What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“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. ”
LTLess than 6 months ago
“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.”
MALess than 6 months ago
About Dr. Melissa Polusny
Focus areas
Childhood Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Trauma Focused
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightFaith
NonreligiousEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Melissa Polusny
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.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Therapy with me is an active, collaborative partnership rooted in shared decision-making.
I do not believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach. You are the expert on your life; I bring the clinical expertise. We will work together to select and tailor research-backed strategies that align with your unique physiology, values, and goals. Our work will be compassionate but focused, prioritizing tangible skills over abstract theory.
To ensure our work is effective, I primarily utilize:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): We go beyond "positive thinking" to identify and dismantle the deep-seated cognitive patterns keeping you stuck and driving perfectionism, anxiety, and stress.
Exposure-Based Therapies: Avoidance is often the enemy of healing. I provide a safe, structured environment to help you face fears and regain control, rather than letting the past dictate your future.
Measurement-Based Care: We don't guess if therapy is working; we track it using validated metrics to ensure your investment yields real results.
Resilience-Building Strategies: We leverage your inherent strengths to improve overall emotional and interpersonal functioning.
What to Expect: Seeking help for trauma takes courage, so I prioritize a safe, transparent environment where your voice guides the process. We won't just focus on symptoms; we look at the whole person to understand how experiences have shaped your worldview. My goal is to help you move from "surviving" to "thriving"—marked by better relationships, self-compassion, and renewed agency.
If you are ready to build a future defined by resilience, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Our work is designed to be efficient, transparent, and deeply collaborative.
Your time is valuable. My process focuses on maximizing that investment through a structured framework that respects your agency and delivers measurable results.
1. Collaborative Assessment & Shared Roadmap: We begin with a comprehensive deep-dive into your history, physiology, and current stressors. We don't just list symptoms; we map the connections to understand the "why" behind them. From day one, we engage in shared decision-making. You are the expert on your life, and I am the expert on the science. Together, we co-create a treatment plan that fits your readiness and goals.
2. Active, Skill-Building Sessions: Therapy with me is not passive. Expect active engagement where we prioritize tangible skills over abstract talk. We use evidence-based protocols—like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE)—to dismantle the patterns keeping you stuck. We balance the "hard work" of processing trauma with practical strategies to regulate your nervous system immediately.
3. Data-Driven Precision: We don't guess if therapy is working; we track it. I use Measurement-Based Care to monitor your progress objectively. By reviewing this data together, we ensure your treatment remains effective. If the data shows we aren't moving the needle, we adjust our strategy in real-time—ensuring no time is wasted.
The Outcome: My goal is not to keep you in therapy forever, but to help you graduate from it. You will leave with a personalized toolkit for resilience, ready to navigate the future with clarity and confidence.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $340 for 75 minutes
Ongoing session: $250 for 50 minutes
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- American Board of Professional Psychology
Education and training
- University of Nevada, Reno, PhD in Psychology
Professional memberships
- American Psychological Association
Awards and publications
- https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=g4lXv-IAAAAJ&hl=en
NPI number
1669487229
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 3 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Melissa Polusny?
Generally, Dr. Melissa Polusny has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Polusny's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Melissa Polusny accepting new patients?
Dr. Melissa Polusny generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Polusny's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Melissa Polusny accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Polusny is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Melissa Polusny online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Polusny using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
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.