PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

ML Portrait of Melanie Livingston
Online therapist

Melanie Livingston

Calm, practical help for families and parents

Book with Melanie
Credentials
LPC
Experience
5 years
Licensed in
Pennsylvania
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Melanie

Melanie Livingston is a licensed professional counselor with five years of clinical experience. She helps parents and families manage stress, anxiety, depression, and addictions. Melanie also supports people facing big life changes and family conflicts with steady, practical guidance.

She uses plain language in sessions and focuses on building self-compassion and clearer communication. Melanie offers steps that feel doable, like skill practice for managing panic or routines to reduce overwhelm.

Background and approach

She works alongside clients to reduce harmful behaviors and to improve daily coping skills. Her background includes training in several evidence-based techniques that aim to change thoughts and behaviors and to strengthen emotional regulation. In sessions she mixes structured skill work with space to talk about feelings.

That combination helps people make short-term changes and build long-term habits. Therapy sessions cover relational issues such as communication problems, codependency, abandonment, and separation or divorce. Melanie also addresses substance use concerns, dissociation, and mood problems rooted in trauma or life transitions.

She tailors her approach to each family’s needs rather than relying on a single method. Sessions are offered in English and are provided through online formats including video calls, phone, live chat, and text messaging. Melanie practices in Pennsylvania as an LPC, license number PA LPC PC018638, and she describes a collaborative, nonjudgmental style that helps people find clearer direction.

Approaches that translate well to online family care

CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and many everyday stressors by teaching concrete skills to shift thinking and routine.

DBT - Dialectical Behavior Therapy teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and better communication. These skills help people manage strong emotions and improve interactions within families.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each client to choose and adapt methods based on needs, goals, and preferences. That plan can change as progress is made and new challenges appear.

Online sessions allow the same skill teaching and conversations as in-person work, with more flexibility. Video calls support face-to-face discussion and skill demonstrations, while phone, live chat, and text messaging offer shorter touchpoints and follow-up between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy family schedules and to practice skills in real life situations.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, family conflict, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include communication problems, codependency, abandonment, and substance use.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is direct and compassionate, using clear language and practical steps. Sessions combine skill practice with time to talk about emotions.
What kind of experience does she bring?
She has five years of professional experience helping people with mood concerns, addiction issues, and family challenges.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor - practicing in Pennsylvania with license number PA LPC PC018638.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted; services are offered to clients located where state licensure allows.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexible options for families and parents.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Experience
5 years
Licensed
Pennsylvania
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Melanie

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point
Book with Melanie