Melissa Rivera

Counselor, LAC, MS, NCC

Email Me

(732) 808-2093 Call Me

Email Me

Melissa Rivera

Counselor, LAC, MS, NCC

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

1 Endorsed

Call Me

Let's Connect (732) 808-2093

Available both in-person and online

Toms River, NJ 08753

My website

Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, you don't have to face life's challenges alone. I work with children, teens, young adults, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, emotional regulation difficulties, and life transitions. Together, we'll create a safe, supportive space where you can better understand yourself, build healthy coping skills, strengthen relationships, and move toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

I use a personalized, client-centered approach that integrates Person-Centered Therapy, Choice Theory, Attachment Theory, and Gestalt Therapy. I also have advanced training in Play Therapy through Monmouth University, allowing me to provide developmentally appropriate care for children and adolescents.

I believe healing begins when you feel genuinely heard and supported. Together, we'll create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can explore challenges, build on your strengths, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want to live.

Call or Email Melissa Rivera now for a free 15 minute consultation - (732) 808-2093

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Breakthrough Therapy Solutions, LLC

Toms River, NJ 08753

(732) 808-2093

My website

I specialize in School Issues, ADHD and Anxiety

$140 Per Session, I accept insurance

Individual one-on-one therapy

Let's Connect (732) 808-2093

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Breakthrough Therapy Solutions, LLC

Toms River, NJ 08753

(732) 808-2093

My website

I specialize in School Issues, ADHD and Anxiety

$140 Per Session, I accept insurance

Individual one-on-one therapy

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $140
Couple Sessions $160
Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Paypal, Venmo, Visa, Zelle

Insurance

Aetna
Anthem
BlueCross and BlueShield
Cigna and Evernorth
Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Meritain Health
Optum
UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
Out of Network

We accept Horizon BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, United, Meritain and others. We offer superbills for other plans we are not in network with and we also work with out of network benefits. We also offer sliding scale, affordable rates. Contact me today and I can provide more information.

Melissa Rivera

Counselor, LAC, MS, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 808-2093

Melissa Rivera

Counselor, LAC, MS, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 808-2093

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Prelicense by State of New Jersey / 37AC00740900 Supervised by Nicole Monroe (New Jersey / 37pc00598600) Melissa Rivera

Education and Years In Practice

Attended Monmouth University, MS Professional Counseling, Graduated 2023

Additional Credentials

Membership with ACA

Membership with NBCC

Licensed Associate Counselor in NJ with an MS in Professional Counseling (2023) and a Children & Adolescent Specialty certificate. A National Certified Counselor (NCC), I provide evidence-based, compassionate care to help children, teens, and adults reach their goals and improve well-being.

Melissa Rivera

Counselor, LAC, MS, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 808-2093

Melissa Rivera

Counselor, LAC, MS, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 808-2093

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

School Issues
ADHD
Anxiety

Expertise

Anger Management
Child
Coping Skills
Depression
Family Conflict
Grief
Life Transitions
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Stress
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues

I use a warm, collaborative style grounded in CBT, client-centered, evidence-based, and solution-focused methods. Sessions are tailored to each client's needs, blending practical skills with emotional support to help you overcome challenges, build confidence, and create lasting, positive change.

Melissa Rivera

Counselor, LAC, MS, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 808-2093

Melissa Rivera

Counselor, LAC, MS, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 808-2093

Endorsement

Breakthrough Therapy Solutions, LLC

Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, ACS

Part of Breakthrough Therapy Solutions, LLC

View Practice

Melissa Rivera

Counselor, LAC, MS, NCC

Nicole Monroe

Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, ACS

Lauren Garvey

Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC

Dana DelPizzo

Counselor, MA, LAC

Allan Palush

Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC

Priscilla Gomez-Acevedo

Associate Counselor, MA, LAC, NCC

Client Focus

Age

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Age

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Art Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Compassion Focused
Expressive Arts
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative
Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)
Person-Centered
Play Therapy
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Strength-Based
Trauma Focused

Using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and exposure therapy, I help you recognize patterns, strengthen coping skills, and create lasting change. Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and designed to leave you feeling understood, empowered, and ready to move forward.

Melissa Rivera

Counselor, LAC, MS, NCC