Melissa Van Veldhuizen, PhD

About

Psychologist in Boston, MA. Works with Sleep or Insomnia, Chronic Pain and Depression/Anxiety. Sees clients online only. Takes Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare. Accepting new clients.

Areas of expertise

• Anxiety
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Grief
• Life Transitions
• Relationship Issues
• 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.
• 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.
• Cognitive Processing (CPT)A structured therapy for PTSD that helps people examine and change beliefs about themselves and the world that formed after a trauma.
• Culturally SensitiveTakes a person's culture, identity, background and values into account, and shapes the work so it fits their life.
• Emotionally FocusedTreats emotions as a guide to change. Often used with couples, to understand patterns of conflict and rebuild a secure bond.
• Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)The main behavioral therapy for OCD: gradually facing feared situations or thoughts while resisting the urge to carry out compulsions.
• IntegrativeCombines more than one therapy approach, fitted to the person's needs.
• InterpersonalA structured, time-limited therapy focused on relationships and life events, such as conflict, loss or big role changes, and how they affect mood.
• InterventionHelp planning and running an intervention, where family and friends come together to encourage someone, often with an addiction, to accept treatment.
• Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)Combines mindfulness practice, paying attention to the present moment without judgment, with ideas from cognitive therapy.
• Person-CenteredA warm, non-directive approach: the therapist listens with empathy and without judgment, and trusts the person to find their own direction.
• Prolonged Exposure TherapyA structured therapy for PTSD that helps people gradually approach trauma-related memories and situations they have been avoiding.
• Trauma FocusedTherapy for people affected by trauma. Puts safety and pacing first, and helps process painful memories so they have less hold on daily life.

More details

Sessions

Online only

Accepting new clients

Yes

Specialties

Sleep or Insomnia, Chronic Pain, Depression/Anxiety, Anxiety, Chronic Illness, Coping Skills, Depression, Dual Diagnosis, Emotional Disturbance, Grief, LGBTQ+, Life Transitions, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Relationship Issues, Stress, Trauma and PTSD, Veterans

Insurance

Aetna, BlueCross and BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare Student Resources

Fees

Individual sessions $250

Payment methods

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

Ages

Adults, Elders (65+)

Works with

Individuals

Communities

Gay Allied, Lesbian Allied, Non-Binary Allied, Queer Allied, Racial Justice Allied, Transgender Allied

Languages

English

Gender

Female

Education & qualifications