Melissa Rodriguez-Arroyo

Melissa Rodriguez-Arroyo is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and bilingual therapist who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work with adolescents, adults, college students, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Originally from Puerto Rico, Melissa earned her Master of Social Work from the University of New Hampshire in 2021 and has since dedicated her career to providing compassionate, culturally responsive care. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she is deeply committed to addressing the barriers many Spanish-speaking individuals face in accessing quality mental health services. With five years of clinical experience, Melissa specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and anger management, drawing from a diverse toolkit that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness practices, Solution-Focused Therapy, family therapy, and psychodynamic approaches.

Melissa's therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and meaningful change when they feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. She creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences at their own pace. Her style is collaborative and individualized, recognizing that no single method fits everyone. Together with her clients, Melissa works to identify strengths, build practical coping skills, and create lasting change that aligns with their personal values and goals. What she finds most rewarding is witnessing clients gain insight, build confidence, overcome obstacles, and recognize strengths they didn't know they had—moments that reinforce her belief in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship.

Melissa's journey to becoming a therapist was shaped by personal experiences that deepened her understanding of resilience and the importance of accessible support. Moving from Puerto Rico to Western New York opened her eyes to the challenges many Hispanic individuals and families face, particularly around language and cultural barriers in mental health care. Her own experiences navigating major life transitions, building independence, and overcoming difficult relationships taught her how meaningful it can be to have someone provide guidance and understanding during challenging times. Outside of her clinical work, Melissa is an avid triathlete who has qualified for the USA Triathlon National Championships and dreams of one day representing Puerto Rico or the United States internationally. She also enjoys snowboarding, surfing, golfing, and traveling—activities that fuel her passion for growth, perseverance, and embracing life's challenges.