Melisa Atkeson

MSW, LGSW

Melisa Atkeson is a licensed, graduate-level social worker who provides psychotherapy to individuals and families. Melisa’s specialties include working with adolescents, children, parents, and families. She has experience providing treatment to adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression, ADHD, substance abuse, anger management, adjustment and self-image issues, trauma, loss, and grief.  Melisa has worked with families of all types including those with foster and adoptive children. 

Melisa’s psychotherapy practice is client-centered and strengths-focused. She helps children develop positive self-esteem, learn to identify and manage their emotions, address fears and worries, and create positive social relationships. She helps adolescents understand what drives their choices and behaviors and aids them in developing adaptive coping skills and self-regulation. Melisa helps parents problem solve and develop new ways of interacting with their children, and she works with families to strengthen their relationships through better communication. Melisa’s practice incorporates a range of treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational Therapy, Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Structured Family Therapy, and Solution-focused Therapy.

Melisa has many years experience working with people in a variety of settings. She taught high school and pre-school, as well parenting classes, and she often uses psychoeducation as a tool in therapy. Melisa received post-graduate training in client-centered play therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. She is passionate about families and children and enjoys helping them experience positive change.

 Psychotherapy Services Provided

• Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and families
• Psychotherapy for adults with a focus on family, parenting, and relationships
• Parenting strategies for communication, discipline, limit setting and other issues
• School Consultations
• Individual, group, and family therapy



Psychotherapy Treatment Specialties

• Anxiety and Attachment Issues
• Adolescent Development and Issues
• Anger Management
• Behavior Problems
• Depression
• Family conflict
• Loss and Grief
• Parenting Issues and Skills
• Play Therapy
• Relationships
• Self-image and Self-esteem
• Social Skills
• Trauma