Melisa Budhna, LCSW

Melisa Budhna is a dedicated therapist with three years of clinical experience supporting individuals through emotional challenges and personal growth. She takes a collaborative, client-centered approach that prioritizes safety, trust, and nonjudgmental support. Melisa works with clients navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and women’s issues, including postpartum and motherhood-related stress. She offers sessions in Spanish and Papiamentu, providing culturally responsive care to support diverse communities.

Melisa utilizes an integrative, strengths-based approach, blending evidence-based modalities to meet each client’s unique needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model. Her work focuses on increasing self-awareness, identifying emotional and behavioral patterns, and developing practical, skills-based tools that promote resilience and long-term well-being. She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), client-centered therapy, and Motivational Interviewing into her practice.

Melisa earned her certification in Addictions from Florida Atlantic University and has over three years of experience working with this population. Her professional background also includes three years within the forensic system, with a specialization in the mental health court system and a strong emphasis on community collaboration. Guided by values of open communication, mutual respect, and client autonomy, Melisa balances empathy and validation with gentle guidance and accountability, empowering clients to move forward with clarity, confidence, and meaningful progress.