Melissa Buckley

Hi, I’m Mel B! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University—and for the past 10 years, I’ve been helping young adults aged 18-30 quiet the anxiety spiral, build confidence, and start feeling in control of their lives.

I specialize in supporting motivated, insightful young adults who are ready to:

Navigate big life transitions like college, first jobs, or moving out on your own—without feeling like you’re drowning in “what ifs.”

Enter (or re-enter!) the dating world with more confidence and less overthinking.

Create a self-care routine that actually feels good—not like another chore on your to-do list.

My approach is warm, conversational, and real. I believe therapy should feel like a mix of a safe space and a strategy session—with a few laughs along the way. I use practical tools, mindset shifts, and humor to help you feel understood and supported, while also giving you actionable steps you can actually use outside of sessions.

And because therapy is also about connection, here’s a little about me: I’m a wife, a cat mom to three fur babies, and a proud Swiftie. I’m an iced coffee lover, love getting lost in young adult romance books, and am always planning my next trip. Big dreams and goal-setting? Totally my thing.

If you’ve been looking for a therapist who truly gets what it’s like to be in your 20s, who will listen without judgment, and who can help you feel more confident navigating life’s transitions—I’d love to connect. Let’s work together to help you feel less anxious, more grounded, and fully ready to take on what’s next.

I use mindset therapies and solution-focused therapies to find and explore your strengths and self-perceptions and guide you in problem-solving and healing. I use expressive therapies like narrative writing, journaling, and roleplaying as ways to express all your concerns and bottled-up emotions you've been trying to 'manage' on your own.

I work damn hard to give my clients completely individualized treatment in terms of goals and approach. Humor and authenticity are two values I identify heavily with, so here's what that looks like in my sessions: a professional relationship filled with laughter, smiles, tears, and curious inquiries, and unconditional support. My goal is to have you leave each session with a warm heart, increased confidence, and consistent motivation to work toward your goals.