Jami Melton, LMSW-C

Inclusive therapist helping adolescents and young adults navigate identity, neurodiversity, and life transitions in a warm, low-pressure, sensory-friendly, judgment-free environment.

My passion lies in working with adolescents and young adults, especially those navigating the exciting, complex, and sometimes overwhelming journey of finding their place in the world. I specialize heavily in working with neurodivergent individuals, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community and student-athletes.

Taking the step to look for a therapist can feel overwhelming, but finding the right support should never be scary, rigid, or uncomfortable. My core belief as a clinician is simple: therapy should be an experience you look forward to, not one you dread. Every single person who walks through my door deserves a space where they feel safe, heard, accepted, empowered, and genuinely welcomed for exactly who they are.


MY LIVED EXPERIENCE AND APPROACH

I bring both professional training and deeply personal lived experience to my practice. As someone who is neurodivergent, genderfluid, omnisexual, and a former two-sport collegiate athlete, I intimately understand what it feels like to move through environments that were not built for unique minds, diverse identities, or high-pressure athletic performance. You will not have to spend your sessions explaining the baseline reality of your identity or struggling to hide your neurodivergent traits. I know how exhausting mask-wearing can be, and my practice is a zero-judgment zone where you can drop the mask completely.

My approach to therapy is uniquely tailored to you, because therapy is never one-size-fits-all. We will build a plan around your specific needs, goals, and communication styles. Our work will always be low-pressure and collaborative. You are the expert on your own life, and we will work as a team to explore challenges, build coping tools, and process life experiences at a pace that feels safe for you. Most importantly, I actively cultivate an affirming, inclusive safe haven for clients of all gender identities, sexualities, racial backgrounds, and lived experiences.

A SENSORY-FRIENDLY OFFICE SPACE

If you dread the thought of sitting awkwardly in a cold room on a stiff leather couch while someone takes notes in silence, my office will be a breath of fresh air. My therapeutic space is intentionally designed to support nervous system regulation and physical comfort.

When you enter my office, you are in complete control of how you engage during our sessions.

For seating, you are welcome to curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket and a warm beverage, take off your shoes, lay on the floor, bounce on a yoga ball, sit on a wobble stool, or stand the whole time. I will even let you sit in my chair if you prefer because I sometimes enjoy a change.

For your sensory needs, my office is fully stocked with an array of tactile fidgets, textures, and sensory items to keep your hands busy while we process heavy topics.

For creative expression, if direct eye contact or traditional talk therapy feels overwhelming, we can work while making art. My desk is stocked for drawing, painting, coloring, diamond art, clay modeling, and many other crafting options.

For interactive processing, we can build Lego sets, or play card, board, or video games (I have a Nintendo Switch, iPad, and Steam account) while we talk. Processing life through play and creation is just as valid as traditional conversation.

CLINICAL BACKGROUND, MODALITIES, AND ADVANCED TRAINING

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in English from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. Since May 2021, I have provided individual, family, and group therapy across diverse populations, helping clients navigate anxiety, identity exploration, trauma, neurodivergent burnout, athletic mental health, family dynamics, and life transitions.

I am an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) and have specialized training in ADOS-2 administration for autism assessment. As a former two-sport collegiate athlete, I have also completed post-graduate training in sport psychology and athletic counseling, offering tailored strategies to support mental health, resilience, and performance across the lifespan.

I prioritize extensive, ongoing continuing education to ensure my clinical work remains cutting-edge, neurodivergent-affirming, and trauma-informed. My post-graduate training spans differential diagnosis between ADHD, Autism (AuDHD), and PTSD; disability justice and ableism; suicide risk assessment and safety planning; evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy; embodied awareness for adolescent consent and boundaries; harm reduction; and medical ethics.

To provide the best possible care, I incorporate evidence-based modalities into my work, including Neurodivergent-Affirming Care, Accelerated Resolution Therapy to process trauma and somatic distress efficiently without needing to talk through every painful detail, the Safe and Sound Protocol listening therapy to soothe the nervous system, and Sand Tray and Play-Based therapies for creative, non-verbal emotional processing.


OUR PRACTICE AT ON YOUR SIDE THERAPY SERVICES

I am the proud practice owner and clinical director at On Your Side Therapy Services in Trenton, where I work alongside 24 other dedicated clinicians. If for any reason I do not feel like the exact right fit for your needs, our practice offers a wide variety of backgrounds and specialties to ensure you find the right match.

Our entire facility is built around client comfort. We feature three distinct waiting areas so you can choose the vibe that suits you best while you wait, including a dedicated room equipped with an arcade machine featuring hundreds of classic games. Our fidget bins across all therapy spaces are rotated regularly so there is always something new to discover. Additionally, our Office Manager, Bonnie, handles logistics, scheduling, and billing questions with exceptional care, allowing our clinicians to focus entirely on supporting you.

BEYOND THE THERAPY ROOM

When I am not in the office, I stay grounded through vibrant, active, and creative outlets. You can usually find me spending quality and beautifully chaotic time with my chosen family, whether that is hosting game nights, attending concerts and comedy shows, watching movies, or taking road trips. I also love playing hockey, hitting the golf course, practicing the cello, and creating art.

TAKING THE NEXT STEP

Finding the right therapist is all about finding the right fit. If you are looking for an authentic, creative, and affirming space to grow, reach out today to schedule an initial consultation. I look forward to meeting the most authentic version of you!