What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“I worked with Melissa during some of the most difficult times of my life, including the loss of my Dad, painful breakups and recovering from a traumatic event. She provided an incredibly supportive, thoughtful and steady presence- we were even able to share some laughs.
What I appreciated most was her ability to balance compassion with practical guidance (and her gentle push to get me to open up). She created a space where I felt safe being honest, while also helping me build real tools to process grief, navigate relationships and regain a sense of stability after trauma.
I'm grateful for the work we did together and would recommend her to anyone looking for a therapist who is deeply empathetic and highly skilled.”
DELess than 3 months ago
“I have been seeing Melissa since 2018. She has guided me through a divorce, the pandemic, cross country moves, career shifts, and becoming a mother to two children via surrogacy. She is warm and empathic but also direct when it matters. She strikes the perfect balance between listening and helping me think clearly about hard problems.
I feel understood and validated while still being held accountable. I am better at hard conversations and clearer on my values because of our work. She is a professor and mentors other therapists, which I value because she stays current and knows her limits. Recently she even consulted a colleague to better support me.
Her virtual sessions are just as impactful, she is reliable and professional, and I genuinely feel I have the best therapist.”
YFLess than 3 months ago
About Melissa Brenman
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Melissa Brenman
Melissa has a background in Philosophy, Ethics, and Counseling Psychology. She completed her B.A. in Philosophy with a focus on Psychology and Gender Studies at Wagner College and went on to pursue her Masters in Ethics at Fordham University. She continued her studies at Columbia University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with both a Master of Arts and an EdM in Mental Health Counseling.
Over the years, Melissa has gained a variety of experience in both individual and group therapy, working on a broad range of issues including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, sexually based violence, and addiction. Her main focus has been on identity development, and she served as director of the Sexuality, Women, and Gender Project at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Melissa strives to create a safe space for her clients and believes that therapy is most effective in a collaborative setting with mutually agreed-upon goals. She brings a holistic approach to therapy, utilizing different techniques to best suit the individual client.
Incorporating both Eastern and Western philosophies, she cultivates a universal perspective that honors the mind, body, and spiritual aspects of her clients. She utilizes a variety of techniques and modalities, including Mindfulness Techniques, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as Feminist and Multicultural Therapies.
Melissa Brenman, LMHC is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Ongoing session: $250-300 for 60 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
We are out-of-network providers, and we can work with you if pricing is a concern.
*We are in-network with Wellfleet for NYU students.*
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Columbia University, EdM in Mental Health Counseling
- Wagner College (Bachelor's)
- Columbia University, Master's in Mental Health Counseling
Awards and publications
- Fordham University, Master's in Ethics
NPI number
1023608023
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
18 reviews
Most relevant
Melissa is an amazing therapist who has helped me and my partner so much. I can’t recommend her highly enough!
Less than 1 year agoRT
I worked with Melissa during some of the most difficult times of my life, including the loss of my Dad, painful breakups and recovering from a traumatic event. She provided an incredibly supportive, thoughtful and steady presence- we were even able to share some laughs.
What I appreciated most was her ability to balance compassion with practical guidance (and her gentle push to get me to open up). She created a space where I felt safe being honest, while also helping me build real tools to process grief, navigate relationships and regain a sense of stability after trauma.
I'm grateful for the work we did together and would recommend her to anyone looking for a therapist who is deeply empathetic and highly skilled.
Less than 3 months agoDE
I have been seeing Melissa since 2018. She has guided me through a divorce, the pandemic, cross country moves, career shifts, and becoming a mother to two children via surrogacy. She is warm and empathic but also direct when it matters. She strikes the perfect balance between listening and helping me think clearly about hard problems.
I feel understood and validated while still being held accountable. I am better at hard conversations and clearer on my values because of our work. She is a professor and mentors other therapists, which I value because she stays current and knows her limits. Recently she even consulted a colleague to better support me.
Her virtual sessions are just as impactful, she is reliable and professional, and I genuinely feel I have the best therapist.
Less than 3 months agoYF
Melissa is, without a doubt, the best clinician I have ever worked with. Her impact on my life has been nothing short of transformative.
I have worked with Melissa both as a couples counselor and individual therapist, and she is exceptional in both roles. In an empathetic yet direct way, Melissa has helped me to face the truth of how much my early childhood trauma has impacted my sense of self.
She has pushed me to to question my self-critical cycles of thought and pick apart the way this affects my behavioral patterns.
While this work can be challenging, Melissa has guided my focus and offered support with tremendous skill, tact, and patience.
She is professional, warm, and accessible. She approaches her work with sincerity and confidence. I would recommend her practice without hesitation.
Less than 1 year agoCH
Melissa is an amazing clinician! I've worked with her on and off for almost eight years, first as a couples counselor, then as an individual counselor. She is compassionate, but will also push you to work on things. Working with Melissa has been transformative. She has helped me immensely and I would highly recommend her!
Less than 1 year agoMR
Melissa is, without a doubt, the best clinician I have ever worked with. Her impact on my life has been nothing short of transformative.
