Melissa Fernald

Practical, strength-based therapy for real-life challenges

LCSW Maine

Experience: 25 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Melissa

Melissa Fernald is an LCSW practicing in Maine with extensive experience in mental health and addiction. She brings 25 years of clinical work across hospitals, community programs, and independent practice settings to her sessions, offering a pragmatic, strength-based approach that emphasizes practical skills and measurable progress.

Background and approach

Melissa frames therapy as an empowering process aimed at addressing current challenges rather than an inevitable long ordeal. Her style is calm, down-to-earth, and nonjudgmental, with a focus on building from clients' existing strengths while introducing tools for change.

She draws on techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with other evidence-informed approaches to help clients navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family difficulties, mood concerns, addiction, and related areas such as codependency, caregiver stress, and life transitions.

Melissa values honesty, authenticity, and a touch of humor in her work, and aims to make each session feel productive so clients leave feeling clearer and more capable.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Access

Melissa integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her work. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. ACT emphasizes values-based action and psychological flexibility, helping people accept difficult internal experiences while committing to meaningful life directions, which can support coping with trauma, life changes, and chronic stress.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is collaborative; Melissa works with each client to explore which methods align best with their goals, preferences, and current needs. She tailors interventions over time, combining strategies when helpful so clients develop practical skills and clarity about next steps.

Offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, her online practice aims to provide flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care from home or work and to access therapy when life’s demands make in-person visits difficult. Licensed professionals can adapt these methods to support steady progress and practical problem-solving.

Frequently asked questions

What types of concerns does she address?

She works with a broad set of concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and family problems, anger, self esteem, career questions, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include abandonment, blended family issues, caregiver stress, codependency, communication problems, and substance-related concerns.

What is her therapeutic approach and style?

Her approach is strength-based and solution-focused, blending practical skill-building with down-to-earth, nonjudgmental support. She uses methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy among other modalities to help clients develop tools that address current problems.

How much clinical experience does she bring?

She has 25 years of experience working in mental health and addiction across hospitals, community programs, and independent practice settings. That background informs a pragmatic focus on usable strategies and clear progress.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds the LCSW credential and is licensed as ME LCSW LC18215 and NH LCSW 5092. She practices in Maine.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are conducted in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.

In what formats are sessions offered?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences and scheduling needs.

How does billing and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Pricing depends on the client’s location and the therapist’s schedule.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist’s availability. This process helps match needs and preferences before sessions begin.

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 ImpulsivityLife 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 issuesYoung 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