Meet Dr. Melissa J. Mason, LCSW-R, RYT, CRYT

Dr. Melissa Mason is a seasoned psychotherapist with an established history working with children, adolescents, and young adults. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker she has worked in a variety of settings, including schools/universities, medical institutions, outpatient and residential treatment facilities and private practice.

Dr. Melissa possesses a wealth of clinical expertise, particularly in addressing eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. She specializes in providing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a targeted approach to alleviate trauma and PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, she has undergone extensive training in incorporating yoga and mindfulness as complementary interventions. She recognizes the profound connection between the mind and body, endeavoring to help clients establish practices that elevate their overall well-being.

Central to Dr. Melissa's therapeutic philosophy is her unwavering belief in the importance of building strong client-therapist relationships. These relationships, founded on mutual respect and trust, set the tone for effective work. Dr. Melissa is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment that encourages clients to embrace vulnerability. Her collaborative efforts with clients focus on gaining insight into the role of their eating disorder, understanding its purpose, and exploring alternative, non-judgmental ways to meet their needs. She empowers individuals to identify their "life worth living," enabling them to authentically engage both within and beyond therapy sessions. Dr. Melissa adopts a holistic treatment approach, working closely with nutritionists, physicians, psychiatrists, and other professionals to ensure each patient receives comprehensive care. She ardently believes in the possibility of recovery and strives to instill this hope in her clients. Her therapeutic approach is characterized by warmth, openness, and non-judgmental support.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Melissa has served as a consultant for various nonprofit organizations and has provided invaluable clinical supervision to numerous MSW students. She is highly sought after as a speaker and holds positions as an adjunct professor at Simmons School of Social Work and Rutgers School of Social Work, where she not only educates future social workers but also contributes to the advancement of the social work profession as a whole.