LCSW

Melissa Fernald, LCSW

Experience25 years
LocationMaine
Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Family
Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Attachment-Based Therapy

Check the available next steps for working with Melissa online.

About Melissa

Melissa Fernald is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, addiction, relationship struggles, ADHD, and a wide range of life transitions.

Background and approach

She draws on an extensive background in hospital settings, community programs, and independent practice to provide practical, skill-focused care that aims to reduce overwhelm and increase everyday functioning. Melissa emphasizes a strengths-based, solution-focused stance that builds on what already works while introducing new tools for coping and growth.

Her manner is calm, down-to-earth, and nonjudgmental, and she values honesty, authenticity, and occasional humor in the work. Clients can expect an approach that balances empathy with practical strategies so sessions feel productive and hopeful.

Melissa aims to help people get unstuck, gain clarity, and leave therapy feeling more capable and lighter than when they came in.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Melissa frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical coping skills that reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. She also incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on clarifying personal values and learning ways to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to meaningful actions. These approaches are well suited to concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD-related challenges, and difficulties adjusting to life changes.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Melissa works with each person to explore which methods feel most useful given their goals, preferences, and unique circumstances, adjusting techniques as the work evolves to ensure the treatment remains relevant and practical.

Online therapy with Melissa is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent care without lengthy travel, and allow clients to integrate therapeutic work into their daily routines while maintaining continuity with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she often address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, eating issues, and career or life-purpose questions.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her practice is strength-based and solution-focused, combining practical skill-building with a grounded, empathic presence to help clients find clarity and forward movement.

How much experience does she bring?

Melissa has 25 years of experience in mental health and addiction work across hospitals, community programs, and independent practice settings.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is an LCSW licensed in Maine and practices out of Maine; her provided license details are ME LCSW LC18215 and NH LCSW 5092.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Clients can work with her via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Depression ADHD

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shame Impulsivity Life purposeMidlife crisisMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Licensed

Maine, New Hampshire

Languages

English

What Melissa can help with

Melissa Fernald works with clients on stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, depression, and ADHD.

Melissa works with individuals and families.

How Melissa approaches therapy

Melissa's clinical approaches include 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, and Mindfulness Therapy.

Experience and training

Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Maine, with 25 years of clinical experience.