I always enjoy my sessions with Melissa. I feel she is very helpful, kind, and informative. I always learn something new and process something everytime we meet. There's never been a session that I did not get anything out of.

A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Melissa

Military / Veteran, Domestic Abuse, Coping Skills, Sexual Abuse, Sleep / Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

Individual Counseling

Online in Tennessee

27 years in practice

Ages served: 18-64

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Melissa accepts 27 insurers

Aetna

Aetna Medicare Advantage

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Cigna Metro National Public Schools (MNPS)

Cigna | Evernorth

Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Medicare Advantage

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BCBS

Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Compsych

Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

First Farmers

First Health Network

HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage

JP Farley Corporation

Multi Plan PHCS

Municipal Health Benefit Program

Optum Serve

Oscar Health

Quest Behavioral Health

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 Melissa

Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of experience in the field of social work. She has worked in a number of specialty areas, including addiction recovery, child and family welfare, community mental health, domestic violence, sexual assault, medical/inpatient, law enforcement, military, and Veterans.

Melissa has extensive experience in working with PTSD and complex trauma. She is trained in Biofeedback, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), CPT (cognitive processing therapy), PE (prolonged exposure), and EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing). Additionally, Melissa utilizes a variety of cognitive and somatic interventions in a holistic approach to assist you in reaching your goals.

Melissa believes that if something is worth doing, then it is worth doing well. For that reason, she engages in ongoing training to increase what she has to offer clients. Her current favorite books are "The Body Keeps the Score" (van der Kolk), "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" (Mate), "Anchored" (Dana), and the Bible. Melissa is a child of God, saved by grace through faith, and walks confidently in the knowledge that He fulfills His promises to us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jer 29:11

"I believe my role, as your therapist, is to help you identify and remove the barriers that are preventing you from having the healthy and full life that you seek. Sometimes other people cause hurt or harm, and sometimes we do it to ourselves. There is a path to healing, and it would be my honor to walk by your side on that journey."

What clients say

These testimonials are from real clients who completed a satisfaction survey after their sessions and agreed to share their feedback. Results may vary.

I always enjoy my sessions with Melissa. I feel she is very helpful, kind, and informative. I always learn something new and process something everytime we meet. There's never bee....

A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Melissa

Get to know Melissa

Why did you decide to become a counselor?

Human behavior has always fascinated me: Why do people do what they do? I was originally a Psychology major. But when I volunteered at a correctional facility while working toward my Associate's degree, I was able to spend time working and learning in various departments (Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Chaplaincy). It was the Social Workers that I most identified with. The emphasis on the relationship, unconditional positive regard, and a systems perspective resonated heavily with me.

What types of clients do you work with best?

I find the most enjoyable clients are the ones who genuinely want to learn and grow.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew?

"You're not crazy, and you're not alone".

What inspires you?

Having the honor of being present with a client when healing occurs and they are released from the weight they have been carrying.

What can clients expect in their first session with you?

Begin building rapport, and a thorough intake assessment. Knowing your goals, for therapy and life, will be essential. I'll make recommendations, but you are the subject matter expert of you, so we develop a course of action together.

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

My favorite place to be is outside. Gardening, walking my dogs, working in the apiary, or hiking to a waterfall... if it's nice outside, don't look for me in the house!

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

My faith. God tells us to love Him, and to love others as ourselves. It brings me joy to be able to live this out both personally and professionally.

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesMilitary / Veteran, Domestic Abuse, Coping Skills, Sexual Abuse, Sleep / Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress

ApproachesEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Any / Eclectic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE)