Melissa Simonson, MD, LCPC, LPC

Melissa Simonson is a licensed counselor practicing in Maryland with five years of clinical counseling experience and licensure in Virginia as well. Before shifting to counseling, she spent 15 years in education working as both a teacher and an administrator, bringing a background in learning and organizational insight to her therapeutic work.

She holds the credentials MD, LCPC, and LPC - MD indicates a Doctor of Medicine degree, LCPC denotes Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. Melissa has worked with people facing stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship and parenting challenges, self-esteem and confidence concerns, and depression. She also addresses related areas such as attachment and blended family issues, divorce and separation, guilt and shame, and mood disorders.

Melissa approaches each client with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, adapting conversations and treatment plans to meet individual needs. She emphasizes support and empowerment, guiding clients through the courageous steps toward a more fulfilling and balanced life while tailoring care to their unique goals and circumstances.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Support

Melissa Simonson uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to the issues clients bring to therapy. She employs trauma-informed approaches that focus on understanding and processing the effects of traumatic events, which can help people coping with abuse, post-traumatic stress, and related symptoms. She also uses skills-based strategies aimed at managing stress, anxiety, and mood concerns - these practical techniques build emotional regulation, coping skills, and problem-solving to support day-to-day functioning. In addition, attachment-focused work is offered for clients navigating relationship patterns, family dynamics, blended family issues, and parenting challenges.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Melissa will work with each person to identify goals, preferences, and needs, then adapt techniques accordingly so therapy feels personally relevant and achievable.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make regular access to care more flexible. These formats allow clients to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity when life changes, and connect with a licensed professional from different locations while focusing on practical, effective support.