Dr. Laura Melendez, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Laura is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- Great news, Laura is accepting new clients!
- She is normally fully-booked.
- Speaks English and Spanish
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in New Jersey
More about Laura
- 10 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
Hi, I'm Dr. Laura Melendez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 10 years of experience supporting adults healing from trauma, abuse, difficult relationships, and major life transitions. I specialize in working with survivors of domestic violence, coercive control, childhood and narcissistic abuse, grief and loss, and individuals who want to rebuild self-trust, strengthen boundaries, and create healthier relationships with partners, family, and friends.
I believe healing begins by remembering that much of the medicine we need is already within us. My role is not to tell you who you are, but to help you reconnect with your own strength, wisdom, and capacity to heal. Therapy should be a space where you feel safe, respected, and genuinely understood—not judged.
My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. I integrate EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, mindfulness, and relational approaches to help clients process painful experiences, better understand the stories they carry about themselves, and move toward lasting change. Together, we'll create a treatment plan that reflects your unique experiences, strengths, values, and goals.
I also recognize that our emotional well-being is shaped not only by personal experiences but by the relationships, communities, and systems we live within. Whether you're recovering from abuse, navigating anxiety or depression, grieving a loss, or simply feeling stuck, therapy can help you rediscover hope, clarity, and a greater sense of agency.
Reaching out for support takes courage, and I'm honored you're considering taking that step. I look forward to walking alongside you as you create a life that feels safer, healthier, and more aligned with who you are.
Specialties
Insurance Accepted
- Cigna
Licenses
Dr. Laura Melendez's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1588235980.
- LCSW · New Jersey · 44SC06000300 · Renews August 2026
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.
Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.
Reviews for Dr. Laura Melendez
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Laura Melendez offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Dr. Laura Melendez works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Dr. Laura Melendez speak?
Dr. Laura Melendez speaks English and Spanish.
How many years of experience does Dr. Laura Melendez have?
Dr. Laura Melendez has 10 years of experience.
Where is Dr. Laura Melendez licensed to practice?
Dr. Laura Melendez is licensed to practice in New Jersey.
Does Dr. Laura Melendez accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, Dr. Laura Melendez accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does Dr. Laura Melendez accept insurance?
Yes, Dr. Laura Melendez accepts Cigna.
Does Dr. Laura Melendez accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Dr. Laura Melendez does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
How can I communicate with Dr. Laura Melendez?
Dr. Laura Melendez can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Dr. Laura Melendez?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.