Melissa Benson, LMHC, LCMHC
Compassionate Florida therapist for life's transitions
- Stress and anxiety support
- Addiction and grief care
- Tailored treatment plans
About Melissa Benson
Melissa Benson is a licensed mental health professional practicing in Florida with 24 years of clinical experience. She holds the credentials LMHC and LCMHC - designations that indicate she is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor - and brings a calm, respectful presence to therapeutic work.
Her practice focuses on helping people navigate addictions, cope with grief and loss, manage depression, and adapt to major life changes. She approaches each person with sensitivity and compassion, listening closely to understand individual concerns and strengths. Treatment is shaped to fit the unique needs of each client rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.
Melissa emphasizes collaborative care, tailoring dialogue and treatment plans in partnership with clients. She recognizes that taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and she commits to supporting clients through that process with steady guidance and practical strategies.
Her practice focuses on helping people navigate addictions, cope with grief and loss, manage depression, and adapt to major life changes. She approaches each person with sensitivity and compassion, listening closely to understand individual concerns and strengths. Treatment is shaped to fit the unique needs of each client rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.
Melissa emphasizes collaborative care, tailoring dialogue and treatment plans in partnership with clients. She recognizes that taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and she commits to supporting clients through that process with steady guidance and practical strategies.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
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 Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Melissa Benson have?
Melissa Benson has 24 years of professional experience.
Is Melissa Benson a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credentials LMHC and LCMHC. License details are FL LMHC MH11037 and UT LCMHC 13189238-6004.
In which languages does Melissa Benson provide therapy?
Melissa Benson provides therapy in English.
Where is Melissa Benson located?
Melissa Benson is located in Florida.
How can I work with Melissa Benson as my therapist?
You can work with Melissa Benson through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Melissa Benson work with international clients?
Melissa Benson does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Melissa Benson cost?
Costs can vary depending on factors such as 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 straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps 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 Online Care
Melissa Benson draws from client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness therapy to shape online treatment that fits each person's needs. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration, helping individuals feel heard and supported while they explore personal goals and values. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping challenges. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and stress-reduction techniques that can help with emotional regulation and daily distress.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Melissa works with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She frames treatment as a collaborative effort - clients and therapist choose strategies together and adjust them as progress unfolds.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility by allowing sessions by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit care into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and maintain continuity during life transitions, while still providing access to licensed professionals and consistent therapeutic support.