New York
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd

Melissa Portan

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
4 Endorsed
New York, NY 10010
Connect with Melissa Portan
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
I am a licensed sexologist specializing in sex &relationship therapy with SYNC Psychological Services. I work with couples/individuals on relationships, sex, and sexuality issues. Some focus areas include sexual trauma, infidelity & domestic violence recovery, feeling insecure in relationships/low self-esteem, sexual exploration (gender identity, Kink/BDSM), sexual performance issues (sexual pain, vaginal/penile pain, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low arousal, difficulty reaching orgasm), childhood trauma, anxiety, depression. I also have extensive experience working with individuals with ADHD & Autism.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, Attachment Therapy, and mindfulness. I also draw from Eastern spirituality and practices like yoga and Tantra to help align the mind-body connection.
My approach to therapy is exploratory, educational, & collaborative. I make sure to navigate sensitive topics with the upmost respect for a person’s beliefs & experiences, being sure to honor their individual chosen path. Please reach out to discuss how I can help you on your path. Our intake coordinator will guide you through the booking process.
Melissa Portan now for a free 15 minute consultation

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

New York, NY 10010

My website
I offer therapy sessions online via telehealth and in person. I'm available on weekdays and evenings.
I specialize in Sex Therapy, Relationship Issues and ADHD 
I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Quick intro!
Melissa Portan
Connect with Melissa Portan
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

New York, NY 10010

My website
I offer therapy sessions online via telehealth and in person. I'm available on weekdays and evenings.
I specialize in Sex Therapy, Relationship Issues and ADHD 
I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Quick intro!
Melissa Portan

Finances

Payment Methods

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

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • NYSHIP | NY State Empire Plan
  • Out of Network
"
In-network with Aetna and NYSHIP. Documentation for out-of-network benefit claims is provided. Please reach out with any questions.
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
In-network with Aetna and NYSHIP. Documentation for out-of-network benefit claims is provided. Please reach out with any questions.
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of New York / 119260 Melissa Portan

    • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 6 years
  • Attended Widener University, Master of Social Work, Graduated 2022

    • Additional Credentials

  • Degree/Diploma from Widener University Master of Education / 2022
"
My 2 Master's degrees provided me with specialized training on human sexuality & sex/relationship therapy.
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
My 2 Master's degrees provided me with specialized training on human sexuality & sex/relationship therapy.
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Sex Therapy
  • Relationship Issues
  • ADHD

Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Asperger's Syndrome
  • Autism
  • Body Image
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Education and Learning Disabilities
  • LGBTQ+
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Men's Issues
  • Religious trauma
  • School Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sexual Addiction
  • Spirituality
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Women's Issues
"
For individuals, therapy will be an exploratory process that will lead to self-understanding & self-realization. We'll explore the why & the how of your now, & discuss steps to improve your life. For couples, we'll do a lot of observation & appreciation of your relationship patterns. With this heightened awareness, we will create new patterns that can lead to mutual healing and deeper connection.
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
For individuals, therapy will be an exploratory process that will lead to self-understanding & self-realization. We'll explore the why & the how of your now, & discuss steps to improve your life. For couples, we'll do a lot of observation & appreciation of your relationship patterns. With this heightened awareness, we will create new patterns that can lead to mutual healing and deeper connection.
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

4 Endorsements

Sloane Ferenchak
Sloane Ferenchak
Psychological Associate, PsyD, MEd, MA
Melissa is an excellent clinician who is warm, personable, and genuinely works to meet clients where they are at and guide them towards a life they deeply value. Her realness and empathy leave clients feeling understood and deeply cared for.
Armin Kelleter
Armin Kelleter
Psychologist, Armin Kelleter, PhD
Melissa is an empathetic and dedicated therapist who shows great care in understanding her patient's needs. She has unique skills and interests which are of great benefit to her patients and make her a valued colleague.
Abbie J Zuidema
Abbie J Zuidema
Pre-Licensed Professional, LCAT-LP
Melissa Portan, a bilingual (Spanish-speaking) sexologist, stands out for her warm, affirming approach to complex issues like sexuality, trauma, and neurodiversity. She offers deeply respectful, collaborative care rooted in clinical skill and compassion.
John Carroll
John Carroll
MHC-LP, MA
Melissa is a passionate, compassionate, & insightful therapist who demonstrates a real and caring presence, a skillful ability to understand her clients needs, & the skillset to provide a attuned & encompassing space to explore & collaborate.

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals , 
Couples , 
Group

Communities

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

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino , 
Other Racial or Ethnic Background

I also speak

Spanish

Religion

Other Spiritual or Religious Affiliations

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals , 
Couples , 
Group

Communities

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

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino , 
Other Racial or Ethnic Background

I also speak

Spanish

Religion

Other Spiritual or Religious Affiliations

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-based
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Narrative
  • Psychodynamic
  • Psychoeducational
  • Relational
  • Somatic
  • Trauma Focused
"
I use an emotionally, relational/attachment focused approach & narrative therapy to round out my process. This means we'll discuss your story, how you feel about it, & what it means to you. We'll look at how your emotions & connected thoughts affect how you relate to the world, others, & yourself. You'll learn how to deal with heavy emotions/thoughts & connect to your inner wisdom & strength.
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
I use an emotionally, relational/attachment focused approach & narrative therapy to round out my process. This means we'll discuss your story, how you feel about it, & what it means to you. We'll look at how your emotions & connected thoughts affect how you relate to the world, others, & yourself. You'll learn how to deal with heavy emotions/thoughts & connect to your inner wisdom & strength.
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Location

Primary Location

New York, NY 10010

Email me

My website

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

"
I offer therapy sessions online via telehealth and in person. I'm available on weekdays and evenings.
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
"
I offer therapy sessions online via telehealth and in person. I'm available on weekdays and evenings.
Photo of Melissa Portan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd
Melissa Portan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MEd