John Celso Melendez, MA, NCC, LMHC
John Celso Melendez, MA, NCC, LMHC, has been working as in the mental health field since completing his graduate studies in 2016. Originally from New Jersey, John earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Jersey City University. While working as a Graduate Assistant (GA), John supported the Counseling Department faculty in preparing for a successful CACREP accreditation visit.
As an urban-based practitioner, John has worked with diverse and at-risk communities; providing clients with a supportive therapeutic environment that identifies successful strategies for personal development. His growth as a professional is based on a client-centered vision that incorporates creative art therapies and conventional therapeutic support techniques. His previous experiences provided him with the opportunity to work within dynamic environments that not only helped build a multi-dimensional counseling approach but also helped him in honing his skills in conducting individual, couples, and group counseling. John is an authentic, caring, spiritual, and soft-spoken therapist, with an eclectic personal style that lends itself to natural, non-judgmental and open communication with his clients. John recently moved to Albuquerque and has enjoyed the cultural, gastronomic, and natural beauty that New Mexico has to offer. We welcomed John to the Odyssey Team in 2022!