Last edited 02/10/2024

Headshot of Dr. Melissa Morton Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Melissa Morton

She / Her / Hers

Accepting New Clients
Online in New York
Headshot of Dr. Melissa Morton Licensed Psychologist
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Identifies As
She / Her / Hers
Get To Know Me
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Specialties
Specializes in
General Expertise
AnxietyWork StressRelationship IssuesSocial AnxietyAdolescent mental healthAttachment issuesCaregiver stress & supportChild mental healthCommunication issuesCompulsive behaviorObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)Panic attacks & panic disorderParenting issuesPerformance anxietyPhobias & fearsPregnancy, perinatal, & postpartum issuesStressFamiliesHighly Sensitive PersonBurnout
Treatment Approaches
Mindfulness PracticesDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyCompassion-Focused Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual TherapyChild Counseling
Serves Ages
ParentsYoung Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Children (5-12)Adolescents (13-17)
Languages
English
Professional Background
LicensureNew York, Licensed Psychologist, 025235
Education
Syracuse University, Doctorate of Philosophy, School Psychology, 2021 — My doctoral program was accredited by the American Psychological Association and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. Through additional pre- and post-doctoral training, graduates can attain dual licensure as psychologists and school psychologists. My research focuses on stress resilience by exploring the mind-body connection through cost-effective mindfulness practices. I established a psychophysiology lab and protocols, including electromyography, electrocardiography, electrodermal activity, salivary cortisol, and blood pressure, to assess how mindfulness mitigates stress reactivity. I received a research fellowship for my dissertation research. Additionally, I conducted intervention research in various educational settings, from elementary to university levels, involving both students and staff members. You can find more information about my publications here: https://www.upstatenypsychology.com/publications
Syracuse University, Master of Science, Psychology, 2019 — My master's thesis was titled the Effects of a brief mindfulness intervention on stress reactivity.
University of Toronto, Master of Education, Counseling Psychology, 2013 — The Master of Education in Counseling Psychology provided a comprehensive curriculum aimed at professional development, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for licensure as a registered psychotherapist in various settings. Personally, I pursued two dual specializations, focusing on therapy for young adults, adults, and a second specialization tailored to school-aged students. Through this program, I acquired the foundational training necessary for certification as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
McGill University, Bachelor of Education, Secondary High School Teacher and Special Education Training, 2008
Work HistoryFeeling on edge, anxious, or overwhelmed by persistent stress, worry, racing thoughts, or intrusive obsessions? Have you noticed changes in your or your child’s behavior, perhaps withdrawing from certain aspects of life? Whether you're an adult grappling with anxiety, a parent navigating caretaking stress, a child or teenager dealing with anxious thoughts and feelings of isolation, or a professional burdened by work demands, I'm here to offer support. I'm Dr. Morton, a licensed psychologist at Upstate New York Psychology Practice, dedicated to supporting individuals across the lifespan—children, teenagers, and adults. I've dedicated years to research and training so that you, as my client, don't have to waste time wondering what can alleviate your suffering. My goal is to save you time by crafting a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan rooted in the latest scientific findings and tailored to your specific needs, accelerating your path to healing and helping you live a life aligned with your values. My passion for this work ignited early in my psychotherapy career when I witnessed the profound pain and suffering caused by stress and anxiety in my clients. I became driven to understand what differentiated those who found relief from those who continued to struggle with symptoms. Over seven years of research, I explored the mechanisms of transformation, aiming to provide essential components of successful treatment tailored to each client's needs. Witnessing the positive impact of evidence-based treatments fueled my desire to establish the Upstate New York Psychology Practice and extend these same transformative therapies to you. I hold a counseling psychology degree from the University of Toronto, Canada, and a doctoral psychologist degree from Syracuse University, specializing in school psychology for children and adolescents. With advanced post-doctoral training in adult, couple, and family system populations, as well as specialty training in pediatrics from the Rochester Institute of Technology and University of Rochester Medical Center, I bring a wealth of expertise to my practice. The treatment models I employ have been validated through clinical trials. I create a warm, collaborative environment where we can identify and challenge patterns that hinder your well-being, providing you with science-based tools to navigate life's challenges and achieve lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy. Dr. Melissa Morton, Licensed Psychologist, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
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