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Laura Messina

Laura Messina

LCSW

New Jersey

Compassionate, practical support for life's challenges

Profile summary

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, New Jersey · 44SC05476500
NPI
1699813717
Experience
15 years
Languages
English
Location
New Jersey

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp.

  • Work and wellbeing
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Addictions support

About Laura

Laura Messina is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 15 years of experience based in New Jersey. She focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, and depression. She aims to create an environment where people can speak openly and start making changes toward a more fulfilling life.

Messina uses clear, practical conversation to help people name problems and try new ways of coping. Sessions focus on immediate concerns like panic, mood swings, or workplace stress, and on everyday challenges such as guilt, isolation, or caregiving strain. She encourages small, manageable steps that fit into a person’s routine.

People can expect a straightforward approach that balances listening with concrete strategies. Messina works to reduce shame and build self-compassion while addressing harmful patterns related to addiction or trauma. She also helps with communication problems and issues around money and midlife transitions.

Her background includes a wide span of clinical work across settings over 15 years, which informs a practical style that aims to meet daily life needs. Messina emphasizes collaboration so goals and pacing feel right for each person.

Sessions are conducted in English from her New Jersey practice. If someone wants to begin, they follow the platform process to match and schedule with her according to availability.

How evidence-based techniques translate to online care

Many evidence-based therapeutic techniques rely on clear conversation and structured practice, which adapt well to remote sessions. One common approach focuses on teaching practical coping skills for anxiety and panic attacks, such as breathing strategies, grounding exercises, and step-by-step behavioral experiments to reduce avoidance. These techniques help people manage intense moments and slowly regain confidence.

Another useful approach targets mood disorders and trauma-related symptoms through structured problem solving and emotion-focused work. This involves identifying unhelpful patterns, practicing new ways of relating to difficult memories or feelings, and building routines that support mood and daily functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, try techniques, and adjust methods based on what feels most helpful. That collaborative process helps make sure therapy fits the person’s needs and pace.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the exact session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also be helpful when someone prefers to avoid video or needs a simpler way to connect during a workday.

Areas of expertise

Experience

15+ years

Credentials

New Jersey

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she help with?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, and depression, plus related issues like caregiver stress and workplace problems.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is straightforward and collaborative, mixing attentive listening with practical steps people can try between sessions.

What is her professional background?

She has 15 years of professional experience working across clinical settings and brings that experience to individual sessions.

Where is she based and what credential does she hold?

She practices in New Jersey and holds an LCSW credential.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the U.S. work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions priced?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Laura MessinaOnline therapy options on BetterHelp

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