Skip to main content
Headway
Headshot of Melissa Gates, LCSW

Melissa Gates

Therapist
23 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Family issues, Anger management, Grief or loss, Women's issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I am a compassionate, open-minded, and approachable therapist who believes that every person has strengths and the ability to grow. I value creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being themselves and sharing their experiences. I take time to understand each person’s unique story and believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful change.

My approach to therapy

My approach to therapy is collaborative, strengths-based, and solution-focused. I believe therapy should be tailored to each individual’s needs, goals, and experiences. I use evidence-based approaches to help clients build insight, develop coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and identify practical steps toward positive change. I strive to balance empathy and support with honest reflection and encouragement.

What you can expect from me

During the first session, clients can expect a comfortable and welcoming conversation focused on getting to know them, understanding what brings them to therapy, and identifying what they hope to achieve. We will discuss their experiences, strengths, challenges, and goals while beginning to develop a plan for moving forward. My goal is for clients to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the therapy process.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Solution Oriented, Open Minded, Inquisitive

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    23 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at State University of New York at Albany, School Of Social Welfare
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (New York)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Highmark BlueShield of Northeastern New York, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network

Melissa Gates accepts Aetna and 7 other insurance carriers

On average, people save 75% on sessions through Headway

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Family issues, Anger management, Grief or loss, Women's issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • More specialties
    Relationship issues
  • Therapy methods
    Behavior Management, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults
  • Languages
    English
Next availableOffers free consultations