Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
or
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Melissa Lester

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
3 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Let's Connect (470) 206-2316
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Therapy is an opening of the door from where you are now to where you want to be. If it's time for you to forge a deeper connection with your authentic Self and your personal needs, values and dreams, it's time for the deeper therapy work and a life that is yours - truly. Since 2005, I have specialized in somatic & insight-oriented therapy for those who've achieved someone else's definition of 'success,' but find their life still lacking meaning, purpose, peace or joy. Resolving what's getting in your way - once and for all - frees you to be your true Self and finally live a life that brings you peace, purpose and joy.
Combining somatic therapies with insight-oriented psychodynamic 'talk' therapy is critical to resolving long-standing emotional distress and obstacles that are still active in your Nervous System and that prevent you from growing in ways that you long for. This integration offers the kind of profound, lasting change that leads to a more peaceful life.
My areas of expertise include emotional dysregulation; stress & anxiety; trauma resolution; identity development; relationship conflict; life transitions; women coming out later in life; chronic pain & illness; grief & loss. Combining Somatic processing, Meditation tools, Tapping / Acupressure, Hypnosis & Progressive Counting, relief is possible.
Call or Melissa Lester now for a free 15 minute consultation - (470) 206-2316

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

(470) 206-2316
My website
GA & FL - Weekday / Weekend; In Office / Telehealth. Schedule a free 20-minute consult on my 'Appointments' page.
I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety and Life Transitions 
$240 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and groups  
Let's Connect (470) 206-2316
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

(470) 206-2316
My website
GA & FL - Weekday / Weekend; In Office / Telehealth. Schedule a free 20-minute consult on my 'Appointments' page.
I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety and Life Transitions 
$240 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and groups  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $240

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Medicare
  • Out of Network
"
In network with Aetna Group Policies and Medicare Part B. Out of Network provider for all other plans - superbills provided.
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (470) 206-2316
"
In network with Aetna Group Policies and Medicare Part B. Out of Network provider for all other plans - superbills provided.
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (470) 206-2316

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of Georgia / CSW003082 Melissa Lester
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 28 years
  • Attended University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Graduated 1997
  • Additional Credentials

  • License: Florida SW25402 / 2026
"
With over 25 years of clinical experience & expertise in somatic & psychodynamic therapies, I work with those ready to do the deeper work and live a more authentic life. GA & FL, weekdays & weekends. Schedule a free 20-minute consult to see if we might be a good fit for your therapy work.
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (470) 206-2316
"
With over 25 years of clinical experience & expertise in somatic & psychodynamic therapies, I work with those ready to do the deeper work and live a more authentic life. GA & FL, weekdays & weekends. Schedule a free 20-minute consult to see if we might be a good fit for your therapy work.
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (470) 206-2316

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Anxiety
  • Life Transitions

Expertise

  • Bisexual
  • Cancer
  • Chronic Illness
  • Chronic Pain
  • Codependency
  • Coming Out Later in Life
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Geriatric and Seniors
  • Grief
  • Lesbian
  • LGBTQ+
  • Mood Disorders
  • Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Stress
  • Women's Issues
"
Somatic therapies combined with talk therapy can heal deeply and create a more peaceful relationship with Self. By reducing and/or eliminating trauma responses, it is possible to achieve emotional calm while establishing and honoring boundaries that give you agency in your own life. I work with individuals who are committed to doing their deeper healing work.
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (470) 206-2316
"
Somatic therapies combined with talk therapy can heal deeply and create a more peaceful relationship with Self. By reducing and/or eliminating trauma responses, it is possible to achieve emotional calm while establishing and honoring boundaries that give you agency in your own life. I work with individuals who are committed to doing their deeper healing work.
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (470) 206-2316

3 Endorsements

Anna Lisa Derenthal
Anna Lisa Derenthal
Licensed Professional CounselorMSLPC
Melissa has a unique gift, an intuitive ability to connect with people on a deep level with a healing compassion that gets right to the heart of one's struggles. I highly recommend her.

Client Focus

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Group

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Immuno-disorders
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Single Parent
Transgender Allied

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Group

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Immuno-disorders
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Single Parent
Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-based
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • EFT Tapping
  • Energy Psychology
  • Feminist
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Integrative
  • Meditation Instruction
  • Multicultural
  • Person-Centered
  • Psychodynamic
  • Relational
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
A combination of somatic & talk therapies offers immediate & lasting relief. We have many approaches to choose from, based on what resonates most with you. Some of our options include Grounding & Meditation, EFT Tapping, Somatic processing, Hypnotherapy, Progressive Counting & more. Please reach out to schedule a 20-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for your therapy work.
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (470) 206-2316
"
A combination of somatic & talk therapies offers immediate & lasting relief. We have many approaches to choose from, based on what resonates most with you. Some of our options include Grounding & Meditation, EFT Tapping, Somatic processing, Hypnotherapy, Progressive Counting & more. Please reach out to schedule a 20-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for your therapy work.
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (470) 206-2316

Groups

Location

Primary Location

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

(470) 206-2316

Nearby Areas

"
GA & FL - Weekday / Weekend; In Office / Telehealth. Schedule a free 20-minute consult on my 'Appointments' page.
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call for a free consultation now - (470) 206-2316
"
GA & FL - Weekday / Weekend; In Office / Telehealth. Schedule a free 20-minute consult on my 'Appointments' page.
Photo of Melissa Lester, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Melissa Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call for a free consultation now - (470) 206-2316