Melissa Vollhardt,
MS, LMFT, RPT™
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Registered Play Therapist™
Co-Founder of New Growth Counseling
Phone: (904) 999-1953
Email: Melissa@NewGrowthSTA.com
Offering in-person or telehealth appointments
Welcome!
Thanks for stopping by my page to learn more about me and how I can help you or a family member. Caitlin and I started New Growth in 2021 as we saw a growing need in our community for mental health services for children, adolescents, and their grown-ups. We work with individuals of all ages, including parents and caregivers. I encourage you to read through my page to learn more about the areas I commonly treat and my approaches to counseling. If you think we may be a good fit, please feel free to reach out to me to discuss scheduling an intake session or to have a brief, free consultation over the phone.
A little more about me… I take a very person-centered approach to counseling and focus on providing a place of unconditional positive regard, warmth, and empathy with all the children and adults I see. When working with children, adolescents, and even some grown-ups, I will often incorporate Play Therapy techniques. When working with children, it is essential that therapists can strategically create an environment that meets the child on their level, in their world, to allow for the expression of feelings in the most age-appropriate way. Just as adults "talk out" their issues, a child's natural way of working out a problem is through play. Self-expression happens more naturally through play for children. Play is the "language" in which children can communicate in a non-threatening way. As Virginia Axline once said, "Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, & souls meet".
I have completed a Graduate Certificate of Psychology in Play Therapy and have earned the credentials of Registered Play Therapist™.
Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in the non-profit sector with women, children, and families in prevention programs. I am passionate about family work and helping all individuals live their best versions of themselves. Sometimes we get stuck in patterns that have become harmful and we can't find a way out. We can feel stuck, lost, hopeless. Together, we can begin pulling back the layers, uncovering strengths and making the shift towards personal growth and healing.
My Graduate Degree is in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy from Capella University. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the State of Florida- License #MT4528.
On a more personal level… I am a “Jersey Girl” born and raised on the Jersey Shore. I moved to FL for college (Go Knights!) and never left. I have been married for 6 years and am an adoptive mama. I love to travel, go to the beach, hang with my dogs, go to concerts, and be with my family.
FAQs
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and requests below. If you have more questions or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact me.
How long is each session?
Every therapy session is 50 minutes
How do I schedule an appointment?
All new clients must call (904-999-1953) or email (melissa@newgrowthsta.com) me to schedule an intake session. If you are a current, existing client, you can view my calendar to request an appointment through the client portal here- your secure client portal.
For new clients, once we speak and schedule the first session, you will receive an email with consent forms and intake questionnaires to complete prior to your appointment. These documents must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the start of the first session.
If you are scheduling an appointment for your minor child, I will need to speak with the parent or legal guardian prior to the first session.
If you are the legal guardian of a child or have shared custody of a child, I am required to obtain legal guardianship and/or custody agreement documentation prior to the fist appointment.
What is your session fee? Do you take insurance?
My session rate is $150 per session
College Student sessions are $75*
*Dependent on availability as I am only able to offer a limited number of these sessions. Please contact me directly to schedule these appointments or be added to my waitlist.
I am in-network with Florida Blue, Aetna, Cigna, and Optum Insurance plans (which includes UnitedHealthCare, Oscar & Oxford). Please inquire for more details.
For all other insurances, I am considered an "out of network" provider by your insurance company, should you have mental health coverage. Upon request, I can provide you with a diagnostic receipt of services (a Superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company. I suggest you contact your insurance company to determine what benefits you have. All sessions are 53 minutes.
How do I pay for sessions?
I accept cash, all major credit cards, checks, and HSA cards.
What type of therapy do you do?
I take a very person-centered and strength-based approach to counseling. I currently practice the following:
Narrative Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Play Therapy
Family Systems/Relational Therapy
I am also a trained facilitator for Prepare Enrich, which is designed for premarital and marital assessment and counseling
What can counseling help with?
Here's a rundown of challenges I commonly treat
Children & Adolescents:
Childhood Anxiety
Low Self-Esteem
Behavioral Issues
Problems at School
Poor Social Skills
Sadness & Depression
Difficulty Coping with Emotions
Family Concerns & Conflict
Anger & Aggressive Outbursts
Bullying
Traumatic Stress
Attachment Issues
Disruptive Behaviors
Emotional Regulation/Expression
Transitional Issues
Parent/Child Relational Problems
Adults & Parents/Caregivers:
Anxiety & Stress
Depression
Premarital Counseling
Infertility & Adoption
Postpartum Depression
New Parents
Life Changes & Adjustments
Family Problems
Relationship Concerns & Conflict
Low Self-Esteem
Difficulty Communicating
Parenting Difficulties/Differences
Blended Families
Do you work with Teens? Couples? Adults?
Yes!
I enjoy working with all ages. When working with children or teenagers, depending on treatment goals and needs, parents are typically very much involved in the therapeutic process.
I mainly work with couples who are experiencing parenting difficulties, those who are going through the adoption process, or couples who are having communication difficulties leading to frequent conflict.
I'd be happy to discuss your goals for yourself and/or your child and if we are not a good fit, I can make a referral to another therapist who may be.
How involved do I have to be in my child's therapy?
Great question! Every child is different, and I don't take a one size fits all approach. The level of involvement from parents & caregivers will look different from family to family. As a systemic family therapist, I strongly believe that families play a crucial role in how children develop and heal. I can tell you that children often heal faster when we (therapist, child & caregivers/parents) work together.
We will discuss, based on your child's needs, what level of involvement is most appropriate. At the minimum, I require all parents & caregivers to complete an update/progress form prior to each session. I also may suggest family sessions and/or individual sessions with caretakers to teach skills & techniques, provide additional support, and to address your concerns.
How often will I come to therapy?
Due to the importance of establishing a strong, trusting, and secure therapeutic relationship, I suggest that all clients attend one session per week for the first four weeks. After that time, we can discuss spacing sessions as needed or maintaining a weekly schedule. I will regularly collaborate with you on this.
How long will I or my child be in therapy?
Therapy ends when treatment goals are achieved. Every individual is unique, so giving a time frame is difficult. According to the Association of Play Therapy, research suggests that most children attend an average of 20 sessions. However, every situation is different, and some children improve faster while others need more long-term support.
My Favorite Books
To name a few!