Melanie Griffin , LCSW

Melanie Griffin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive clinical experience across community, forensic, and behavioral health settings. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Southern Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health, and over her career she has supported people facing trauma, mental health and addiction concerns, crisis situations, and the unique needs of older adults and adolescents.

Her work has included roles in forensics, community services, crisis intervention, trauma treatment, mental health and addictions, geriatric care, adolescent services, and family reunification, which has contributed to a broad understanding of diverse cultural and life circumstances. She is licensed to practice as an LCSW in North Carolina (NC LCSW C011127) and Connecticut (CT LCSW 007008).

Melanie takes a person-centered approach to care, meeting clients where they are and building trust through empathy and understanding. She integrates cognitive behavioral strategies that focus on identifying patterns of thought and behavior to produce practical change, while also recognizing the importance of a therapeutic relationship that validates each person’s experience.

Recognizing that reaching out for help can feel daunting and carry stigma for many, she prioritizes creating a respectful, nonjudgmental environment that encourages open dialogue. Prospective clients who wish to learn more are invited to reach out for additional information or to discuss whether her approach might fit their needs.

Therapeutic approaches for online support

Melanie Griffin draws on client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to guide online sessions. Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person’s experience from their perspective and creating a supportive space where goals emerge from the client’s own priorities - it is useful for building self-esteem, improving relationships, and navigating life transitions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, offering practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is collaborative - Melanie works with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies as the work evolves to ensure the plan feels effective and respectful of the client’s pace.

Online therapy with Melanie can take place through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for scheduling and for choosing the communication style that feels most comfortable. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals and to continue care when life circumstances or location make in-person visits challenging.