Melissa Buckley

LCSW, 5 years of experience
Rated 5.0 stars out of 555 ratings
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
VirtualAvailable

Hi, I’m Mel B! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University, and I specialize in helping young adults in their 20s manage anxiety and feel more in control of their lives. I work with anxiety related to college life, dating, relationships, and major life transitions. I also help clients build routines, coping skills, and self-care practices that are realistic and sustainable. My approach is warm, laid-back, and practical—focused on mindset shifts, emotional regulation, and tools you can use in everyday life rather than overly clinical therapy. I enjoy working with talkative, motivated, and insightful clients who want support that feels genuine, encouraging, and empowering. Outside of sessions, I’m a wife, a cat mom of three, a Swiftie, and a caffeine lover who believes therapy should feel supportive, relatable, and even a little fun.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session together, we'll spend time getting to know each other. We'll explore what's led to your decision to start or resume therapy and what your goals and visions for your empowerment journey are. By the end of our time together, we'll decide if we're a good fit and if we want to move forward with working together.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One thing I'm particularly excited about is assisting you in healing in a way that's 100% tailored to you. Our time together won't feel like regular therapy—I value building genuine connections with my clients so much; you'll truly feel like you're part of a dynamic and fabulous duo. We'll laugh, cry, and share so many victories together. I literally get chills as my clients progress and reach their goals.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m here for you: the fun, caring, and motivated young adult who is ready and excited to bring real change and healing in your life.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
I identify as
Hispanic / Latinx
White
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
Illinois

Accepts cash

$95/session
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

For the past ten years, I've been all in on the mental health scene, putting my heart into solution-focused brief therapy. It's been a total game-changer, especially for young adults who love how it brings about quick, positive changes. If you're looking to shake things up and take charge of different parts of your life, I've got your back. When we work together, it's all about teamwork. We'll pinpoint what you want to change and delve into what makes you tick—your strengths, wins, and what you value most. We'll lean on these to drive real, meaningful shifts in your life. This adventure is all about unlocking your full potential and marching towards a life that's not only fulfilling but one where you're absolutely thriving.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Blending the best of solution-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral strategies, I'm here to guide you through your specific struggles, all while we dive deep into understanding the way you perceive the world. Let's uncover the habits and thoughts that are holding you back, and kickstart your journey towards breaking free from the stuff that’s been dragging you down. Prepare for a major shift in how you think and feel, wave goodbye to that heavy cloud of negativity, and get pumped for a life that’s more fulfilling and totally empowering. If you’re in for transforming your life, I’ve got your back.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

First and foremost, I see you as a person with unlocked and unlimited potential, not someone who is damaged goods. I use person-centered therapy to help you find your strengths, interests, and solutions to face your challenges head-on. You have more answers than you think- I'm here to help you find them and apply them.

Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 55 ratings

4 ratings with written reviews

July 24, 2025

This is my first meeting with Melissa. And she is a breath of fresh air. I absolutely enjoyed our first session and I look forward to our future sessions. She is authentic and funny and warm and super understanding.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Melissa

June 2, 2025

I always look forward to meeting with Mel! Good day or bad we work through it together with meaningful conversation and actions. She's helped me learn how to get through life's challenges stronger and more authentically.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 20 with Melissa

May 9, 2025

I struggle with messiness and she continues to empower me to work on this in manageable small chunks. I've maintained good habits in kitchen for a year now.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 17 with Melissa