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Headshot of Melissa Purificato, LCSW

Melissa Purificato

Therapist
8 years of experience
  • Bipolar disorder, Stress management, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Trauma
  • Individual therapy, Family therapy, Child or adolescent therapy

Great to meet you!

As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for almost 20 years across multiple settings such as community based services, school social work, youth residential services and most currently within the foster care and community mental health spaces.

My approach to therapy

Your story is uniquely yours, and your care should reflect that. If we decide to work together, we'll form a collaborative partnership grounded in trust, respect, and open communication. My goal is to create a space where you feel truly heard and supported. Along the way, I’ll be here to listen with care, offer thoughtful challenges when helpful, and stand beside you as you navigate your path forward.

What you can expect from me

Our work together starts with a conversation. In our initial session, you’ll have the space to share what brings you to therapy, your hopes for therapy, and what feels most important to you right now. We'll use that time to get a sense of how we connect and whether working together feels like the right fit for both of us. I’m committed to creating a warm, supportive space where you can feel safe being open and vulnerable. If we decide to move forward, therapy becomes a shared process — one where we bring our perspectives together to help you move toward the changes and growth you’re looking for.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Woman
  • My style is
    Open Minded, Direct, Empowering

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    8 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at State University of New York, Albany
  • 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, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Bipolar disorder, Stress management, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Trauma
  • More specialties
    Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Family issues, Anger management, Panic disorders, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health, Identity issues, PTSD
  • Therapy methods
    Biofeedback, Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Structural Family, Art Therapy, Play
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Family therapy, Child or adolescent therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults, Adolescents
  • Languages
    English