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Melanie Giarratano , LMHC

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Melanie is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

4.5 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Melanie. View 12 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in New York and Utah

Recent reviews

Melanie has truly helped me work through my toughest issues and most difficult times. I wasn’t conflicted if I wanted to return back to therapy after haven taken a break but knowing that I could return to Melanie made my decision much easier. She challenges me and guides me at the same time. With her help, I have been able to move forward with my personal and professional issues safely. I feel confident knowing that I have Melanie to lean on during these times.

Reviewed November 2021

I’ve been working with Melanie on and off for about a year. She is extremely patient and her energy makes you feel like you’re in a safe space. I’ve seen a lot of growth in my life after working with Melanie from both a health standpoint (quitting smoking) and coping with my anxiety. I highly recommend her and really enjoy coming back and working with her when I need it!

Reviewed August 2021

More about Melanie

  • 3 years' experience
  • Female
  • LMHC, LCMHC

Hi! My name is Melanie. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience at University of Delaware and my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at SUNY College at Old Westbury. I have experience with adults, teenagers, children, Veterans, substance users, and the developmentally disabled. I also have a lot of experience with relationship counseling as it is a prevalent factor among most populations. I conduct group and individual therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

In my undergraduate studies, I conducted extensive research with PTSD in rats. This was an eye-opening experience as it taught me about the human stress reaction and how humans with trauma function differently from humans without trauma due to lacking the ability to extinguish fear. I use this in my practice as I currently work in an inpatient psychiatric setting with patients who have extreme trauma history. My graduate studies focused on the psychodynamic approach to counseling in which I learned about human development, family context, relationships, and transference/countertransference. I utilize this approach when working with clients as it helps me to understand the individuality if my clients based on their personal development.

I use a myriad of theoretical approaches in my practice as I believe that all client's circumstances and personalities are different and treatment should be personalized. I focus on motivational interviewing in my practice as it is goal oriented and encourages a client toward change-talk and change-action. I use person-centered therapy once the client presents as motivated, but needs support and encouragement. I am here to listen without judgement and guide you through your own transitional journey. I am a firm believer of solution focused therapy in which a client is encouraged to focus on the present and future. I love to utilize CBT for a motivated client in order to deconstruct their thoughts/feelings/behaviors and identify the interrelationship between these thoughts/feelings/behaviors. One way to work on this is by teaching about faulty thinking errors/distortions and offering some positive coping skills to restructure thinking. This approach is best for clients who are willing to take their counseling further by completing homework, thought logs, charts, etc.

Lastly, I emphasize the need for self-care in my clients. I am personable and friendly in my practice and I owe this to having balance in my life. When I am not counseling, I practice yoga, ride my bike, see my friends or family, play with my dog, go outside, or go shopping. I encourage all clients to utilize self-care and do what makes them feel happy and free.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Addictions Relationship issues Self esteem Depression Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Parenting issues Anger management Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes ADHD Attachment issues Communication problems Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Jealousy Mood disorders Self-love Social anxiety and phobia Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Melanie Giarratano 's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1538793864.

  • LMHC · New York · 009995 · Expires November 2027
  • LCMHC · Utah · 12912533-6004 · Expires September 2026

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Reviews for Melanie Giarratano

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.5

12 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Recommend Helped Anxiety Comfortable Fantastic Grateful Great Helping Professional Safe

Melanie has truly helped me work through my toughest issues and most difficult times. I wasn’t conflicted if I wanted to return back to therapy after haven taken a break but knowing that I could return to Melanie made my decision much easier. She challenges me and guides me at the same time. With her help, I have been able to move forward with my personal and professional issues safely. I feel confident knowing that I have Melanie to lean on during these times.

Reviewed November 2021

I’ve been working with Melanie on and off for about a year. She is extremely patient and her energy makes you feel like you’re in a safe space. I’ve seen a lot of growth in my life after working with Melanie from both a health standpoint (quitting smoking) and coping with my anxiety. I highly recommend her and really enjoy coming back and working with her when I need it!

Reviewed August 2021

Only good words for Melanie, very experienced

Reviewed March 2021

Melanie listened and gave me feedback. I appriciate that very much, im feeling better now, thank you!

Reviewed March 2021

Working with Melanie has been a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend her to anyone going through a tough time/who needs help with anything in general. While I am relatively new to therapy and did not have that great of an experience with my first ever therapist, Melanie has taught me how therapy truly works, how progress is made through utilizing the many tools and exercises involved in helping to process your emotions and experiences in a healthy and open way. She has been responsive, rational, insightful, professional, and in a way, a friend to me through this entire process of healing and growing. Though I have ways to go, I am glad I have her to help guide me in the future through the many obstacles life throws at all of us. It is without hesitation that I recommend her.

Reviewed February 2021

Melanie has been amazing in helping me over the past few months. She listens carefully and brings clarity to my thinking. It has been of tremendous value to me.

Reviewed February 2021

Melanie is fantastic! She works with me to deal with my stress and anxiety in both my personal life and at work. She is a safe zone for me to feel comfortable talking about my family, relationships, life situations. Overall Melanie has been a huge help to me, and I always look forward to every one of our sessions.

Reviewed January 2021

Melanie is fantastic! She's so kind and goes out of her way to help you with your specific needs. 10/10 would recommend her help, she's great!

Reviewed September 2020

Melanie has been a huge help for me to move forward in a process that usually takes a long time for me to work through. She checks in to make sure I’m ok, responds quickly and provides the support I need when I need it. Very grateful for all her help!

Reviewed September 2020

Melanie has helped me so much! I was really struggling when I started Betterhelp and needed to take action in order to make significant changes in my life; Melanie helped me get to a place where I could make those changes. I'm so grateful for her support!

Reviewed August 2020

After a few months of working with Melanie, I finally feel the clarity and control I’ve been seeking in my life. I feel very comfortable talking to her and appreciate all her quick and thoughtful responses to whatever I have to say. She makes me feel seen and validated.

Reviewed August 2020

Melanie is wonderful, every time I talk to her I feel like I've taken steps forward in my life.

Reviewed May 2020

How was your experience with Melanie?

Frequently asked questions

Does Melanie Giarratano offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Melanie Giarratano works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Melanie Giarratano speak?

Melanie Giarratano speaks English.

How many years of experience does Melanie Giarratano have?

Melanie Giarratano has 3 years of experience.

Where is Melanie Giarratano licensed to practice?

Melanie Giarratano is licensed to practice in New York and Utah.

Does Melanie Giarratano accept clients outside of the United States?

Yes, Melanie Giarratano accepts clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Melanie Giarratano offer?

Melanie Giarratano offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Melanie Giarratano ?

Melanie Giarratano can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Melanie Giarratano ?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

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Live Chat
Phone
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When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.