Influential Woman · Higher Education / Behavioral Health Services
Marissa S. Matta, PhD, CRC, NCC, LMHC-D, CASAC 2, TTS
CRC, NCC, TTS, LMHC-D
Professor and Mental Health Counselor, Queens College
Brooklyn, NY 11230
Her Story
About Marissa
Marissa S. Matta, PhD, CRC, NCC, LMHC-D, CASAC 2, TTS is a Lecturer and Doctoral Schedule/Fieldwork Director in the Mental Health and School Counseling program within the Counselor Education Program at Queens College - CUNY in New York. She is also a practicing psychotherapist at Talk NY! Psychotherapy, where she provides clinical services while maintaining an active role in supervision and professional training. In addition to her academic and clinical appointments, she develops and delivers exam preparation resources for counseling licensure candidates, supporting the next generation of mental health professionals. Dr. Matta holds a PhD in Counselor Education from the University at Buffalo, along with an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling. She has a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Mississippi State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Matta is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC-D), Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC 2), and Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS). Her clinical and scholarly focus centers on addiction, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns, with an emphasis on recovery-oriented care, clinical decision-making, and counselor development. Her professional background spans vocational rehabilitation, field education leadership, graduate instruction, and private practice. She has contributed to research on substance use and pain reliever misuse, with publications in peer-reviewed journals, and she is committed to integrating evidence-based practice into counselor training. In recognition of her excellence in teaching and mentorship, she received the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from Queens College, reflecting her sustained impact on student learning, clinical preparation, and professional development within the counseling field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, recovery, and the willingness to continually reinvent myself. Like many people, my path has included personal challenges that forced me to pause, reflect, and rebuild. Those experiences ultimately deepened my appreciation for growth, purpose, and the transformative power of change. They also inspired me to pursue a career in counseling and education, where I have the privilege of helping others navigate their own journeys and recognize what is possible for their lives. Over the years, I have learned that success is rarely a straight line. It is built one decision at a time, through perseverance, lifelong learning, and a commitment to becoming who we are capable of being.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to know what's expected of you, meet those expectations, and have fun doing it. Equally important is treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their position or title. Over the years, I've learned that success is about more than accomplishments—it's about building meaningful relationships, maintaining integrity, and finding purpose and joy in the work we do.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to prioritize self-awareness and personal development. Take the time to truly understand who you are, your strengths, and your values, while remaining open to growth and continuous learning. Building a strong foundation of self-knowledge will not only support your professional development but also help you navigate challenges with confidence and purpose.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in the mental health field is addressing the increasing need for services while ensuring that clinicians themselves receive the support, education, and resources necessary to thrive. At the same time, I believe we are living in a time of tremendous opportunity. Advances in technology, telehealth, and artificial intelligence have the potential to expand access to care, enhance education, and empower both practitioners and the people they serve. As a psychotherapist and educator, I am excited by the opportunity to help shape the next generation of professionals and contribute to a future in which mental health care is more accessible, innovative, and person-centered.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are integrity, growth, respect, and purpose. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, approaching life with curiosity and gratitude, and embracing opportunities for continuous learning and self-improvement. Above all, I value meaningful relationships and the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I have learned that success is not measured solely by accomplishments, but by the impact we have, the character we demonstrate, and the difference we make in the lives of others.
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