About Melissa
Melissa is a Primary Therapist for Outpatient services at SOBA New Jersey. Having received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University, she then went on to pursue her Master’s degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. Melissa currently holds a license as a Social Worker (LSW), and working towards her Clinical Social Worker license (LCSW) as well as Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor license (LCADC).
Melissa has a history of working in the substance abuse and addictions field, as well as co-occurring disorders. She started her career at SOBA New Jersey as an intern, where she had served in different areas of the agency including outpatient and detox. After this Melissa worked at another substance use facility as a therapist working closely with DCP&P, drug court and probation. Melissa has also had experience working with mental health during her time working as a therapist at Princeton House. Here she ran groups which specialized in DBT, provided individual counseling, as well as family therapy. After this, she returned to SOBA as a primary therapist where she works in a field, she is most passionate about, addictions and recovery.
Melissa practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches, Motivational interviewing techniques (MI) as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Melissa is passionate about helping and supporting people work on themselves and helping them find that they have the power to make their lives better.
In her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, working out and plant care.