geometry-shapes iconGrief, Anger Management, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships, ADHD, Men’s Issues, Behavioral Issues
In Person & Online in Jacksonville, FL
25 years in practice
Ages served: 0-65+
shield check with plus icon

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Joe accepts 34 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
AvMed
AvMed | Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Carelon
Carelon | Medicare Advantage
Compsych
Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
Florida Blue | BCBS | Blue Cross Blue Shield
Florida Blue | Medicare Advantage
Health First Health Plan
Health First Health Plan | Medicare Advantage
HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage
Humana Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Medica
Medicare FL
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Quest Behavioral Health
Railroad Medicare
Tricare East | Out of Network Provider
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Joe

Video Play Button

Joe Mella is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked with clients in crisis and in community behavioral health for over 25 years. Joe has mainly focused on children with all types of needs but is very comfortable with adults and families as well. During his time as an LCSW he has encountered the most challenged populations and has helped families in crisis situations. Joe has also been a supervisor, developer, and trainer to other clinicians and professionals that address behavioral health including teachers, police officers, and school board employees. 

Joe completed his Master of Social Work at Florida State University. He has worked in community mental health as well as with the school system, foster care, and courts, and has specialized in suicide prevention for Duval County's Mobile Response Team. Joe has branched out his expertise by working with parents and treating adults. He has had to be flexible and mindful in the therapeutic interventions he provides due to each client and family's individual needs. 

Wherever you want to go in your journey, Joe is ready to assist you and be a great support, listener, and provide guidance to your specific needs and your strengths.

Provider background floral illustration
Joe Mella's profile image

"I want everybody I work with to succeed based on the goals that they define and I want them to be comfortable with the process and treated with respect."

chats icon

Get to know Joe

Why did you decide to become a counselor?

I come from a family who were dedicated to serving people in the health care industry. I have always wanted to help people succeed in what they do best and find and develop their strengths.

What types of clients do you work with best?

I like all kinds of clients of course. I really enjoy the challenge of establishing rapport with even the most difficult clients to reach. This was my specialty in community mental health. I am inviting, non-judgmental, and always look to seek out the strengths inside anyone I am fortunate to work with.

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

I have worked with children all my professional career, but I am looking forward to the challenge of working more with adults, especially males. Men of all ages are underserved in getting therapy or coaching while they have so much pressure in their lives. I would love the opportunity to get to know the men and help them as they are growing into their roles whether it be as fathers, husbands, leaders, and in the work force.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew?

That you get out of therapy what you put into it. I also have to earn your trust in ensuring that this happens.

Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?

I want to practice therapy during the times that are convenient for working people. I get to work during nights and weekends.

What inspires you?

My family. I have been blessed to come from a loving value-based family.

What can clients expect in their first session with you?

I want to know what is most important to you and look forward to getting to know and understand what you do well.

What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?

I want to determine what they want to get out of this experience and what role I could assist in helping. I try to seek first to understand and then be understood. I learned that from my favorite book and it has always served me well.

What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?

That we come in this together with a blank slate. I am non judgmental and have a natural regard for people. I hope that I can be a fit to you and your goals.

What do you do for fun/on your time off?

I am always with my family. I enjoy sports and used to coach my children in baseball and softball at the varsity level. I also enjoy playing piano and guitar.

What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?

I am an authentic person. What you see is what you get.

Read more
Lady on bicycle icon

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesGrief, Anger Management, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships, ADHD, Men’s Issues, Behavioral Issues, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Self Esteem
ApproachesPerson-Centered Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Any / Eclectic, Reality Therapy, Positive Psychology, Humanistic / Rogerian
Academic cap icon

Education and training

Years in practice
25 years
Graduating institute
Florida State University
Graduating degree
Masters of Social Work
magnify glass with eyes icon

Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
file icon
NPI number1407934979
practice location icon
State of practiceFL
license card icon
License numberSW5793
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

What type of counseling would you like?
Select...
Video
In-person
Want help booking? 
Existing client? and rebook
Loading...
Joe Mella's profile image

Joe Mella

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)he/him