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Melana Serka, LMFT

Supporting parents, relationships, and family life
  • Parenting and family support
  • Relationship and couples work
  • Practical evidence based tools

About Melana Serka

Melana Serka supports people who feel they must keep everything together while managing parenting, work, and relationships. She recognizes how overwhelming the mental load can be when family responsibilities, career demands, and strained connections all compete for attention, and she offers practical, emotionally attuned help to sort through those pressures.

As a single mother by choice, Melana brings both lived experience and professional training to her work, blending honesty, intention, and empathy. She works with individuals, couples, and families who are ready to explore what is not working and begin making changes they can be proud of. Her approach is grounded, compassionate, and pragmatic, focused on concrete steps as well as emotional understanding.

Melana draws on evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy - CBT - along with solution-focused techniques and strength-based strategies to help clients gain clarity and build momentum. She is an LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist, reflecting specialized training in relationship and family systems. Melana partners with clients to clarify goals, identify practical actions, and foster more joy, peace, and meaningful connections in daily life.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression

Also Specializes In

LGBTTrauma and abuseEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingADHD

Additional Focus Areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Eating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Melana Serka have?

Melana Serka has 14 years of experience.

Is Melana Serka a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LMFT - a licensed marriage and family therapist. License details: NY LMFT 002725, CA LMFT 104135.

In which languages does Melana Serka provide therapy?

Melana Serka provides therapy in English.

Where is Melana Serka located?

Melana Serka is located in New York.

How can I work with Melana Serka as my therapist?

Work with Melana Serka is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Melana Serka work with international clients?

Melana Serka does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Melana Serka cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as a client's location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match a person with a therapist. Depending on availability, the first session can then be scheduled and may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the individual's own goals and strengths, with the therapist offering empathy and support while clients lead the pace and direction of work. This approach is helpful for building self-esteem, navigating life transitions, and improving relationship dynamics.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - helps identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with day-to-day challenges by teaching practical skills that change how a person thinks and acts.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT - emphasizes skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can be useful for people who experience intense emotions or difficulty with relationship patterns and communication.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative part of the therapeutic process. Melana will work with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules and for those balancing family and work commitments. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into daily life, and access licensed professionals from different locations within their practice area.

Ready to start therapy with Melana Serka?

Take the first step toward a better you.