Therapy for anxiety, chronic stress and high-functioning overwhelm.
On the outside, you’re getting through it. Internally, it feels like a different story. Many of my clients have done therapy before, read the books, and can articulate their experiences well. What they’re looking for now is something deeper: a way to actually feel different, not just think differently.
My approach blends evidence-based modalities with practical, body-aware tools to help you move beyond insight and into real change. We focus on how anxiety and past experiences are showing up in your nervous system and daily life—and how to shift them in a way that feels steady and sustainable.
This work is collaborative and focused, helping you feel more present, centered, and connected to yourself. If this is the kind of support you’re looking for, it is time to schedule an initial session. I’d be glad to connect.
Professional experience
5 yrs in practice
Stress and anxiety Trauma and abuse Motivation, self esteem, and confidence Coping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Coping with grief and loss, Intimacy related issues, Eating disorders, Anger management, Career difficulties, Depression, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Melissa Sandford. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She was very nice and personable! I’m excited to continue to work with her!
Written on Jul 10, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues
Melissa is one of the best therapists i have worked with through Betterhelp.
Written on Jul 06, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Melissa is wonderful! She listens really well and really helps me sort my thoughts. Shes very kind and knowledgeable!
Written on May 27, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Melissa Sanford is extremely knowledgeable and completely relatable. She’s very down to earth and never judges! I love her insight and value the things she’s taught me!
Written on May 11, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
I have had a couple therapists over the years and Melissa is above and beyond the best I have worked with. She is caring and listens while also being logical and not letting my thoughts run away from me.
Written on May 08, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
I'm thankful for the different exercises and tools she provides to work through life's daily challenges. I was apprehensive for remote therapy but it works best for my schedule and I haven't felt uncomfortable once. Thankful I tried and even more thankful for Melissa's understanding.
Written on May 07, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Melissa has been very helpful in working through communication and curiosity follow up questions.
Written on Apr 08, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Melissa is knowledgeable in many areas. She is focused on teaching me strategies to handle my situations, just like I wanted. She respects my time and balances being supportive while encouraging growth.
Written on Mar 04, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and adhd
I have developed a strong therapeutic relationship with Melissa through her gentle guidance and thoughtful probing. I appreciate her encouragement and support while challenging me to dig deeper and understand my thoughts, behaviors and feelings.
Written on Feb 17, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
Melissa is truly wonderful. Her approach is so caring, respectful, and insightful. I highly recommend her! Not only does she really listen, but she provides actionable steps and meets a person right where they are. She is refreshing and genuine. I can’t say enough about how positive my experience has been with her.
Written on Feb 08, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Melissa is so kind and gentle and she listens which is something i need right now. It may look like I am not progressing but I really have learned so much about self acceptance.
I have learned to be kind to myself and others, I have learned to set boundaries and keep them in place so that others are consistently reminded that I have not lowered those boundaries out of love for them and kindness to myself. I have been quietly been speaking up for myself with others because I have learned that I am coming from a more stable footing than ever before in my life.
I am beginning to feel my worth and That I have more to give than I thought. I am paying attention to self care again.
All of these things that I have learned have made many hard situations a little easier to tolerate. I am calmer, I am grateful.
Written on Jan 20, 2026 after therapy with Melissa for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Melissa is a wonderful therapist with a heart of gold and so many tools in her kit to offer for help.
Written on Dec 17, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Melissa is so sweet and makes me feel so comfortable. She always helps me get to the bottom of my issues and I appreciate it!
Written on Oct 28, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Melissa has been an amazing therapist for me. She is great at balancing listening with challenging my ideas in a respectful way and offers practical tools for day to day life. She uses evidenced based practices mixed with individualized care. Highly recommend!
Written on Sep 18, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
Melissa has been a tremendous help to me through a variety of difficult issues. She is patient and kind, and I enjoy our talks. Melissa is highly competent and has provided me with thoughtful care. I have received a lot of value from Melissa’s insights and ideas. I highly recommend.
Written on Jul 30, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and coaching
I have really enjoyed my therapy experience with Melissa, she has been kind and has listened through all of my struggles while offering new perspectives that I would not have considered.
Written on Jun 15, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She is so wonderful full of knowledge gives great viewpoints and things to think about. She is understanding if you don’t agree with her statement and recommendations! 10/10 I would recommend her to all my friends!
