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Melissa Benson

At a glance

Experience
24 years
Based in
Florida
Sessions
Online
Languages
English

TherapistFlorida

Melissa Benson, LMHC, LCMHC

Supportive counselor for life changes and recovery

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Opens BetterHelp, where you can review online therapy options and next steps.

License and NPI on record

CredentialStateNumber
LMHC Florida MH11037
LCMHC Utah 13189238-6004

NPI1558704767

Shown as listed on the therapist's profile. A license can be checked with the state board, and an NPI with the national NPI registry.

  • Focus on practical steps
  • Respectful listening
  • Goal oriented

About Melissa

Melissa Benson is a licensed mental health counselor with 24 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addiction concerns, and major life changes. She works with adults on issues such as relationship struggles, intimacy-related concerns, parenting strain, sleep and eating difficulties, ADHD, bipolar mood challenges, and self-esteem. Melissa aims to treat each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.

In sessions she focuses on tailoring conversation and a plan to the person in front of her. She listens first to understand the immediate problem and what the client hopes to change. Then she and the client agree on small, practical steps to try between sessions and revisit what’s working.

Her approach draws on client-centered methods that put the client’s goals at the center. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify thought patterns that keep problems stuck. Mindfulness skills are taught to help manage difficult feelings in the moment.

Melissa brings a straightforward, supportive style to her work. She offers motivational interviewing and solution-focused strategies when someone needs help finding motivation or setting concrete goals. This helps keep therapy moving toward practical results that feel relevant to daily life.

Licensed as an LMHC and LCMHC in Florida and Utah, Melissa works from a broad base of experience built over two decades. If you are facing a painful change, persistent worry, or challenges with mood or substance use, she can help you sort options and make a plan that fits your life.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorder

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAvoidant personalityBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGuilt and shameHearing impairedHoardingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

24+ years

Credentials

Florida, Utah

Languages

English

How her approaches translate to online care

Client-centered work focuses on the client’s goals and perspective. Online sessions can keep the same emphasis by giving space for a person to tell their story and set priorities, with the therapist reflecting and adjusting the plan. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people spot unhelpful thought patterns and try new behaviors. In an online session CBT is often delivered through discussion and home practice tasks that a person can try between meetings.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will help you decide which methods fit your situation, goals, and preferences. That decision can be revisited as you try strategies and learn what helps most.

The practical benefits of online therapy can include easier scheduling and fitting sessions into a busy day. Online work may make it simpler to continue therapy when life is hectic or travel is required. Because the biography does not list specific session formats, confirm the available options before booking so you know how sessions are conducted and which will fit your routine.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Melissa commonly address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, ADHD, relationship and intimacy concerns, sleeping and eating issues, parenting strain, bipolar mood issues, and other life changes.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is straightforward and supportive. She listens first, then helps clients set practical, achievable steps to try between sessions.

What sort of professional background does she bring?

Melissa has 24 years of professional work experience supporting people through grief, addiction recovery, depression, and major life transitions.

What are her credentials and where does she practice?

She holds LMHC and LCMHC credentials and is licensed in Florida. Her professional experience spans many care settings over two decades.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English only.

What session formats does she offer?

The biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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