About

I'm glad you're here! I'm Dr. Melodie Plaise (she/they), a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH), counselor educator, researcher, and community organizer.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Africana Studies, my Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, and my Ph.D. in Counseling with a specialization in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling from Barry University.

Throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to advancing mental health equity through clinical practice, research, advocacy, and education.

I founded BLAC Center in 2020 while pursuing my doctorate. BLAC Center (Black Leaders and Advocates in Counseling) was founded to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health care while advancing advocacy, research, diversity, and multicultural competence within the counseling profession. Our mission is to help destigmatize and decolonize mental health services by creating compassionate, accessible spaces where healing is possible for everyone, especially BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, TGNB, and other historically marginalized individuals.

I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, racial trauma, identity exploration, and the effects of systemic oppression. My clinical experience includes providing individual, couples, family, and group therapy, and I tailor each session to your unique goals rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

My research and advocacy focus on racial and social justice, racial identity, racial socialization, intergenerational racial trauma, and community healing. In addition to my clinical work, I have served in leadership roles within professional organizations and community initiatives dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and access to quality mental health care. These experiences continue to shape how I show up for my clients—with cultural humility, compassion, authenticity, and a deep commitment to social change.

Whether you're seeking healing, greater self-understanding, or support through a difficult season of life, my goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. It is truly a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they move toward healing, growth, and the life they envision for themselves.

I look forward to being part of your journey.

I believe healing happens when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and empowered. My work is grounded in the belief that healing is deeply personal and shaped by our relationships, identities, and communities. I strive to create a therapeutic space that is:

• Affirming and Inclusive: Every person deserves to feel seen, respected, and valued.
• Trauma-Informed: Recognizing the impact of trauma while promoting resilience and healing.
• Culturally Responsive: Honoring each client's lived experiences, cultural background, and worldview.
• Accessible and Collaborative: Therapy should be approachable, empowering, and tailored to your unique needs.
• Rooted in Equity and Justice: I recognize how systems influence mental health and am committed to providing compassionate, anti-oppressive care.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, affirming, and grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed care that honors each person's lived experiences, strengths, identities, and resilience.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Together, we'll identify the strategies that best support your goals, strengths, and experiences.

My work integrates:

• Trauma-Informed Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Compassion-Focused Therapy

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

• Family Systems Therapy

• Strengths-Based Therapy

• Anti-Oppressive & Liberation-Oriented Practice

• Black Feminist & Womanist Perspectives

• Gender-Affirming Care

Above all, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of meaningful change. My goal is to provide a space where you feel safe enough to explore, challenge, heal, and grow at your own pace.

At BLAC Center, we believe therapy should be collaborative, affirming, and centered on your unique experiences, identities, and goals. We recognize that healing looks different for everyone, and our approach is grounded in compassion, cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and a commitment to supporting individuals and communities on their healing journeys.

Our work is guided by the values that shape every interaction and every therapeutic relationship:

• Compassion: Creating a space where you feel seen, heard, valued, and supported.
• Authenticity: Honoring your story and providing a genuine, judgment-free space where you can show up as your whole self.
• Cultural Humility: Recognizing the impact of culture, identity, and lived experiences while continuing to learn and grow alongside our clients.
• Accessibility: Reducing barriers to mental health care and making support more available to those who need it.
• Justice: Centering equity and advocating for more inclusive and affirming mental health care.
• Collaboration: Partnering with you to identify your goals and develop a path toward meaningful change.
• Healing: Supporting you as you process experiences, build resilience, and reconnect with your strengths.
• Empowerment: Helping you recognize your power, voice, and capacity to create the life you envision.

At BLAC Center, you are not defined by your challenges. We are honored to walk alongside you as you move toward healing, growth, and transformation.