Written on May 28, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Melissa has been so helpful, being there for me to help me process difficult life changes, and encourage me to make progress in life. Really appreciate her and her passion for this work!
Written on May 01, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and career difficulties
Melissa knows exactly how to help with everything I come at her with. She is so knowledgeable and is able to have a thorough and helpful solution quickly. She has such a calm presence that makes her feel very approachable with everything. I highly recommend her.
Written on Mar 29, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Melissa is knowledgeable and helpful. She listens and provides great visuals and examples. She’s kind and direct and genuinely cares.
Written on Mar 26, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Melissa is a calm and focused human. She had very clear and useful suggestions. She was what I needed when I needed it.
Written on Mar 09, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and compassion fatigue
Melissa really listens and takes the time to hear what you are saying and figure out why you have the trauma you have so that you can start to work through it.
Written on Feb 19, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
awesome therapist. she cares and knows what’s best
Written on Feb 04, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
She has been extremely helpful and caring.
Written on Jan 16, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Best therapist I’ve had in a long time
Written on Jan 04, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Melissa is a very professional and kind individual and professional. She listened and gave very insightful feedback and suggestions. I found her easy to open up too, warm and receptive. As someone who find opening up to be hard she made it easy for the first time.
Written on Jan 04, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and adhd
Melissa is nothing short of amazing. She listens and offers a wide variety of help. I can’t say enough good things about her. She is genuinely caring. I feel safe in talking with her. She is genuine and you can truly see how she cares about you. She explains everything thoroughly. She asks if it’s ok to go over suggestions before she dives in. She cares about my feedback. I’ve had 2 sessions with her and I truly feel like I’m progressing. I’m looking forward to the future because of how she’s already helping me. She’s truly amazing. I would recommend her to anyone looking for help. She will not disappoint you.
Written on Jan 02, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and adhd
I’ve only had a few sessions with Melissa and I already feel an immense amount of trust in her as a therapist, and gratitude for the work we’ve been able to do in a short time.
Written on Dec 27, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She is a very good and sensitive listener. She offers good advice and tools for communication. She also just let's me vent when I need that as well.
Written on Dec 14, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and compassion fatigue
Melissa has been very helpful and improved my life.
Written on Dec 11, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, and adhd
Melissa provides a safe space with valued insight into the issue at hand. With grace she guides me though my struggles. Thank you !
Written on Dec 09, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, and adhd
Honest, supportive, and compassionate. I appreciate her expertise and applications!
Written on Dec 04, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
I can’t say enough good things about Melissa. I look forward to our sessions every week and use the tools she has taught me daily. She has made such a positive impact on my mental health and quality of life. I have shared multiple tools with my friends and family and have seen the positive impact they have made outside of myself. Melissa makes me feel heard and seen in a way I haven’t felt before. She gives me a safe space to share my struggles. I have never felt judged and hope everyone finds their Melissa. I truly can’t recommend her enough.
Written on Dec 01, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Melissa is a very empathetic and kind soul. She really helped me find ways to overcome some big challenges in my life. New coping mechanisms and exercises to better my future with dealing with my past. I highly recommend her!
Written on Nov 23, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
A great listener and teacher! She so kind and make thing so easy to understand!
Written on Nov 15, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Amazing person i feel comfortable talking to
Written on Sep 16, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
So far I have been very pleased with her....I'm all over the place and she always seems to know the right thing to say.
Written on Sep 06, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Melissa is fantastic! From our first session together I felt comfortable and able to speak on anything I needed to. She’s given me great techniques that I implement often
Written on Sep 06, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Great therapist able to keep track of multiple issues and work towards a solution that is sustainable.
Written on Jun 16, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I have only had 3 session with Melissa so far but I leave her sessions feeling equipped to take on life and its trials.
Written on Feb 06, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Melissa is the best therapist I’ve ever had. She’s exactly what I was looking for. She’s incredibly respectful and a great active listener. She always gives me great, practical tools. She never makes me feel judged, and always makes me feel like I can trust her. She doesn’t talk about herself too much, but provides good relatable examples so I know I’m not alone in my human experience. The icing on this cake is knowing she has her pets in the room- I SO appreciate having bonus therapy animals in my appointment!❤️
So grateful to Better Help for this perfect match.
Written on Jan 26, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Very kind, respectful, easy to talk to
Written on Jan 20, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes
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