I have worked with Melissa both as a couples counselor and individual therapist, and she is exceptional in both roles. In an empathetic yet direct way, Melissa has helped me to face the truth of how much my early childhood trauma has impacted my sense of self.
She has pushed me to to question my self-critical cycles of thought and pick apart the way this affects my behavioral patterns.
While this work can be challenging, Melissa has guided my focus and offered support with tremendous skill, tact, and patience.
She is professional, warm, and accessible. She approaches her work with sincerity and confidence. I would recommend her practice without hesitation.
Less than 1 year agoCH
We are very grateful for Melissa at Inner Compass. Her guidance has been really transformative for our marriage. From the very first session, she created a safe, supportive space where we both felt heard, understood and seen.
She has helped us learn to listen and communicate more clearly, connect emotionally, and navigate through tough conversations we were not able to have on our own. What made the biggest difference was her insight, compassion, and practical tools based on our relationship and not just formulaic information. This has strengthened not only our relationship, but also our individual growth as well. We highly recommend Melissa to any couple seeking deeper connection and lasting change.
Less than 1 year agoGJ
Melissa is an incredible psychotherapist and a wonderful human. She's kind, knowledgeable, curious, and genuinely cares about her patients. With Melissa, my now-husband and I found a space where we could save all the things we love about ourselves and each other while stopping hurtful patterns. We also got the tools we need to build the lives we want, filled with love, individuality and great connection. With her, I always feel empowered, supported and safe. Melissa runs Inner Compass, and I could not recommend her and her team enough.
Less than 1 year agoDL
Melissa is an amazing therapist and has helped me and my husband so much. She is patient, clear, proactive and empathetic. Working with her is easy and productive.
Less than 1 year agoRT
Melissa has been an incredible and trusted resource in my and my husband's life for the past 5 years. From our first couple's therapy session onward, we felt immediately at ease with Melissa. She connects with her patients on a deeply personal level, offering straightforward guidance grounded in kindness and compassion. She doesn't just listen - she challenges both my husband and I to grow both individually and together. Her sessions are structured, insightful, and always productive. From an operational standpoint, Melissa is consistently reliable and flexible, making scheduling seamless and stress-free. Therapy with Melissa has been the best investment I could have made in both myself and my relationship.
Less than 1 year agoMF
I’ve been seeing Melissa for close to 7 years. She’s a well versed therapist who has helped me through many life transitions personally and at work. She has the right mix of care and professionalism and I always leave our conversations having learned something new about myself or gaining new perspectives. Anyone who gets a chance to work with her would be very lucky!
Less than 1 year agoAS
I’ve had an amazing experience working with Melissa. She is incredibly knowledgeable and offers insightful guidance that’s both practical and easy to apply. Her empathy creates a safe and welcoming environment where I’ve always felt heard and understood. She listens without judgment and asks thoughtful questions that help me gain clarity and perspective. I’ve seen real progress in my personal growth since starting therapy with her. She’s not only a great listener but also provides helpful tools for managing stress and emotions. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking compassionate and effective support.
Less than 1 year agoMS
Melissa is an amazing therapist--kind, communicative, and insightful. She's warm and supportive, and she truly cares about her patients. She has been a lifeline through challenging times and has helped bring about huge positive change in my life. I can't recommend her enough!
Less than 1 year agoHR
I loved working with Melissa - she is kind, insightful, warm, and extremely knowledgeable about different practices and techniques in her field. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an individual or couples therapist!
Less than 1 year agoSR
Melissa is a phenomenal mental health counselor. She has helped me navigate some major life moves and aided in helping me to dive deep into issues I've been suppressing for years. I would highly recommend Melissa as she genuinely cares about her clients and their success in achieving their goals. It has been one of the greatest gifts and investments I've made for myself, and I am beyond grateful to have her in my life.
Less than 1 year agoAS
Melissa runs Inner Compass and is such a good therapist and boss to her team. Have done 4 years of couples counseling where we’ve both grown tremendously in different ways.
Cannot recommend her, and her broader practice, enough - you’ll be welcomed with warmth, understanding and the sharp mind of a teaching professor.
Less than 1 year agoLD
I have been seeing Melissa now for about 4 years. She has been absolutely incredible! Saved my life honestly. In my experience she has been flexible. I honestly don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have her. She has helped me navigate life and both her and I have seen growth and personal change. I walk through life a lot more confidently
Less than 1 year agoJF
More than 1 year agoCM
How soon can I make an appointment with Melissa Brenman?
Generally, Melissa Brenman has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Melissa Brenman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Melissa Brenman accepting new patients?
Melissa Brenman generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Melissa Brenman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Melissa Brenman accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Melissa Brenman is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Melissa Brenman online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Melissa Brenman using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Melissa Brenman work with?
What are common reasons for patients to see Melissa Brenman?
Melissa Brenman frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Melissa Brenman on their profile.
What languages does Melissa Brenman speak?
Melissa Brenman speaks English.
How do patients rate Melissa Brenman in reviews?
18 patients have reviewed Melissa Brenman. 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.