Melissa Backus, LCSW, CT | Psychotherapist

What patients are saying

Overall rating

5.00

Average wait time

5.00

Bedside manner

5.00

“Melissa is incredible. She makes you feel so comfortable, is easy to coordinate with, easy to talk to and helps get to the root of your problems. I truly felt like I had a major breakthrough with her during my last session: I am finally breaking decade old patterns in my life and reprioritizing my needs. I can’t thank her enough ”

Sabrina S.January 20, 2026Video visit

About Melissa Backus

Focus areas

Adjustment Disorder

Anxiety Disorder

Therapy for Communication Issues

Adolescent / Teen Issues

Behavioral Problems

Young Adult Issues

Adult Psychotherapy

Stress Management

Clientele seen

Children (<13)

Adults (25-64)

Families

Teenagers (13-17)

Seniors (65+)

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Family Systems

Compassion Focused

Strength-Based

Dialectical (DBT)

Identity

Gender

Female

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Melissa Backus

I have 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I hold a Master's in Social Work from Columbia University and am a trauma-informed yoga instructor, certified in CBT with additional training in DBT and mindfulness-based practices. Individual therapy services for kids, teens, and adults are offered remotely and available for clients located in NY, NJ, CT, MA, and FL.

What should a new client know about working with you?

I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey where individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions, gain insight, and develop coping skills. If you're ready to embark on a journey of growth and healing, please reach out. I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your goals and assess how I can assist.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

Recognizing the need for support and taking the first step is a brave decision, and together, we can determine the best approach. My approach is a laid-back style that addresses your goals and draws from various techniques such as CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based practices.

Is this doctor in your insurance network?

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In-network insurances

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

Cigna

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare Oxford

200+ more in-network plans

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance

Initial session: $125 for 60 minutes

Ongoing session: $125 for 45 minutes

Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork

More information on payments and coverage

I offer a free 15 minute consultation and can provide a superbill for out-of-network clients. My out-of-pocket fee is $125, but am happy to work with you to keep therapy affordable.

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

Education and background

Practice names

M Backus LCSW

Education and training

Columbia University, Master's in Social Work

NPI number

1376727438

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

9 reviews

Most relevant

Melissa is incredible. She makes you feel so comfortable, is easy to coordinate with, easy to talk to and helps get to the root of your problems. I truly felt like I had a major breakthrough with her during my last session: I am finally breaking decade old patterns in my life and reprioritizing my needs. I can’t thank her enough

January 20, 2026Sabrina S.Verified patientVideo visit

March 22, 2026Vincenza A.Verified patientVideo visit

Less than 6 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit

Less than 6 months agoMelissa B.Verified patientVideo visit

Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit

More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit

More than 1 year agoMelissa B.Verified patientVideo visit

Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Melissa Backus?

Generally, Melissa Backus has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Melissa Backus's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Melissa Backus accepting new patients?

Melissa Backus generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Melissa Backus's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Melissa Backus accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Melissa Backus is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Melissa Backus online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Melissa Backus using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Melissa Backus work with?

Melissa Backus works with M Backus LCSW.

What are common reasons for patients to see Melissa Backus?

Melissa Backus frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Melissa Backus on their profile.

What languages does Melissa Backus speak?

Melissa Backus speaks English.

How do patients rate Melissa Backus in reviews?

9 patients have reviewed Melissa Backus. 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.