Grief counselors and therapists in Independence, OH

I'm a therapist and Air Force veteran who has spent 9 years helping young people and adults work through anxiety, trauma, and life's harder chapters. I know what it means to

carry things you don't have words for yet. Whether you're a teenager navigating something new or a veteran carrying old weight, you belong here. I'd love to connect.

You don't have to have everything figured out to start. Many people who reach out are carrying grief, anxiety, depression, or the weight of trauma, and they just need somewhere safe to bring it. I'm Melissa, an LPCC with nearly 15 years of experience, including over a decade in inpatient psychiatric settings. That background taught me how resilient people really are. I work with adults navigating PTSD, women's issues, life difficulties, and more. I'd love to be part of your journey.

I am a seasoned therapist of 30 years, and I learn something new with each individual I connect with. My goal is to address the issues of life we all face with grace, compassion and a little humor. I might not know all the answers... but together we will develop strategies to make a better life.

Welcome, I am so glad you are here! I have always been very passionate about mental health and helping others navigate difficult situations in their lives. After getting my bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and my master's degree from the University of Cincinnati, I have been practicing for the past 8 years in community mental health. My main focus is helping kids and young adults with anxiety and depression.

I'm a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience working with adults navigating some of life's hardest seasons — infertility, adoption, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and the kind of grief that doesn't have a clear name yet. I'm faith-integrated in my approach, which means I honor the role spirituality plays in your life without ever making it a requirement. My clients describe me as warm, easy to talk to, and refreshingly direct. I don't do one-size-fits-all therapy — every treatment plan starts with your story.

I earned both my Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. My background includes experience in university disability services as well as several years working closely with children and families in foster and adoptive care. Since transitioning into outpatient therapy, I’ve focused on providing thoughtful, accessible mental health care that meets clients where they are.

I work with children and adolescents (ages 11+), adults, couples, and families navigating concerns such as ADHD, behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship or family stress. My experience in foster and adoptive care gives me a strong foundation in attachment, identity, and family systems, allowing me to support both individuals and families in meaningful ways.

I have been licensed as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor since 2004 and have held a supervision designation since 2015. I have also held a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor with a supervision/training designation license since 2018. I have maintained a private counseling practice in Chillicothe since 2000 and I continue to work with individuals and families in that capacity. I have dedicated my career to helping others and to working with the community to ensure the well-being of families and children.

My communication style

My communication tone or approach tends to be direct but laid back. We are in session to work together not have me tell you what to do or where you need to go