Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Melissa Benson

Therapist profile

Melissa Benson, LMHC, LCMHC

Florida

Licensed counselor - Anger and life changes

Continue with Melissa

Key details

  • CredentialsLMHC, LCMHC
  • LicenseLMHC, Florida / MH11037; LCMHC, Utah / 13189238-6004
  • NPI1558704767
  • Experience24 years
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • LocationFlorida

About

  • CBT techniques
  • Mindfulness practice
  • Motivational interviewing

About Melissa

Melissa Benson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with 24 years of professional experience. She commonly helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, relationship and family concerns, anger, and coping with life changes. Sessions are conducted in English and the practice is based in Florida.

Her approach is straightforward and person-focused. She listens to what matters most and adapts conversations to fit each situation. Expect practical steps alongside time to talk through feelings and patterns that get in the way of daily life.

Melissa draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to help people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also uses client-centered principles to keep the work grounded in what the person wants to achieve. Mindfulness-based strategies are used when slowing down and noticing the present moment helps reduce reactivity.

Motivational interviewing shows up when someone needs help finding reasons to change, especially around addictions or entrenched habits. Solution-focused methods are used for setting clear, achievable goals and tracking small wins over time. These tools are mixed to match what a person says they need.

She has worked across a range of concerns that include sleep and eating issues, ADHD, intimacy matters, and bipolar-related struggles. Melissa’s background includes long-term clinical work with adults facing life transitions and behavioral challenges. The focus is on practical skills, clearer communication, and steps people can use between sessions.

How sessions work

Approach and practical online sessions

Melissa uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify and change thought and behavior patterns that fuel anger and related problems. CBT works well for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and moments when reactions escalate quickly.

She also uses client-centered therapy, which focuses on listening and shaping the conversation around the person’s own goals. That approach helps people feel heard while deciding what to change. Mindfulness techniques are offered to build awareness of bodily cues and reduce automatic reactivity in stressful moments.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. The therapist and client will review goals, try methods, and adjust based on what helps most. This collaborative process keeps the work practical and goal-oriented while honoring the person’s preferences.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm the available online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Talk with the therapist during the matching steps about which session rhythm or format would best fit everyday life and responsibilities.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorder

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAvoidant personalityBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGuilt and shameHearing impairedHoardingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

24+ years

Listed in

Florida, Utah

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What anger-related issues does she help with?

She supports people struggling with anger as it shows up at home, work, or inside relationships. Anger is listed alongside related concerns like stress, resentment, and communication problems.

What style of therapy does she use?

Her work blends client-centered conversations with cognitive behavioral techniques. She also uses mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused methods when those fit the goals.

How much experience does she have?

She has 24 years of professional experience working with adults on mood, behavioral, and life-change concerns. That experience includes helping people with addictions, grief, and depression.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds the LMHC and LCMHC credentials and is licensed in Florida. Sessions and services are listed from her Florida practice.

In which languages are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she work with international clients?

International clients are not accepted at this time.

How are fees handled?

Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Confirm specific pricing during the matching or scheduling steps.

How do I get started with scheduling?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to begin the process.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.

Back to all therapists

Melissa Benson

Continue with Melissa