Melanie Bernert
Melanie Bernert is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) based in Reno, Nevada, who is deeply committed to helping individuals achieve lasting recovery, health, and personal growth. With a bachelor’s degree in Substance Abuse Counseling and full CADC certification, she brings both professional expertise and heartfelt compassion to her work. Melanie is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in trauma, with an expected graduation in 2027, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and clinical excellence.
Melanie’s professional experience spans addictions counseling, intensive outpatient treatment, and community-based behavioral health. She has conducted biopsychosocial evaluations, facilitated group and individual counseling, and led intensive outpatient programs supporting clients over extended recovery journeys—many of whom were court-involved or facing significant barriers such as housing instability and lack of insurance. Earlier in her career, she served as Program Director for a sober living home for women, where she managed operations, facilitated support meetings, and provided crisis support, building a strong foundation in leadership and wraparound care.
Guided by lived experience in recovery, Melanie’s work is rooted in empathy, evidence-based practice, and trauma-informed care. She is particularly passionate about helping individuals rediscover hope and recognize their capacity for change, regardless of past circumstances. As she prepares to step into a county role serving individuals experiencing homelessness with co-occurring addiction and mental health concerns, Melanie continues to embody resilience, service, and a steadfast belief in the possibility of healing and self-discovery.
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
• Seeking Safety Certification
• Grand Canyon University- Bachelor's
• Grand Canyon University- M.C.M.H.
• Honors Distinction
• Magna Cum Laude
• BACKBAY THERAPEUTIC RIDING CLUB INC
• Arianna Hope House
What do you attribute your success to?
By all accounts, I am a victim of the opioid epidemic, and I should not be alive, much less thriving. I think the biggest piece is helping people find hope and believe that they can accomplish anything they want to, no matter where they've come from or what they've done. That's what drives me and what I attribute my success to - being able to turn my own journey into something that gives others hope. I want to be an inspiration for people who have given up on themselves, and showing them that recovery and success are possible no matter what you've been through.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The work is challenging, but it is rewarding, and all of the effort that you put in will pay off. You just gotta set your sights on taking one thing at a time. Be prepared, because it is challenging. But it is rewarding, especially when people find their path and find their own recovery. It's a beautiful thing to watch.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A major challenge in my field is the low public awareness of CCBHCs and the demanding, high-stakes nature of addictions work. Opportunities include securing new grants and county programs, expanding therapeutic approaches like equine-assisted therapy, and developing private practice while advocating for systemic improvements and greater equity.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are giving back, inspiring hope, and advocating for more equitable and inclusive systems, particularly for LGBTQ communities. In my personal life, I enjoy spending quality time playing video games with my husband, who is a game developer.