Melissa Ray

Hello, and welcome! My name is Melissa, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work degree from Edinboro University. I have been working in the social work field since 2013 and have experience in community mental health, school-based therapy, residential treatment, child welfare, and hospital social work. These experiences have given me the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing a wide range of life's challenges.

I believe that therapy should be a safe, supportive space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I am here to help you gain insight, build practical coping skills, and move toward the life you want to live.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I draw from evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Trauma-Focused CBT. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I work alongside you to create a treatment plan that fits your goals, strengths, and values.

Reaching out for support can feel intimidating, but you don't have to navigate life's difficulties alone. My goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered as we work together toward meaningful and lasting change. I look forward to being part of your journey.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. There is no pressure to tell your entire story during our first meeting—we will go at a pace that feels right for you.

During the session, we'll talk about what brought you to therapy, the challenges you're currently facing, and what you hope to gain from the counseling process. I'll ask questions about your background, relationships, mental health history, and strengths so I can better understand the whole picture. This also gives you the chance to ask me questions and determine whether we're a good fit.

Together, we'll begin identifying goals that are meaningful to you and discuss a plan for moving forward. My approach is collaborative, meaning we'll work as a team to find strategies and tools that fit your unique needs, values, and circumstances. By the end of the first session, I hope you'll leave feeling heard, understood, and with a clearer sense of what our work together can look like.