- Client-centered support
- Cognitive behavioral tools
- Focus on boundaries
About Melissa
Melissa Averett is a Licensed Professional Counselor who brings 14 years of experience to her work. She earned a master’s degree in education counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University and has worked in both residential and outpatient settings. Melissa aims to create a welcoming space where people can name their struggles and set realistic goals. She emphasizes warmth and empathy while guiding each person through change.
Her early work included four years in a residential program supporting women in recovery from addiction. She then spent nine years providing outpatient counseling to adults for a wide range of concerns and mental health issues. That mix of settings informs a practical approach to everyday problems.
Melissa uses client-centered methods to build trust and help people identify what they want from counseling. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients notice and change unhelpful thinking patterns. Sessions often include learning healthy boundaries, improving self-esteem, and practicing assertive communication.
She helps people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life changes. Additional focus areas include codependency, body image, parenting strain, and addiction recovery. Melissa also addresses issues such as abandonment, communication problems, and blended family tensions.
Expect straightforward skill teaching alongside compassionate listening. Melissa works with each person to develop coping skills, choices and consequence awareness, and plans for lasting change.
How Melissa Uses Therapy Approaches Online
Melissa integrates client-centered work and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in straightforward ways. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building trust so people can name their needs and goals. It is helpful for anyone who feels stuck, unheard, or unsure where to start.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Melissa uses CBT to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try more balanced ways of thinking. This approach is often useful for anxiety, depression, and patterns like codependency or low self-esteem.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Melissa works collaboratively to decide which methods fit a person’s goals and preferences. Together they try strategies, check what helps, and adjust the plan over time.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counseling into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce commute time. Licensed professionals can still teach skills, practice communication techniques, and guide coping plans effectively through remote sessions.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Credentials
Louisiana
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Melissa commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and addiction-related issues. Additional focuses include codependency, body image, parenting strain, and communication problems.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is warm and practical. She combines client-centered listening with skill teaching so people learn concrete tools while feeling heard.
What is Melissa's background in counseling?
She has 14 years of experience, including four years in a residential addiction program and nine years in outpatient counseling with adults.
What credentials and location are listed for Melissa?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Louisiana and holds a master’s degree in education counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University.
In which languages can sessions be conducted?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted for sessions?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are costs and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.