- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
About Melanie
Melanie Giarratano is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with four years of clinical experience based in New York. She works with adults on concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, addictions, relationship challenges, and young adult issues. Melanie’s background includes work in inpatient psychiatric settings and both group and individual therapy roles.
She studied neuroscience at the University of Delaware and earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY College at Old Westbury. During undergrad she conducted research on stress and PTSD, which shaped her understanding of fear responses and trauma. That research experience informs how she notices trauma-related patterns in clients today.
Her graduate training emphasized psychodynamic ideas about development, family context, and transference. Melanie draws on that perspective to notice patterns that come from early relationships and life stages. She pairs this with practical, goal-focused work when clients want concrete change.
In session she uses a mix of approaches to match the person in front of her. That can include motivational interviewing to build motivation, client-centered methods to offer support, and cognitive-behavioral tools to examine thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She also uses dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness practices when appropriate.
Melanie often encourages clients to try skills between sessions, such as thought logs or brief behavioral experiments. Outside work she practices yoga, cycles, and spends time with family and her dog, and she encourages clients to find simple routines that help them manage stress and mood.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and supporting a client's own goals. Online sessions using this approach mean the therapist follows the client's lead, reflects concerns, and helps clarify what the client wants to change or understand. This can help with relationship stress, low self-esteem, and life transitions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down thoughts, feelings, and behaviors into manageable parts. In online sessions CBT often includes teaching about thinking patterns, assigning brief homework like thought logs, and practicing behavioral experiments to test new ways of coping. This approach is useful for anxiety, depression, and some mood issues.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) supplies concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving communication. Delivered online, DBT skills work can cover emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness exercises that clients practice between sessions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That may mean starting with motivational interviewing to build readiness, then moving into CBT or DBT skills as appropriate.
The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm the available online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule by removing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins, or offering more flexible timing around school or work. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework to suit an online rhythm.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
New York, Utah
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with anxiety, depression, stress, addictions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, trauma and young adult issues among other mood and behavioral concerns.
What is her style in sessions?
She blends practical, goal-focused work with supportive listening. Sessions can include skill practice, thought records, and motivational interviewing to encourage change.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has four years of experience working in inpatient and outpatient settings, including group and individual therapy roles.
What are her credentials and location?
She holds LMHC and LCMHC credentials and practices from New York with licensure noted as NY LMHC and UT LCMHC.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.