Melissa Wasserman, Psy.D.

About

Dr. Melissa Wasserman is a patient-centered psychologist who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has a passion for helping people overcome emotional and behavioral challenges by teaching them practical skills and techniques to improve mental health and well-being.

Using evidence-based CBT techniques, Dr. Wasserman works collaboratively with clients to identify and address negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to their distress. By establishing more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving, she helps patients to achieve lasting improvements. She specializes in treating adults and adolescents experiencing depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as anxiety problems including social anxiety, intrusive thoughts, health anxiety, and panic disorder. She also focuses on maternal mental health, relationship issues, and problems with self-esteem, communication, and assertiveness. 

In therapy, she emphasizes the importance of building rapport and developing practical skills that patients can use outside of their sessions. She uses a variety of techniques, including cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based practices to help patients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and improve global functioning. She believes that therapy is an opportunity for growth and transformation, and strives to create a safe and supportive environment for her patients to explore their thoughts and feelings. She is committed to providing compassionate and non-judgmental care, and is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their goals.

Dr. Wasserman received her M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her Psy.D. from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. Her research focused on evaluating factors that may enhance the therapeutic alliance. Presently, Dr. Wasserman also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Supervisor at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, where she provides CBT supervision for doctoral students in the Adult Clinical program. She is also on the membership committee of the New York City Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association.