Melissa Backus(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW
New Jersey•Connecticut•Florida•Massachusetts
Anxiety -College & graduate student mental health- Life transitions-Perfectionism-Self-esteem-Mood disorders-
Melissa Backus
Vetted
(She/Her/Hers)
See Melissa's Details for:
Professional statement
Melissa Backus has 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in acute inpatient settings, outpatient community clinics, substance use treatment facilities, and group practices. She has experience as a trauma-informed yoga instructor and is certified in CBT with additional training in EMDR, DBT and mindfulness-based practices.
Melissa works with clients of all ages to address challenges related to anxiety, mood, relationships, family struggles and life transitions. During initial sessions, she will discuss your goals and develop strategies to help you manage your symptoms. Clients appreciate her ability to create a safe, nonjudgmental space in which to express difficult emotions.
Melissa is in network with Atena, Cigna, Unted Healthcare, Blue Cross of Massachusetts and Optum. She can provide a superbill for out-of-network clients. Her full fee is $125, but is happy to work with potential clients to keep therapy affordable.
Work and Education
Years of Experience: 21 years
Mount Sinai Hospital , Psychiatric Social Worker / Primary Therapist
PM Pediatric Care, Primary Therapist
Columbia University , MSW, 2003
Boston Univerdity, BA, 2000
Licensure
New Jersey: 44SC06187300 - Massachusetts: LICSW126314 - Florida: SW17804 - Connecticut: 012057Languages
EnglishSpecialties
Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)
College & graduate student mental health - Specialized strategies for common issues of young adulthood, including school and career stressors, support around healthy relationships, existential concerns, drug or alcohol issues, eating disorders, and anxiety and/or depression.
Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress
Perfectionism - Coping with feelings of anxiety, stress, self-criticism, and procrastination; addressing unrealistic expectations of one’s self and negatively comparing self to others
Self-esteem - Cultivating self-compassion, assertiveness, and confidence; developing ways to reduce suffering, anxiety, social withdrawal, and self-neglect
Mood disorders - Clinical depression, persistent depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders that cause disturbances in the client's mood, causing mood swings, restless sleep, and/or elevated mood
General expertise
Treatment approaches
Clientele
- Adults (24+)
- Children (<12)
- Families
- Parents
- Teenagers (13-18)
- Young adults (18-24)
Locations & Hours
Insurance
- Aetna
- Aetna Student Health Insurance
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA PPO
- Boston College Student Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)
- Cigna
- Meritain Health
- Oxford Health Plans
- UMR
- United Healthcare
- United Healthcare Student Health Plan
Out-of-pocket fees
- Individual sessions:$125 (45min)
- Sliding scale:$80 - $125
Book a Free Initial Consultation
The practice will call you for a free 10min phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!
This provider has no upcoming call times available.