What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.97
Average wait time
4.92
Bedside manner
4.98
“It was a get to know each other session so it just rolled along with a lot of listening and some good advice given.”
Ramon N.October 17, 2025Video visit
“Love Melissa. It's very hard to find a direct and engaged therapist who really offers perspective on your problems.”
More than 1 year ago
About Melissa Bakas
Focus areas
Anxiety
Family Therapy/ Marriage Therapy
Bereavement / Grief Counseling
Self Esteem Issues
Depression
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Motivational Interviewing
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Melissa Bakas
Hi, my name is Melissa.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, specializing in helping individuals navigate anxiety, stress, depression, grief/loss, and life transitions. I provide individual therapy sessions online. I take a holistic approach to therapy using traditional psychotherapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
In 2001, I completed a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from Florida State University. I received my Florida license in Social Work (LCSW) in 2004 and have since added additional licenses in Tennessee and Georgia. I have worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospice programs, schools, and as an independent contractor providing tele-mental health counseling services to individuals experiencing varying levels of challenges due to chronic medical conditions, life situations, and/or mental health concerns.
I enjoy helping people work through the challenges of today’s world as we take the journey together to get you to where you want to be in your life.
What should a new client know about working with you?
During the first session we will take time to build rapport. Clients will have the opportunity to share about themseleves and the struggles they are having. Together we will discuss what the client is hoping to achieve while in counseling and begin setting goals.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
More information on payments and coverage
Payment is due after each session and will be charged with your card on file for any portion of patient responsibility. Receipts will be provided at the time of the charge. This typically takes place 2-4 weeks after the session, once your insurance has had a chance to process the claim. We try our best to verify eligibility, but it is ultimately your responsibility to check coverage and out-of-pocket costs for services. For out-of-network visits, you will be billed at the provider’s self-pay rate, and we can provide an invoice for you to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement based on your plan’s benefits.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Florida State University, Master's in Clinical Social Work
NPI number
1558832964
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.97
Wait time
4.92
Bedside manner
4.98
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
74 reviews
Most relevant
It was a get to know each other session so it just rolled along with a lot of listening and some good advice given.
October 17, 2025Ramon N.Verified patientVideo visit
Melissa was very understanding, compassionate and empathetic. I appreciated that she was willing to listen and hear me out.
December 28, 2023Kiara E.Verified patientVideo visit
Love Melissa. It's very hard to find a direct and engaged therapist who really offers perspective on your problems.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Melissa was very thoughtful and positive. I felt instantly comfortable and will definitely be making more appointments
November 8, 2023Kathleen S.Verified patientVideo visit
Melissa was wonderful--good listener, asked great questions and provided wise feedback. I really enjoyed my session!
February 1, 2024Molly K.Verified patientVideo visit
It was my first visit , and I thought it went well. I had booked my appointment for the next 2 weeks.
October 19, 2023Mychelle B.Verified patientVideo visit
I love her! She listens to me, she’s empathetic and I feel like I connect with her.
March 1, 2024Kiara E.Verified patientVideo visit
Melissa was easy to talk to and made me feel at ease. Never an awkward moment
December 10, 2023Lindsay K.Verified patientVideo visit
N/A
January 22, 2024Kiara E.Verified patientVideo visit
Went great, I enjoyed the session.
January 17, 2024Initials hiddenVideo visit
I get very nervous talking to people I don't know. She made me feel very comfortable, and I was able to talk to her like I've known her for a little while. I've only had 1 session so far, but I look forward to the next one.
More than 1 year agoBarbara G.Verified patientVideo visit
A great listener, and a great communicator.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Great first session, can’t wait for more!
August 31, 2023Vanesa C.Verified patientVideo visit
Melissa Bakas has really helped me and to move on
November 8, 2022Cheryl C.Verified patientVideo visit
I find that Melissa will and can help me. I did have a break through. I know I Can do this and I know Melissa will help me. I can’t wait to talk to her again
November 2, 2022Cheryl C.Verified patientVideo visit
She has been very helpful and easy to talk two
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
She is very easy to talk to and we actually covered a lot of topics at our intake session. She goes fast so be prepared for that, but I also felt like I was given the floor to share what I was going through. She also stated a clear plan of care which I always appreciate with a new therapist
December 15, 2021Lauren D.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
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More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
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April 15, 2024Kiara E.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
February 15, 2024Jenna H.Verified patientVideo visit
February 1, 2024Vicky N.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
January 25, 2024Jenna H.Verified patientVideo visit
January 18, 2024Dabney Y.Verified patientVideo visit
January 11, 2024Jenna H.Verified patientVideo visit
January 11, 2024Lisa H.Verified patientVideo visit
December 19, 2023Brista M.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
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November 13, 2023Abigail C.Verified patientVideo visit
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October 21, 2023Savannah C.Verified patientVideo visit
October 13, 2023Patricia D.Verified patientVideo visit
October 3, 2023Stephanie P.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
September 3, 2023Sara V.Verified patientVideo visit
September 1, 2023Shannon D.Verified patientVideo visit
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July 28, 2023Shannon D.Verified patientVideo visit
November 21, 2022Jennifer M.Verified patientVideo visit
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How soon can I make an appointment with Melissa Bakas?
Generally, Melissa Bakas has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Melissa Bakas's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Melissa Bakas accepting new patients?
Melissa Bakas generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Melissa Bakas's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Melissa Bakas accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Melissa Bakas is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Melissa Bakas online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Melissa Bakas using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Melissa Bakas work with?
Melissa Bakas works with Grow Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Melissa Bakas?
Melissa Bakas frequently sees patients for Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, Sleep Problems, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Melissa Bakas on their profile.
What languages does Melissa Bakas speak?
Melissa Bakas speaks English.
How do patients rate Melissa Bakas in reviews?
74 patients have reviewed Melissa Bakas. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.97/5. They have a 4.98/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.92/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.