״My experience has provided me unique insight into the training of artists, the specific aspects of a career in the arts and familiarity with how the business works. Learning how to achieve emotional and professional balance, self-care and stable self-esteem is a focus of my practice and crucial to maintaining sustainable mental health."
About Melissa
Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over
25 years experience specializing in individuals in the arts.
I work with a wide range of presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, bereavement and grief, trauma, relationship concerns and LGBTQIA concerns, as well as the challenges particular to artists such as performance anxiety, career instability, rejection and self-doubt.
Services
Individual Therapy
I believe feeling connected to and understood by your therapist is a crucial part of a successful therapy experience, so a consultation is an opportunity for both therapist and client to assure a good clinical fit.
Individual therapy sessions are designed to address your specific concerns and work towards realistic goals to provide relief, enact change and help you move forward.
Family and Group Therapy
With families, I have worked with a variety of dyads (parent/adult child, siblings) to address conflicts in their relationship and to open lines of communication. I can also meet with family members of individual clients who need support or collaboration in their individual therapy.
Sibling loss is also a speciality in my practice and I offer a sibling loss group for adults age 25-35.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy focuses on enhancing communication, building trust, and strengthening relationships. I create a supportive environment for couples going through a challenging time, often with the goal to address conflicts, make a decision together and operate more as a team.
Endorsements
"Melissa has been a mentor to me for over 10 years. She is often the person I think of first when friends or family members of my clients are seeking a therapist. She is trustworthy, empathic, and an overall adept clinician."
Kate Thompson, LCSW
"Melissa goes above and beyond in caring for her clients. She is an exceptionally thoughtful, insightful and attuned therapist and is particularly experienced in working with actors, artists and those struggling with loss."
Annalisa Erba, Psy D
"Melissa Wacks is a trusted colleague of many years. She is a highly skilled and thoughtful psychotherapist who brings her depth of knowledge, attention and care to her clients. I refer clients to her with full confidence in the care they will receive."
Roger Chabot, LCSW/LICSW
Frequently Asked Questions
Why work with a clinician who specializes in creatives?
My experience at NYU Tisch provided me unique insight into the training of artists, the specific challenges of a career in the arts and familiarity with how the business works. I’ve also worked with artists navigating the unique challenges of career success including becoming a person in the public eye, as well as transitioning out of “the business”.
Is there a difference between working in person or virtual?
I offer in-person sessions because I believe it is impactful to sit in a room with another person without distractions or interruptions in order to focus more on engaging with feelings. Working virtually can be beneficial when scheduling is challenging, especially for creatives who have unpredictable schedules. You have the option of meeting with me in-person, virtually, or a mix of both modalities with offices in Manhattan and Brooklyn. For residents of Massachussetts, I offer a virtual option only at this time.
Do you work with clients who are not actors or creative professionals?
Yes! I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including college mental health, and work with people from an array of professions and backgrounds. My other specialities are young adults due to many years working in college mental health, as well as sibling loss.
The most important aspect of finding a therapist is feeling connected and safe in the treatment room.