Melissa Fernald, LCSW

Practical, strength-based therapy for life challenges

Strength-based approach
Trauma and addiction
Family and relationships

About Melissa Fernald

Melissa Fernald is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience in mental health and addiction services. She has supported individuals and families across diverse settings, including hospitals, community programs, and private practice, and brings that breadth of experience to each interaction. Melissa approaches therapy from a strength-based, solution-focused perspective, helping people build on what already works while developing practical skills to address current challenges.

Known for a calm, nonjudgmental, and down-to-earth manner, she values honesty, warmth, and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. Her work emphasizes straightforward, actionable strategies so that progress can be felt sooner rather than later. Melissa prioritizes creating an environment where people feel heard and understood, and where sessions are oriented toward tangible steps forward.

She is passionate about helping clients get unstuck, find clarity, and make meaningful changes in their lives. Her goal is to make therapy productive and positive so each visit leaves the person feeling a bit lighter, more capable, and more hopeful than when they arrived.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Depression ADHD

Also Specializes In

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 shameImpulsivityLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic 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 Approach

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Melissa Fernald have?

Melissa Fernald has 25 years of experience in the field of mental health and addiction.

Is Melissa Fernald a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LCSW credential, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: ME LCSW LC18215, NH LCSW 5092.

In which languages does Melissa Fernald provide therapy?

Melissa Fernald provides therapy in English.

Where is Melissa Fernald located?

Melissa Fernald is located in Maine.

How can I work with Melissa Fernald as my therapist?

You can work with Melissa Fernald through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Melissa Fernald work with international clients?

Melissa Fernald does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Melissa Fernald cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Accessible Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It is useful for stress, anxiety, and situations where someone wants to live in line with their priorities rather than be driven by avoidance.

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns in connections and emotions. It can help individuals and families address relationship struggles, trust issues, and patterns that repeat across partnerships and parenting.

Melissa approaches treatment collaboratively, recognizing that finding the right approach is part of the work. She partners with each person to identify goals, test strategies, and adapt methods to fit the client’s needs, preferences, and life circumstances.

Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules, travel limitations, or caregiving responsibilities. These formats allow clients to access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations and to choose interaction styles that best support their progress.

Ready to start therapy with Melissa Fernald?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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