Malissa Monaghan , LMHC

Malissa Monaghan is a New York based licensed mental health counselor with 25 years of clinical experience supporting people through complex emotional and relational challenges. She focuses on helping individuals navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, social anxiety, workplace stress, and women's mental health concerns while paying close attention to each person’s unique life circumstances.

Her work emphasizes a holistic, person-centered approach that centers on building resilience, strengthening communication skills, and developing practical coping strategies. Malissa has extensive experience with young adults, people managing co-occurring mental health concerns, and those encountering family dynamics or social isolation. She draws on a range of therapeutic methods to tailor care to what each client needs.

Malissa holds the credential LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor, reflecting formal training and licensure to provide mental health services in New York. She aims to create a respectful, non-judgmental atmosphere where individuals can explore their experiences, increase self-understanding, and identify strengths that support fuller, more balanced lives.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Malissa Monaghan

Malissa integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy into her online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening with empathy and creating a collaborative space where the client's perspective guides the work - it is useful for building self-understanding, confidence, and stronger relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through structured techniques, which can ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) emphasizes practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, supporting people who struggle with intense emotions or relationship difficulties.

Finding the best approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Malissa works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts strategies over time as clients grow and circumstances change, involving clients in decisions about focus and pacing.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility to fit therapy into busy or changing schedules. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from different locations, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable for the individual.