Practice InformationVital Essence Psychotherapy was established to serve the mental health needs of adolescents in Rhode Island. Some common issues we see include anxiety, depression, issues with self-image, bullying, suicidal ideation, cutting, low self-esteem, and life changes and adjustment struggles. We will also see adolescents that are experiencing suicidal ideation, or self-injurious behavior, but that do not meet criteria for inpatient hospital admission. We will provide family therapy for families of all ages, as needed. As a social worker led clinic, we view each client as part of a dynamic, psychosocial whole, and often view seeing families all together as a necessary part of successful treatment. Jackson Melnick, LICSW, is the lead clinician, and has previous experience at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence. He was trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy at The University of Chicago. He first came to Providence as a student at Brown University. He believes that a lack of connection to meaning can be understood as the cause of many mental health challenges and unwanted behaviors. What makes Vital Essence unique is that it works to discover your authentic sense of self, your inherent values. Through this discovery a resilient and flexible sense of self gets built. We make connections between what you are doing, thinking, and feeling and why you are doing, thinking or feeling those things. The aim is that these connections will spark changes in your life and improve the way you respond to challenges. Right now, we are accepting new patients for in person and telehealth-based sessions.FAQSWhat services does your practice offer?Vital Essence Psychotherapy is a Rhode Island based psychotherapy clinic. We offer psychotherapy for adolescents and young adults under the age of 21, as well as family therapy sessions. What are your practice's specialties?Vital Essence Psychotherapy specializes in the needs of adolescents, teens and young adults. We are able to see patients experiencing self-injurious behaviors and suicidal ideation. The therapy we use is deeply client centered. The approach we take is geared toward getting to know you in an authentic way. Not having a clear sense of self is a huge factor in childhood and adolescent psychological distress. All people, but especially adolescents and teenagers, struggle to put names to their feelings and make important life changes. In Inherent Values Therapy, we look to resolve a primary dislocation at the psychological core: not having a reason to be, yet being, and not being able to find a reason for why things are the way they are, yet not being able to change anything. The therapy we provide is rooted in a desire for a life that makes sense for you.Why should I choose your practice?Vital Essence Psychotherapy is unique in that it was built around seeing a growing need for therapists that focused on adolescent and teenage mental health needs. It is also unique in that all our providers are trained in the clinical formulations of evidence-based psychotherapy models. Social Workers are professionals who are trained in biopsychosocial systems analysis and change advocacy. However, very few Master's in Social Work programs, such as the University of Chicago, teach evidence based, psychotherapeutic interventions in their clinical formulations. Learning psychotherapy modalities in their clinical models is helpful, because it provides a therapist with a stronger understanding of how therapy works. Unfortunately, most social work programs teach "eclectic psychotherapy", meaning a synthesis of various modalities, which often leads to therapists practicing whatever they think therapy should be, rather than building on clinical, evidence-based models. How does payment work at your practice?Vital Essence Psychotherapy, we accept most major health insurance plans, including Anthem, United Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. We also accept all Medicaid plans. Out of network patients are provided a superbill that can be submitted to your insurance for reimbursement.