Melanie Giarratano, LMHC, LCMHC

Melanie Giarratano is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, LCMHC) based in New York. She studied neuroscience at the University of Delaware and completed a master’s in mental health counseling at SUNY College at Old Westbury. Melanie draws on her background in research and clinical work to help people manage stress, anxiety, mood challenges, and relationship concerns including jealousy.

She has worked in inpatient psychiatric settings and outpatient care, providing individual and group therapy. That experience shaped how she understands trauma and severe stress reactions, and it informs how she supports people coping with trauma and mood disorders. Melanie also has experience with substance use and developmental disability contexts.

Her approach blends several well-known methods to fit each person’s needs. She uses motivational interviewing to help clients find motivation for change, client-centered techniques to offer support and encouragement, and cognitive behavioral strategies to map how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. She also draws on psychodynamic ideas about development and relationships when helpful.

Sessions often include practical tools such as thought logs, coping skills, and homework for clients who want active, skill-building work. Melanie emphasizes self-care and models balance through activities like yoga, biking, and time with family and her dog.

People who want a therapist who listens and tailors work to individual goals may find her style approachable. She aims to guide clients through transitions, improve communication, and build stronger emotion regulation and coping skills.

How Melanie’s Approaches Work Online

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and offering support without judgment. It helps people who need encouragement and a caring space to sort out feelings and goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks down how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect and teaches practical exercises like thought logs and behavioral experiments to change patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills that can help with intense emotions and relationship conflicts.

Finding the right approach is usually a team effort. Melanie works with each person to figure out which methods fit their goals and preferences. She often blends techniques, so sessions can shift from supportive listening to skill practice depending on what the client needs.

The profile doesn’t list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It also supports continuing care when someone moves or travels. Licensed professionals can use a mix of conversation, worksheets, and homework assignments to help progress between sessions.