Profile image of Melanie  Cohn-Hopwood
Vetted

Melanie Cohn-Hopwood(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW
MassachusettsMaryland
Existential crisis & challenges-Gender identity & transgender health-Identity development- LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics- Life transitions-Nonmonogamy, polyamory, and kink-

See Melanie's Details for:

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Melanie utilizes a relational, psychodynamic, trans-affirming feminist and compassion-based approach to therapy. She has experience with various mindfulness modalities and is currently enrolled in a certificate in Narrative Therapy program. Melanie provides evaluations and referral letters for gender affirming medical treatments/surgeries. Working with clients, she uses an individualized approach to enable you reach your personal goals. She has experience working in mental health and community services in Massachusetts and South Florida since 1995.

Melanie works to create a trusting, safe, therapeutic environment. Starting or re-starting therapy can be challenging. Melanie strives to build a space where you can talk about your fears, hopes and dreams and will walk with you as you work to create the future you desire!

Therapy sessions with Melanie are all online. You are invited to reach out to see if working together will be a good fit for your treatment goals!


Message to clients

I am a queer, Jewish/Unitarian Universalist, Ashkenazi cisgender woman. My personal and professional life has been steeped in the LGBTQIA+ community since I came out at age 16. As someone who had to educate their therapist about what it was like to be young and queer, I understand the need to be able to work with a provider who you don't have to educate, but who can just "get it!" I don't need to be educated on issues related to queer and trans/NB identity, just on who YOU are as your unique and whole self!

Helping clients manage HIV diagnosis, chronic illness, and healthy sexuality are also passions of mine. I have multiple queer, trans and non-binary/gender-expansive loved ones (including family members) and I am great with helping to navigate the hurdles related to gender affirmation (including surgery referral letters, choosing a provider, self-care and healing). I'm also polyamory/ethical non-monogamy and kink-affirming and welcome and invite you to bring all of yourself to the therapy sessions.

I am also a parent and understand the challenges and joys this journey can bring! I love working with parents, partners, children and friends of LGBTQIA+ people so I can help them in their journey of affirming their loved one's identity.

Please message me to schedule a brief phone screening!


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 21 years

LifeCycles Therapy, Private Practice (Therapist)
Massachusetts General Hospital, Clinical Social Worker; HIV/AIDS (Infectious Disease Associates) and Transgender Health (Trans Health Program)
Fenway Health , Behavioral Health Therapist
Boston Living Center, Bridges for Life Program Coordinator
Community Counseling of Bristol County, Adult Outpatient Clinician
Codman Square Health Center, Social Work Intern

Boston University School of Social Work, MSW (Master's of Social Work), 2003
Florida International University, BSSW (Bachelor of Science in Social Work), 2001

Licensure

Massachusetts: 113364 - Maryland: 30345

Languages

English

Specialties

Existential crisis & challenges - Supportive exploration of meaning and purpose in one’s life; finding one’s path in the face of existential anxiety, dread, and feelings of meaninglessness

Gender identity & transgender health - Exploring gender identity, including trans, non-binary, and gender variant identities; support throughout the process of transition

Identity development - Understanding, accepting, and strengthening one’s sense of self through the exploration of family, work, and personal values; addressing issues such as, race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, in the context of self experience

LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges

Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress

Nonmonogamy, polyamory, and kink - Exploring one’s values in and beliefs about relationships; practicing boundary-setting, conflict resolution, and romantic or sexual relationship bonding with partners




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours

Welcoming new clients in MA, MD, and NH! If you're seeking a compassionate, warm therapist to support your growth process, please reach out for a free 15-minute phone consultation!


Insurance

Melanie Cohn-Hopwood is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$165 (50min)
  • Sliding scale:$80 - $165

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Every other week
  • As needed
Therapist's note

Intake/Assessment: $185 for a 60 minute evaluation

50-minute therapy session: $165 for a 50 minute session

Gender Affirming Surgery Letters: Intake/Assessment and 1 or more (if needed) follow-up/evaluative sessions; I am able to provide first or second letters.