- Client-centered care
- Practical tools
- Goal focused
About Melissa
Melissa Benson is a licensed mental health counselor practicing in Florida. She has 24 years of experience and helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, and life changes. She listens without judgment and aims to make the first step feel manageable for people who are unsure where to begin.
Her approach is collaborative and tailored to each person. Sessions focus on practical steps and clearer thinking. She uses client-centered listening to understand what matters most to each person, then adds tools from cognitive behavioral and mindfulness work when those methods fit.
Melissa also uses motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques to help people identify small, reachable changes. For someone dealing with codependency, relationship strain, or substance concerns, she helps set concrete goals and track progress. She prefers short, direct conversations that lead to manageable next steps rather than long, abstract plans.
Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns including ADHD, bipolar mood issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting stress, anger, self-esteem, and trauma and abuse. She treats issues related to aging, body image, and communication problems as well. Melissa adapts her tone and pace to match each person’s needs and comfort level.
People who choose her often want a straightforward, compassionate guide. She will work with clients to build plans they can try between sessions and revise as needed. To start, people complete the intake steps and schedule sessions according to availability.
Approaches that translate well to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person’s concerns. It emphasizes understanding what matters most to the client and shaping sessions around those priorities, which helps when someone needs emotional support or clarity.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical ways to notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, depression, codependency patterns, and sleep or eating problems because it breaks issues into manageable steps.
Mindfulness Therapy brings attention to the present moment and helps reduce reactivity. It can be paired with CBT to manage stress and emotional ups and downs with simple practices you can use between sessions.
Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together, they decide which methods to try first and revisit the plan as progress is made.
Confirm the available session formats before booking, as the profile does not list specific options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also make starting therapy less disruptive to daily life by allowing people to connect from wherever they are able to focus and reflect.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Credentials
Florida, Utah
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She supports people coping with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, and major life changes. The practice also addresses relationship issues, codependency, sleep and eating difficulties, and trauma-related concerns.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and straightforward. She listens with respect and uses practical steps and tools to help people make small, useful changes.
What is her clinical background?
She has 24 years of professional experience working with people in a range of mental health concerns. That work includes support for addictions, grief, depression, and life transitions.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds LMHC and LCMHC credentials and is licensed in Florida. The profile lists Florida as her primary practice location.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted according to the profile.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and 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.