Melissa Fernald, LCSW

Melissa Fernald is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Maine with 25 years of experience in mental health and addiction. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief around life changes, and addiction-related problems. Melissa presents practical, focused support rather than long drawn-out therapy. She aims for concrete steps people can use between sessions.

Before private practice, Melissa worked in hospitals and community programs and across settings that involved clinical and addiction care. That background shapes how she structures sessions - short-term goals, clear skills, and steady problem-solving. She emphasizes building on strengths people already have and adding skills where they are needed.

Melissa uses a blend of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In practice this means looking at unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, clarifying values, and teaching concrete coping skills. Sessions typically focus on what to try differently in everyday life and how to notice what works.

Her style is straightforward and down-to-earth. She values honesty and a bit of humor while keeping conversations goal-oriented. The work often involves skill practice, communication strategies, and steps to manage intense emotions or cravings.

People who look for clear structure and hands-on strategies may find this approach useful. Before booking, confirm current session formats and scheduling options to make sure they fit your routine.

Approaches used in online sessions and how they help