welcome to connect over a free 15-minute consultation before deciding to book.

My approach to therapy

My approach to therapy is collaborative, personalized, and grounded in compassion. I believe therapy should honor your unique experiences, values, and identities, and I strive to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and truly heard.

Drawing from experience across a variety of care settings, I take an integrative approach that allows therapy to be tailored to your specific needs and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all model. My work is informed by a strong commitment to equity and social justice, and I am mindful of how systems, culture, and life circumstances shape our mental health.

Together, we focus on building insight, resilience, and practical tools that support meaningful and sustainable change.

What you can expect from me

Clients often leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and proud of themselves for taking an important step toward their well-being. From the beginning, my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, welcomed, and supported without judgment or pressure.

You can expect a collaborative experience that moves at your pace. We’ll work together to explore what’s been weighing on you, make sense of your experiences, and identify what you need most in this moment. I emphasize self-compassion and grace, helping you develop practical, realistic tools that support meaningful and sustainable change.

Therapy with me is not about fixing you, it’s about supporting your growth, honoring your strengths, and helping you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and care for yourself.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Woman
  • My style is
    Solution Oriented, Empowering, Inquisitive

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    3 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at West Chester University
  • License type
    LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) (Massachusetts), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (Pennsylvania)
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Capital Blue Cross Pennsylvania, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Geisinger, Geisinger Medicare Advantage, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Pennsylvania, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Point32 Healthcare

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Relationship issues, Identity issues, Trauma, Chronic conditions
  • More specialties
    Depression, OCD, Family issues, LGBTQIA+, Stress management, Panic disorders, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Grief or loss, Physical health issues, Maternal mental health, Women's issues, PTSD, Infertility, Transgender issues, Diabetes
  • Therapy methods
    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic, Attachment Based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Strength-Based
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English