Melana Serka

My communication style

I provide an atmosphere that is casual, compassionate, and client-focused. I engage in a conversational-style session, asking clarifying questions and encouraging clients to challenge any irrational beliefs or non-truths they are telling themselves. I use empathy, humor, validation, and sometimes just allowing for silence to support the session.

My journey to mental healthcare

For 14 years, I provided mental health services to youth and young adults with moderate to severe diagnoses. I managed a team providing intervention and psychiatric hospitalization to youth experiencing psychiatric emergencies, along with proactive services to reduce and eliminate suicidal and homicidal ideation.

My goals for you

Therapy goals have to be client-driven to be beneficial. I support clients in identifying personal goals and what will be different for them if therapy is beneficial. I provide psycho-ed and homework that aid insight and hold clients accountable to those goals, helping to problem-solve and adjust as needed until successful outcomes are obtained.

Our first session

A first session will include a basic review of any intake information and will allow the client to share what brought them to therapy, what they hope to get out of therapy, and any previous experiences with therapy. This helps paint a clear picture of what the client is wishing to focus on and can identify goals as well.

I identify as...

• Female
• Caucasian or White
• Christian