Melissa Bada-Devers, LCSW, ACHT

Melissa Bada-Devers is a licensed clinical social worker, advanced clinical

hypnotherapist, relational astrologer and facilitator. She graduated with a Master of Social Work in 2006 and is currently licensed to practice therapy in the states of New York and New Jersey. She has over 15 years of experience working in community mental health, non-profit organizations and private practice settings.

For a significant part of her career, she worked with survivors of sexual violence where this marked the beginning of her integrating diverse modalities and adding creative and holistic approaches to healing. This led her to begin her own private practice in 2020 and she has been committed to working with People of Color and supporting them to heal from their experiences with trauma, grief, and relational wounds through culturally rooted and spiritually informed care. Melissa’s holistic psychotherapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of mind, body, and soul work, while also inviting her clients to bring their

culture and various identities into their healing process. 

In addition to being a psychotherapist, Melissa has co-founded Rise & Reflect, a transformative retreat designed for Women of Color, where healing in community is the central focus. She is also a relational astrological coach, offering a unique lens where she facilitates workshops and supports individuals, parents and couples in helping them deepen their relationship with themselves and their loved ones through the lens of astrology.

As a Latina mental health professional and a social worker at her core, Melissa is

committed to serve and elevate her Latine community through advocacy and service.

As a seasoned psychotherapist, she has found the integration of psychotherapy, soul work and culturally rooted practices to be effective in the work she is so passionate about. In addition, her lived experience, professional background and dedication to culturally rooted and spiritually grounded healing, drive her to contribute her voice, experience and passion to the field of mental health. Becoming a board member on the LMHANJ is a way for her to serve her community, while also being in community herself with other Latine mental health professionals.