Melissa Crawford

LICSW

My philosophy of therapy is that it is a collaborative, person centered, and strengths-based process that has the ability to transform an individual’s lives. Life is about transitions and change, and therapy can provide a safe place to learn skills to cope with these inevitable parts of life. My therapy style is to provide support and a non-judgmental stance to provide a safe place to process life’s difficulties. 

Many individuals enjoy therapy because they find it to be cathartic to discuss life stressors and difficulty. Therapy allows one to release painful emotions, problem-solve, and create steps to move forward towards life’s goals. 

I have 20 years' experience working as a behavioral health therapist specializing in mental health and substance use counseling. I have worked in Hagerstown, MD at the Washington County Health Department for the past 15 years.  I have experience working with individuals coping with the symptoms of Depression, Bipolar, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Use Disorders, and Adjustment Disorders. It is common to address the following issues in therapy sessions including self-esteem, relationship issues, workplace difficulties, divorce/separation, grief, birth of a new child, postpartum depression, boundaries, communication skills, relationship conflicts, coping with medical symptoms, and any other challenges in life. 

The evidence-based practices that I use while providing therapy include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Seeking Safety Curriculum for women with substance use and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. 

I am a native of Jefferson County and was raised in Harpers Ferry. I completed a bachelor’s degree in social work at Shepherd University in 1998.  I graduated from the University of Maryland with a master’s degree in social work in 2001. 

I offer individual therapy during day hours on every other weekend at a time that will meet your scheduling needs.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical for the State of Maryland.  Lic.#12939

I am a Independent Clinical Social Worker for the State of West Virginia.  Lic.#DPO2940315