Dr. Melissa Polusny, PhD, LP, ABPP
Psychologist
At a glance
5.00 stars (6 reviews)
100% are satisfied with this provider ·
Works at Polusny Therapy
Speaks English
5.00
6 reviews
Bedside manner
5.0
Wait time
5.0
Recent reviews
I've seen several therapists in the past, but Dr. Polusny is the first who truly helped me move the needle on my PTSD. She's incredibly compassionate and authentic, creating a safe space to discuss heavy topics without judgement. I especially appreciate her evidence based approach- it felt like we had a real roadmap for my recovery rather than just talking in circles. If you're dealing with trauma and want someone who is both kind and highly skilled, I can't recommend her enough.
Less than 6 months agoLT
Exceptional care that is worth the investment. It can be scary to pay out-of-pocket, but Dr. Polusny is a true specialist in trauma and PTSD. Her authentic demeanor and evidence-based methods provided me with a roadmap for healing that I couldn't find elsewhere. I’m no longer just 'managing' my symptoms; I’m actually recovering. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a psychologist who truly knows their craft.
Less than 6 months agoMA
Melissa Polusny does not participate in Zocdoc to offer online booking at this time
Similar providers on Zocdoc
Top-rated
Closest to you
Available today
Dr. Gretchen Wilhelm, PhD
Psychologist
5.002 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Offers telehealth
5.002 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Offers telehealth
Mary Van Hooser, LISW
Psychotherapist
4.001 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 21Offers telehealth
4.001 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 21Offers telehealth
Megen Yerman, PMHNP
Family Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 22Offers telehealth
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 22Offers telehealth
There are currently no additional providers matching this criteria
Ashley Collins, PMHNP
Family Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 21Offers telehealth
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 21Offers telehealth
Bruce Arnold, MSW
Psychotherapist
4.9623 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Aug 3Offers telehealth
4.9623 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Aug 3Offers telehealth
Tara Pierce, LISW
Psychotherapist
Columbus, OH, 43235
Offers telehealth
Columbus, OH, 43235
Offers telehealth
Popular visit reasons
Anxiety Disorder
Boundary Issues
Depression
New Patient Visit
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
Therapy
Women's Mental Health Issues
Anxiety Disorder
Boundary Issues
Depression
New Patient Visit
More about Dr. Melissa Polusny, PhD, LP, ABPP
Effective therapy is an investment in your future.
Living in "survival mode" drains your energy and limits your potential. You may be high-functioning on the outside, but internally, you are carrying the weight of past experiences that keep you on constant guard. To truly break these patterns, you do not need generic advice; you deserve high-quality, specialized care that resolves the root of the issue.
Welcome. I am Dr. Melissa Polusny, a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist (ABPP) with over 30 years of experience operating at the intersection of clinical practice, education, and research. My practice is designed for individuals who value expertise and are looking for a structured, results-oriented approach to their emotional well-being.
My professional journey as a scientist and psychotherapist ensures that our work is grounded in the latest evidence. I look beyond surface-level symptoms to understand the nuance of your unique physiology and resilience. Leveraging measurement-based care and proven modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I provide a level of clinical precision that goes beyond standard talk therapy.
Whether you are navigating complex trauma, anxiety, or the stressors of a demanding life, I offer a collaborative partnership defined by professional rigor and compassion. If you are ready to prioritize your well-being and engage in work that offers tangible, lasting progress, I invite you to step forward.
Education & experience
Education
University of Nevada, Reno, PhD in Psychology
Practice
Polusny Therapy
Certifications
American Board of Professional Psychology
Professional memberships
American Psychological Association
Awards and publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=g4lXv-IAAAAJ&hl=en
Background
Languages spoken
English
Gender
Female
NPI number
#1669487229
Melissa Polusny does not participate in Zocdoc to offer online booking at this time
Similar providers on Zocdoc
Top-rated
Closest to you
Available today
Dr. Gretchen Wilhelm, PhD
Psychologist
5.002 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Offers telehealth
5.002 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Offers telehealth
Mary Van Hooser, LISW
Psychotherapist
4.001 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 21Offers telehealth
4.001 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 21Offers telehealth
Megen Yerman, PMHNP
Family Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 22Offers telehealth
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 22Offers telehealth
There are currently no additional providers matching this criteria
Ashley Collins, PMHNP
Family Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 21Offers telehealth
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Jul 21Offers telehealth
Bruce Arnold, MSW
Psychotherapist
4.9623 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Aug 3Offers telehealth
4.9623 reviews
Columbus, OH, 43235
Next available: Aug 3Offers telehealth
Tara Pierce, LISW
Psychotherapist
Columbus, OH, 43235
Offers telehealth
Columbus, OH, 43235
Offers telehealth
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
6 reviews
Most relevant
Helpful and wonderful in my brief experience!
March 15, 2026Initials hiddenVideo visit
I've seen several therapists in the past, but Dr. Polusny is the first who truly helped me move the needle on my PTSD. She's incredibly compassionate and authentic, creating a safe space to discuss heavy topics without judgement. I especially appreciate her evidence based approach- it felt like we had a real roadmap for my recovery rather than just talking in circles. If you're dealing with trauma and want someone who is both kind and highly skilled, I can't recommend her enough.
Less than 6 months agoLT
Exceptional care that is worth the investment. It can be scary to pay out-of-pocket, but Dr. Polusny is a true specialist in trauma and PTSD. Her authentic demeanor and evidence-based methods provided me with a roadmap for healing that I couldn't find elsewhere. I’m no longer just 'managing' my symptoms; I’m actually recovering. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a psychologist who truly knows their craft.
Less than 6 months agoMA
My wife and I have tried therapy with 2 other therapists that was a lot of talk without a lot of improvement and in the end very disheartening as it left us both feeling that we can't fix this. We decided to give it one last try with Dr Polusny. Wow what a difference. Dr Polusny uses in her words "a clinically proven effective treatment approach" that balances data and talk that is focused on modifying the behaviors that were driving us apart. Better yet, she was clear that this was not going to be a lifetime of talk therapy commitment, but a focused effort on enacting real and lasting change. We are half way through the process she mapped out and we are already realizing the benefits of our effort with Dr Polusny. Both of us are excited with the new direction we are seeing in front of us.
Less than 6 months agoTG
My sessions with Dr. Melissa have been life-changing! From our first meeting, I've felt truly seen, heard, and understood. Her compassionate and expert guidance has helped me start moving from just being in "survival mode" to thriving! The work we're doing has been tough, but I feel safe with her and feel like I can open up without judgment. I highly recommend connecting with Dr. Melissa. She's the best.
Less than 6 months agoKP
If you're looking for a trauma specialist who really knows their stuff - see Dr. Polusny. She is professional, empathetic, and her focus on trauma-informed care has made a huge difference in my life.
Less than 6 months agoGP
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
What practice does Dr. Melissa Polusny work with?
Dr. Melissa Polusny works with Polusny Therapy.
Which board certifications does Dr. Melissa Polusny have?
Dr. Melissa Polusny is certified by American Board of Professional Psychology.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Melissa Polusny?
Dr. Melissa Polusny frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Melissa Polusny on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Melissa Polusny speak?
Dr. Melissa Polusny speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Melissa Polusny in reviews?
6 patients have reviewed Dr. Melissa Polusny. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.