Melina Ciotta, LMSW

Melina Ciotta is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Use Counselor (CASAC) . Melina graduated from The State University of New York at Oneonta, with a bachelor’s degree in child and Family Studies in 2017 and obtained her master’s from The University at Buffalo School of Social Work in 2020. Melina has spent time in various behavioral health organizations working with children, adolescents,  families and young adults specializing in substance use and mental health disorders.   

Melina utilizes a person-centered and trauma focused approach to those seeking out counseling services. She enjoys working with children, and youth. Melina enjoys working with children and youth ages 3-11 and specializes in play therapy, TF-CBT, DBT, CBT and MI, Melina enjoys working with children and youth with trauma, anxiety and depression.   

I specialize in working with children and adolescents that have gone through anything that the child perceives to be big, scary, or confusing. I have worked overseas with refugees and low-income families and pride myself on being a bilingual Arabic speaking therapist. I primarily focus on utilizing play therapy, while integrating trauma treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). By utilizing these modalities, I am able to provide a safe therapeutic environment that fosters confidence, empathy, compassion, and healing.