Welcome to
Melissa Adams
Counseling

Online therapy in NY, NJ and PA for
adults, adolescents and families.

Get started now

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change” — CARL ROGERS

Hello, I Am

Melissa Adams

Education + Credentials

  • M.Ed. Community Counseling from Kent State University
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY) & License Professional Counselor (NJ/PA)
  • Approved Clinical Supervisor
  • NCC-National Certified Counselor
  • I pull from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solutions Focused Therapy (SFT), and Intuitive Eating (IE).
  • But everything we do is personalized to fit you: your goals, your pace, and what actually feels right for where you’re at.

Melissa Adams (she/her)

I grew up in Pittsburgh, but these days I call New York City home, where I live with my husband, two sons, and daughter. Life is busy, loud, and full of love—on weekends, you’ll likely find me running between little league games with a matcha in hand, seeking out small pockets of calm amid the chaos. I’m all about beach days, getting outside, exploring NYC’s hidden gems, and advocating for animal welfare—because animals hold a special place in my heart.

I understand how heavy life can feel—especially when you seem to be “doing fine” on the outside, but inside you’re stuck in your head, running on empty, or just holding it all together. You don’t have to face that alone.

As a therapist, I offer real talk, practical tools, and a space where you can truly exhale. My style is warm, collaborative, and 100% judgment-free.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, body image struggles, food issues, identity questions, or just trying to make sense of this strange phase of life—I’m here for it. And I’m here for you.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to connect and support you on your journey.

Individual Counseling

For over 15 years, I’ve helped people navigate the messy, complicated world of eating disorders, anxiety, adjustment and the body image struggles that often come with them. I’ve worked in top-tier treatment centers, but more importantly, I understand how isolating, overwhelming, and exhausting it can feel.

My approach? Real talk, no judgment, and deep compassion.
We’ll work together to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface—things like perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, or constantly feeling “not enough.” We’re not here to “fix” you—you’re not broken. This is about reconnecting with who you are and learning to treat yourself with the same care you offer everyone else.

In therapy, we’ll focus on what actually matters to you. We’ll look at what’s draining you, what lights you up, and how to take small, meaningful steps toward the life you want. That might include:

  • Dismantling diet culture and toxic body standards

  • Building a healthier relationship with food (and with yourself)

  • Learning to rest without guilt

  • Letting go of the pressure to be perfect all the time

Recovery can be hard—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to walk with you, at your pace, every step of the way.

Family Therapy

When a teen is struggling with an eating disorder, it doesn’t just affect them—it impacts the whole family. As a parent, it can feel overwhelming, heartbreaking, and confusing to know how to help. You want to support your child, but you may also be carrying fear, frustration, or a deep sense of helplessness. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate this on your own.

I’m here to support both your child and your family through this process. In our work together, I offer guidance, structure, and hope—to help ease the burden and rebuild connection.

Family therapy is a key part of the healing journey. I actively involve parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process to strengthen communication, increase understanding, and create a more supportive home environment. These sessions give families the tools to better respond to challenges, support recovery, and stay engaged in meaningful, effective ways.

With a blend of evidence-based approaches and a collaborative, compassionate style, I help both teens and their families build lasting skills, emotional resilience, and trust. Healing is possible—and it starts with working together.

Parent Coaching

Parent Coaching is a valuable resource for redirecting eating disorders and other problematic behaviors in teens. We will create a supportive environment to help teenagers achieve treatment goals like weight restoration, overcoming food restrictions, developing healthy relationships with food and exercise, enhancing emotion regulation, building a positive self-concept, and improving relational functioning.

Given that parents play a crucial role in the healing process of this life-threatening illnesses and know their child best. I will collaborate with you and empower you intervene in the battle for teens recovery.

LMHC/LPC Supervision

I am eager to offer individual clinical supervision to  (LPMHC’s),  (LAC’s), and other mental health practitioners seeking to accrue clinical hours and enhance their professional practice. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment, I aim to guide and mentor supervisees through their professional development journey, providing valuable insights and knowledge to foster their growth as competent and compassionate mental health professionals. Whether you are at the beginning stages of your career or seeking to advance your expertise, I am here to support you in achieving your goals and furthering your proficiency in the field of mental health.

Consultation

In my consulting role, I focus on delivering efficient and precise solutions to your urgent challenges. With a straightforward approach, I provide practical suggestions, valuable advice, and clear recommendations. My aim is to rapidly understand the root cause of the stressful situation, working collaboratively with you to address the immediate issue and equip you with the necessary skills to handle similar challenges in the future. Together, we will build your problem-solving abilities, empowering you to face future hurdles with confidence and proficiency. My goal is to ensure that you gain practical tools and strategies to enhance your professional journey.

🧠💬Let's Chat About Therapy

What's Next?
We’re starting things off with a quick intro! Take a moment to fill out the form below and share what’s been on your mind. After that, we’ll schedule a free discovery call. It’s a 15-minute chat where we’ll vibe, get to know each other, and see if we’re a good match to work together.

First Session:

After our call, we’ll dive into an assessment. The first session is usually about 60 minutes where we’ll talk through what’s going on in your life and what you want to work on. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you feel comfortable and supported — taking the leap into therapy is a big deal, and you should feel good about it.

Ongoing Sessions:

After that, we’ll meet regularly for 45-50 minute sessions. We can do this weekly or whatever works best for you! Every person’s journey is different, so I’ll tailor everything to your needs. We can adjust the length, frequency, and timing based on what’s going to help you the most.

SAFETY AND COMFORT

Safety and Comfort: Therapy from the comfort of your space = peak relaxation. Whether you’re curled up with a blanket, enjoying a cup of tea, or chilling with your pet, we’ll make sure you’re in a comfortable environment to truly open up and feel heard.

CONVENIENCE

Convenience No traffic, no waiting rooms. Therapy from home means no added stress—just hop on the call when it fits into your schedule. More time for the things you actually want to do, and less time spent on the “getting there” part.

ACCESSIBILITY

Overcome limited local options. Get support from anywhere with ease

Here's Some Things I Get Asked Often...

Can I use out of network benefits?

In some cases you may be eligible to use out-of-network insurance benefits. You will be responsible for paying for each session in full at time of appointment. If appropriate, I will provide a super bill each month that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Do you offer in person sessions?

I only provide virtual sessions at this time.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, I am in-network with UMR-Mt. Sinai