Melissa shows interest in what I am saying by listening, asking clarification questions and paraphrasing what she heard. Melissa has provided me some wonderful worksheets to use along with wonderful feedback.
Melissa Fernald, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Melissa is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- 4.7 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Melissa. View 3 reviews
- Great news, Melissa is accepting new clients!
- She is normally fully-booked.
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Maine and New Hampshire
Recent reviews
I've worked with three different therapists over the past 5 years and I really feel like I finally found one who is taking an approach I trust. I've benefited tremendously in the past 6 weeks, and I look forward to continuing the process with Melissa.
More about Melissa
- 25 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
My name is Melissa, and I’ve been working in the field of mental health and addiction for 29 years. Over the course of my career, I’ve supported individuals and families in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and community programs to private practice. These experiences have shaped my belief that therapy doesn’t need to be a long, painful process. Instead, it can be a focused, empowering space where you get practical support for the challenges you’re facing right now.
My approach is strength-based and solution-focused, helping you build on what’s already working while developing new skills to move forward. I am a calm, nonjudgmental, and down-to-earth therapist who values honesty, humor, and authenticity in the therapy room. I’m passionate about this work and committed to creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported.
I truly enjoy helping people get unstuck, gain clarity, and experience meaningful change. My goal is to make your time with me both productive and positive—so you leave each session feeling a little lighter, more capable, and more hopeful than when you arrived.
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Family conflicts
Trauma and abuse
Depression
ADHD
Addictions
Relationship issues
Intimacy-related issues
Eating disorders
Parenting issues
Anger management
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Coping with life changes
Coaching
Compassion fatigue
Abandonment
Blended family issues
Caregiver issues and stress
Co-morbidity
Codependency
Communication problems
Control issues
Divorce and separation
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol addiction
Family problems
First responder issues
Guilt and shame
Impulsivity
Life purpose
Midlife crisis
Mood disorders
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Postpartum depression
Post-traumatic stress
Pregnancy and childbirth
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Sexual assault and abuse
Smoking / vaping cessation
Social anxiety and phobia
Women's issues
Workplace issues
Young adult issues
Treatment Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Existential Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Melissa Fernald's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1598070591.
- LCSW · Maine · LC18215 · Renews July 2027
- LCSW · New Hampshire · 5092 · Renews September 2026
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Melissa Fernald
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Melissa shows interest in what I am saying by listening, asking clarification questions and paraphrasing what she heard. Melissa has provided me some wonderful worksheets to use along with wonderful feedback.
I've worked with three different therapists over the past 5 years and I really feel like I finally found one who is taking an approach I trust. I've benefited tremendously in the past 6 weeks, and I look forward to continuing the process with Melissa.
Very friendly funny and insightful!
Frequently asked questions
Does Melissa Fernald offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Melissa Fernald works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Melissa Fernald speak?
Melissa Fernald speaks English.
How many years of experience does Melissa Fernald have?
Melissa Fernald has 25 years of experience.
Where is Melissa Fernald licensed to practice?
Melissa Fernald is licensed to practice in Maine and New Hampshire.
Does Melissa Fernald accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, Melissa Fernald accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does Melissa Fernald accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Melissa Fernald does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Melissa Fernald offer?
Melissa Fernald offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Melissa Fernald?
Melissa Fernald can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Melissa Fernald?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
FSA/HSA
eligible