Melissa Benzaquen Psychotherapy, LMHC

Melissa Benzaquen is a bilingual, Venezuelan, and licensed mental health counselor who provides psychotherapy for adults, teenagers, and families struggling with anxiety, depression, transitions, and relationship issues. She offers clients a strong support system where she listens to their obstacles and proposes evidence-based strategies to forge the best path to their success.

Specialties

Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Depression
General relationship challenges (family, friends, co-workers)
Marriage and Partnerships
Domestic Abuse and Violence

Pay with insurance

UnitedHealthcare
Oxford Health Plans
Cigna
Aetna
UMR
Oscar
UHC Student Resources

Pay out-of-pocket

$ $ $ $ $

$140-200
Sliding scale

A sliding scale is a range of out of pocket fees that providers accept based on financial need.

Locations

Licensed in

Florida

“I create an environment where my clients feel completely comfortable opening up about their life experiences.”

What was your path to becoming a therapist?

I had to leave Venezuela, my country of origin, when I was nineteen-years-old because of the political situation there. In my twenties, I lived in Israel and Argentina before eventually settling in the United States. It was difficult to start my life anew in different places. I dealt with occasional loneliness and uncertainty while navigating new cities, making friends, and searching for a life partner. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career as a mental health counselor because I can empathize with individuals who are struggling with anxiety and depression and facing major life transitions. I have diverse clinical experiences and have worked with adolescents and adults in individual and family therapy. I help clients face life challenges, including interpersonal and relationship issues, by providing unconditional support.

What should someone know about working with you?

I create an environment where my clients feel completely comfortable opening up about their life experiences. I am a warm, charismatic person and I pride myself on my ability to build rapport with clients. In the intake consultation, I get to know the client, their challenges, and their goals for our sessions together. I periodically check in with the client to assess how the therapy is helping them approach life stressors. I know that therapy has been transformative for the client when he or she takes the skills and strategies we have discussed and puts them into practice in day-to-day life.

What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?

I am very excited about the rise of telehealth because it makes therapy more accessible to clients. It is now easier for individuals to access high-quality mental health counseling on their own schedule even if they work or have childcare responsibilities.

“I am a warm, charismatic person and I pride myself on my ability to build rapport with clients.”