Dr. Melissa Ketner

Grief is my specialty. I've lived it, not just studied it. I was a guardian and caregiver for my parent through Bipolar Disorder and Alzheimer's Disease, which means I understand what it's like to grieve someone who is still here, to navigate a complex medical system on someone else's behalf, and to carry your own needs while holding everyone else's.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience across mental health, child welfare, hospice, and hospital settings, and I hold a Doctorate in Health Sciences. I work with individuals facing grief at every stage: life cycle changes, chronic illness, and end-of-life. I'm also trained as an end-of-life doula and hold certifications in palliative and trauma-informed care.

I'm licensed in Indiana and Minnesota.

My approach draws on CBT, ACT, and Solution-Focused strategies, which means we're building both insight and practical tools at the same time. I also bring a case management lens when it's helpful, connecting you to resources that can support your care beyond our sessions. Sessions are warm, collaborative, and move at your pace.

The first session can feel anxiety-provoking. I know that. I'll meet you with warmth and a bit of humor to help ease into it. We'll talk about what brought you here and start to map out your goals together, begin to move forward down the path to meeting those goals.