Melissa Bracero-Kempf, LCSW

About

Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York, NY. Works with Racial Identity, Relationship Issues and Anxiety. Sees clients online only. Takes Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and other plans. Accepting new clients.

Areas of expertise

• Racial Identity
• Relationship Issues
• Anxiety
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Family Conflict
• Life Transitions
• Peer Relationships
• Self Esteem
• Stress Management
• Trauma and PTSD

Types of therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)Helps people make room for difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, and commit to actions that fit what matters to them.
• Attachment-basedLooks at early bonds with caregivers and how they shape relationships and emotions now, and works toward a greater sense of safety and connection.
• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)A structured, practical therapy that looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions affect each other, and teaches skills for changing unhelpful thinking and habits.
• Dialectical Behavior (DBT)A skills-based therapy grown out of CBT. Teaches ways to manage intense emotions, get through crises, stay present and handle relationships.
• IntegrativeCombines more than one therapy approach, fitted to the person's needs.
• Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)Combines mindfulness practice, paying attention to the present moment without judgment, with ideas from cognitive therapy.
• Motivational InterviewingA collaborative style of conversation that helps people explore mixed feelings about a change and find their own reasons to make it.
• Person-CenteredA warm, non-directive approach: the therapist listens with empathy and without judgment, and trusts the person to find their own direction.
• Positive PsychologyFocuses on well-being, strengths, gratitude and what makes life fulfilling, alongside working through difficulties.
• RelationalSees relationships as central to well-being. The relationship with the therapist is used to understand and change patterns in other relationships.
• Strength-BasedFocuses on the strengths, skills and resources a person already has, and builds on them to meet challenges.

More details

Sessions

Online only

Accepting new clients

Yes

Specialties

Racial Identity, Relationship Issues, Anxiety, Body Image, Coping Skills, Depression, Family Conflict, LGBTQ+, Life Transitions, Mood Disorders, Peer Relationships, Polyamory & ENM, Self Esteem, Sex-Positive & Kink Friendly, Stress, Transgender, Trauma and PTSD, Women's Issues

Insurance

Aetna, Cigna and Evernorth, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, Oscar Health, Oxford, United Medical Resources (UMR), UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, Out of Network

Fees

Individual sessions $200, couple sessions $300; sliding scale available

Payment methods

American Express, Cash, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa, Zelle

Ages

Adults

Works with

Individuals, Couples

Communities

Gay Allied, HIV / AIDS Allied, Intersex Allied, Lesbian Allied, Non-Binary Allied, Queer Allied, Racial Justice Allied, Sex Worker Allied, Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino

Languages

English

Gender

Female

Education

Fordham Graduate School of Social Service

Years in practice

9

Education & qualifications