ChangeAtYourPace.org Need help now?

Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Melanie Barefield

Melanie Barefield

LPC, LMFT

Georgia

Compassionate therapist focused on practical change

Continue with Melanie

At a glance

Credentials
LPC, LMFT
License
LPC, Georgia / LPC010131; LMFT, Georgia / MFT001622
Experience
8 years
Languages
English
Location
Georgia

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Family systems focus
    • Trauma-informed care

    About Melanie

    Melanie Barefield is a licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist with eight years of experience. She focuses on supporting people through stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, parenting strain, and the effects of trauma and abuse. Melanie listens first and helps people set clear, manageable goals for change.

    She uses Motivational Interviewing to help clients find their own reasons for change and to build momentum. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ideas are used to identify unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-Based approaches when those fit the client’s needs.

    Melanie’s background includes work in residential treatment centers, in-home counseling, church-based programs, and hospital settings. That variety has shaped a practical, hands-on style focused on what people do day to day. She often helps people cope with family of origin issues, blended family challenges, and communication problems.

    When trauma is involved, she applies trauma-focused methods to help reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. Melanie also supports people facing postpartum depression, compassion fatigue, and complicated grief. She includes relational patterns and family dynamics in many treatment plans.

    Her training in marriage and family therapy is used to help individuals and couples clarify roles, expectations, and boundaries. Melanie asks simple, direct questions, helps clients try small changes between sessions, and adjusts plans as progress is made.

  2. How Melanie’s approaches translate to online work

    Melanie uses Motivational Interviewing to help people discover their own reasons to change, offering gentle questions that build motivation and confidence. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings while still committing to actions that match their values. Attachment-Based therapy looks at relational patterns and how early relationships shape current behavior and closeness.

    Picking the right approach is a collaborative process. Melanie will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, then suggest methods to try together. She adjusts plans over time based on what the client finds helpful and what fits their day-to-day life.

    Confirm current session formats before booking so you know what options are available. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people choose times that work best around work, childcare, or school. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises from Motivational Interviewing, ACT, and attachment work to virtual sessions in ways that focus on practical change.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem

    Also works with

    Relationship issuesGriefParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

    Additional focus areas

    AbandonmentBlended family issuesCommunication problemsFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

    Experience

    8+ years

    Listed in

    Georgia

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Melanie commonly address?

    She works with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, relationship and parenting issues, ADHD, and related family concerns.

    What is her therapeutic style like?

    Melanie listens first and works collaboratively to set goals. She uses practical strategies and helps people try small, doable changes between sessions.

    What experience does she bring to sessions?

    She has eight years of experience across residential treatment centers, in-home counseling, church-based programs, and hospital settings.

    Which credentials and region are listed for this therapist?

    She holds LPC and LMFT credentials and practices in Georgia.

    Are sessions available in languages other than English?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Can people outside the United States work with her?

    International clients are not currently accepted.

    How are fees and billing handled?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How does someone begin working with her?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

Back to all therapists

Melanie Barefield Continue with Melanie