Melissa Arena

She/Her

Licensed Therapist MS, LPC

About

My approach to treating OCD is to put the member first. I like to create a collaborative treatment environment, so each member feels involved in their therapy journey. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on hikes, spending as much time outdoors as I can, and exercising.

Want to work with them?

Book a call with our team.

Starting therapy can be a difficult step to take. I am here to help you navigate this journey at each step of the way.

Get to know Melissa Arena

I have always been a compassionate person. When I was thinking about careers, I wanted to do something that would utilize that compassion and help people overcome challenges they may have thought were impossible to overcome.

Working with misunderstood conditions has always been a passion of mine. OCD can be extremely misunderstood by the larger population. My goal is to help members overcome these misconceptions and find joy in their lives again.

Other areas that I have focused on throughout my career include anxiety, depression, bipolar, and substance abuse. There is a negative stigma associated with many of these conditions. My goal is to help people get past the stigma, find new tools to overcome their challenges, and develop a new outlook on life.

I know starting therapy can be a difficult step to take. I want you to know that I am here to help you navigate this journey at each step of the way.

I completely understand how challenging it is to be vulnerable with another person, especially someone you've never met. I want you to know that I will never judge you for anything. I hope you will find therapy a safe place to share these thoughts with me.

NOCD therapists are trained by our world-renowned clinical leadership team.

Learn more about our training

Insurance Coverages

Aetna
United Healthcare / Optum
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Independence Blue Cross (IBC)

States

New Jersey

What our members say about
Melissa Arena

S.M.

Apr 15, 2024

Melissa is always so great to work with. She really addresses my questions and issues with a lot of thought and works through ERP exercises with me. Her encouragement has been so helpful!

S.M.

Jan 19, 2024

I’ve definitely seen big improvements lately and slowly but surely feel like my life is coming back. Melissa has been a great support and helps me with continuing to make progress as I learn to tackle more areas of OCD in my life.

E.B.

Jan 17, 2024

Melissa has a great way of navigating conversations to help me understand the challenges I’m working through. I always have great sessions with her.

E.B.

Dec 28, 2023

Melissa is a great resource and helps me as problems arise along with self work in general.

E.B.

Dec 20, 2023

Melissa is a great support to me, caring and knowledgeable.

E.B.

Dec 15, 2023

Melissa is great !

E.B.

Dec 08, 2023

I couldn’t ask for a better therapist!

S.M.

Nov 24, 2023

Melissa has been so helpful and supportive along my journey. I’m doing much better lately dealing with OCD and Melissa is always encouraging me and helped me through the really tough times too. So grateful for her help!

E.B.

Nov 16, 2023

Melissa is an amazing therapist.

E.B.

Nov 08, 2023

I always look for to my sessions with Melissa.

E.B.

Nov 01, 2023

I always look forward to my sessions with Melissa Arena. She helps me in many ways and I always feel understood.

S.M.

Oct 06, 2023

Melissa is awesome. She is very compassionate and helps me to take things one step at a time. She’s also helped me through some rough moments of panic/spiraling. Making progress. So thankful for her!

E.B.

Oct 04, 2023

Melissa Arena is an amazing, educated and caring therapist.

S.D.

Sep 25, 2023

Melissa is amazing every single week! So thankful for her

S.M.

Sep 15, 2023

I was having such a tough day but Melissa met me with so much compassion as usual. It really helps to have her to listen to what I’m going through knowing that she is putting in her best effort to understand and help me

S.M.

Aug 31, 2023

Melissa is excellent! She is very holistic in treating OCD and recognizing the various struggles that I’m going through. I’m very grateful for her and believe I’m making progress.

E.T.

Aug 29, 2023

Melissa is a great therapist. She is compassionate, understanding and always knows how to ask the right questions and respond with what we need to hear. She is great with teenagers. Both me and my daughter feel heard and supported by her. Highly recommend her

T.T.

Aug 29, 2023

Great session.

S.D.

Aug 14, 2023

She is amazing to work with, always feel understood and she helps deconstruct my thoughts with her knowledge

S.M.

Aug 09, 2023

Mellissa is great! She is very willing to go with the flow and adjust approaches based on how I’ve been doing. She really listens to what I have to say and offers helpful insight into my OCD.

S.M.

Jul 26, 2023

Mellissa is great! She’s been very helpful and understanding in addressing my fears and concerns, as well as explaining each step of the ERP process.

A.R.

Jul 17, 2023

I started therapy about 2 months ago and my therapist is amazing. We create realistic goals together and has given me some excellent advice. The cost is great too since it is covered by insurance.

T.T.

Jul 06, 2023

Great job

R.L.

Jun 30, 2023

Non judgmental

C.C.

Jun 05, 2023

Mellissa was extremely helpful and I look forward to my next session with her -thank you!

M.G.

Jun 01, 2023

As usual. Melissa was great!

M.G.

May 04, 2023

As usual Mellissa was great She deserves big raise !

M.G.

Apr 19, 2023

Mellisa Arena as usual was great !

M.G.

Apr 04, 2023

She is GREAT! Mike 🙏

L.D.

Apr 03, 2023

Mellissa is great. I really enjoyed talking to her. She was very knowledgeable and seems to be a great support. I'd give her 5 stars but we only met once but I'm sure she is very good at what she does! Looking forward to working with her. Laura

Badges and training

Specialties

These designations signify the therapist's expertise in treating specific mental health conditions, ensuring you receive the personalized care you deserve.