Online in New York
(Online Only)
I believe every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and respected for who they are and the experiences that have shaped them. As someone who identifies as queer and is part of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the importance of having spaces where you can show up as your full self without judgment or the need to explain who you are. I value culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and identity-affirming care, and recognize that culture, family, identity, and lived experience are important parts of each person’s story. I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, honesty, and humanity, while honoring both the challenges you’re carrying and the strengths that have helped you navigate them. I also believe there should be room for humor and genuine connection in therapy. My hope is that our work helps you feel more understood, connected to yourself, and empowered to move forward in a way that feels authentic to you.
I work with children, teens, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, relationships, identity, stress, neurodivergence, and life transitions. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure of what comes next. My goal is to create a space where you can be honest about what’s happening, feel understood, and work together toward greater clarity, confidence, and meaningful change.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Black / African American, Hispanic / Latino, LGBTQ+, Men, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Treatment Approach
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Object Relations Therapy Focuses on how early caregiver relationships shape current relationships. It aims to improve patterns of attachment and trust.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: My clinical perspective is grounded in trauma-informed and healing-centered practices, with training in cultural responsiveness. I take an individualized approach to psychotherapy, drawing from different therapeutic perspectives based on each client’s unique needs, experiences, strengths, and goals. I also incorporate family systems work to explore how relationships and patterns may shape what you’re experiencing. Whether we’re working through anxiety, trauma, relationships, identity, grief, neurodivergence, or a major life transition, I’ll work alongside you to better understand what’s happening, recognize the strengths you already have, and develop tools that feel supportive and practical. My approach is warm, genuine, collaborative, and judgment-free—with room for both the hard moments and a little humor along the way.
Fees & Insurance
Insurance
- Accepts Insurance
- Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, 1199SEIU (New York), Self-pay, Out of network
Education & Credentials
Jazmin Melendez LMSW
- Female
- License # 122385-01
- Licensed in New York
- Practicing Since 2023
Education: I hold a Master’s in Social Work and have advanced training in trauma-informed and healing-centered practices, as well as cultural responsiveness. My education and ongoing training inform a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to supporting clients and their unique experiences.
Jazmin Melendez Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of New York
Pieces of Wisdom Psychotherapy is a BIPOC-centered practice providing culturally responsive, compassionate online therapy to individuals, couples, and families throughout New York. The practice is committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel seen, understood, and supported. Through individualized care, clinicians help clients navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, gain clarity, and create meaningful change while honoring each person’s unique identity, experiences, and story.