More About Me

Melissa Hart, MA, LPCC-S, LMHC, LCADC --  Hello and thanks for stopping by!  My name is Melissa and I am so happy that you have taken the first step towards seeking counseling.  I know it’s not an easy decision to come to.  We tend to want to keep stuff to ourselves; especially our “problems”.  But, I want you to know that it’s okay to ask for help.  If anything, I think it takes a lot of courage to do so and I’m here to help you with whatever your issues are.  If you’re ready to take that leap and make a change, give me a call or shoot me an email.  I would love to hear from you!!

I aim to provide the most clinically effective treatment to individuals, couples, families, and groups in order to help them acknowledge, create, and live their best life.  My dream is to help transform the lives of thousands: one person, couple, or group at a time so that they may fulfill their purpose and positively impact the world. 

I understand that clients are dealing with significant discomfort and that they may need help managing their discomfort so that they can grow into the best version of themselves.  My therapeutic approach is evidenced-based, goal-directed, and it focuses on the client’s strengths rather than condemning what they struggle with in order to achieve the change that my clients are wanting in their lives. 

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I specialize in working with individuals who have been dually diagnosed (mental health and addictions).  I enjoy helping individuals learn how to manage depression and/or anxiety and refrain from that knee jerk reaction to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.  I understand all too well how easy it is to just want to escape into that bottle of alcohol or use a substance to satisfy that need for instant gratification.  But, I want you to know that it’s never too late to get yourself back on track.  I would love the opportunity to work with you; provide you with the support and guidance needed to work towards your goal of living a happier, more fulfilled life.  As seen in the logo, a client will come in feeling alone (the lone wolf) and leave feeling renewed (the phoenix). 

I do a thorough assessment of each client so that I can gather a relevant history and the current symptoms of the problem.  This assessment occurs during the first and second session.  Progress is consistently measured during the course of treatment; after all, progress is the goal.  Therefore, goals for treatment are developed by the third session.  The goals are statements made by the client expressing what they want to accomplish.  They are measurable and specific so that we are clear as to what we are trying to accomplish.     

After the assessment is completed and the goals are developed, it’s time to get to work.  Sessions will involve identifying and talking through strong feelings and trauma, developing coping skills for the discomfort in your life, practicing mindfulness and stress reduction techniques, re-framing unhealthy thought patterns, and gaining acceptance of yourself and your new normal.  Hart Counseling Services, LLC brings a specialized set of skills and a diverse background.  Treatment modality will largely depend on the needs of the client.  Treatment is evidenced-based, holistic, and results-driven.     

I completed my Graduate Degree in Mental Health at Webster University in 2014.  I’ve worked primarily with the adult population in various levels of treatment.