Skip to main content
Headway
Headshot of Melissa Mendez, LCSW

Melissa Mendez

Therapist
6 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, LGBTQIA+, Identity issues, Trauma
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

As a New York-based Licensed Therapist with a BSW and MSW from Syracuse University, I have spent a decade supporting individuals through systemic stress, developmental transitions, and crisis management. I specialize in providing a safe, deeply affirming virtual space for those navigating trauma, anxiety, neurodivergence, the LGBTQ+ community, and alternative relationship styles. By blending evidence-based practices like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing with authenticity and humor, I help clients who feel "othered" break free from societal labels and diagnoses. Together, we won't just analyze the patterns keeping you stuck—we will actively collaborate to rewrite your story and build a future rooted in balance, safety, and true belonging.

My approach to therapy

My therapeutic approach is deeply collaborative, inclusive, and tailored to meet you exactly where you are without judgment or societal filters. I provide an authentic, practical, and humor-infused space specializing in supporting individuals who feel "othered," particularly those navigating trauma, high anxiety, neurodivergence, the LGBTQ+ community, and alternative relationship styles. Rather than just focusing on the "why" behind your struggles, we will actively work on the "how" of moving forward by integrating evidence-based modalities like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Together, we will tackle the hard stuff, celebrate your wins, and collaboratively rewrite your story so you can build a life of balance, safety, and true belonging.

What you can expect from me

Therapy with me is a collaborative virtual partnership where you can be entirely yourself without a filter, broadcasted from a calm, grounded environment alongside my occasional co-therapist, my dog Gio. Whether you are looking to process past trauma, manage daily anxiety, or break free from the weight of societal perceptions, my goal is to help you build a life of balance and genuine success. If you are tired of being ruled by a diagnosis or past events and are ready to take the next step toward self-empathy, I am here to walk alongside you. Please reach out today—let's talk!

About me

  • I identify as
    Other Racial or Ethnic Background, Black or African descent, Caucasian, Hispanic, Latinx, Woman
  • My style is
    Open Minded, Humorous, Affirming

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    6 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at Syracuse University
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (New York)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Curative, 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

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, LGBTQIA+, Identity issues, Trauma
  • More specialties
    Depression, Cultural & ethnic issues, Women's issues, PTSD, Transgender issues
  • Therapy methods
    Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Humanistic, Narrative Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adolescents, Adults, Seniors
  • Languages
    English