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Melissa Cauthen, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Melissa is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

4.5 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Melissa. View 24 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Illinois

Recent reviews

Melissa is an amazing therapist. I can start a call with her and just talk and talk. She’s never made me feel judged even when I’ve told her things that I’ve never said to any other living soul. She doesn’t just remind me that I’m only human but also helps guide me to understand that that means I’m allowed to make mistakes and change my mind and just be a person. She’s made a huge difference in some of the most difficult times in my life. I recommend Melisssa to anyone who wants a relatable, reliable listening ear who doesn’t tell you what’s going on but rather works with you to understand it. She’s awesome.

Reviewed November 2024

Melissa is an amazing listener and allows for open and honest conversation coupled with tools to move through whatever I have going on.

Reviewed May 2024

More about Melissa

  • 16 years' experience
  • Female
  • LCSW

Blessings to you:

I am licensed Social Worker in Illinois with 20+ years of professional work experience, with most of those years being in therapeutic situations. My extensive social work experience has allowed me to work with many walks of life, where I have advocated for their best qualities of their life, always. I have much experience working with diverse populations and have the ability to meet people where they are at. I believe my gift of being a minority helps a great deal in this ability. I thrive on positivity and mental wellness, with a clear understanding and vision of one's light. With this gift, I feel I am called to help others live their best lives, and give skills to help keep their light bright. I am a natural promoter of empowerment and hold a great deal of empathy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, etc. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Self esteem Depression LGBT Relationship issues Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Grief Parenting issues Anger management Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Coaching Compassion fatigue Antisocial personality Blended family issues Body image Codependency Communication problems Control issues Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Domestic violence Family problems Forgiveness Guilt and shame Jealousy Life purpose Mood disorders Multicultural concerns Narcissism Panic disorder and panic attacks Personality disorders Prejudice and discrimination Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self-harm Self-love Sexuality Social anxiety and phobia Traumatic brain injury Women's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Melissa Cauthen's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1003586611.

  • LCSW · Illinois · 149023198 · Expires November 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Reviews for Melissa Cauthen

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.5

24 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Great Helped Amazing Great listener Listens Professional Recommend Easy Helping Insightful

Melissa is an amazing therapist. I can start a call with her and just talk and talk. She’s never made me feel judged even when I’ve told her things that I’ve never said to any other living soul. She doesn’t just remind me that I’m only human but also helps guide me to understand that that means I’m allowed to make mistakes and change my mind and just be a person. She’s made a huge difference in some of the most difficult times in my life. I recommend Melisssa to anyone who wants a relatable, reliable listening ear who doesn’t tell you what’s going on but rather works with you to understand it. She’s awesome.

Reviewed November 2024

Melissa is an amazing listener and allows for open and honest conversation coupled with tools to move through whatever I have going on.

Reviewed May 2024

Melissa Cauthen is terrific, and is a quick study on issues and patient concerns. She provided thoughtful feedback and very helpful suggestions and strategies in our very first meetings, and provided immediate follow up and written materials that helped considerably. Most of all, she is an expert listener and really helped with the issues that caused me to seek therapy treatment.

Reviewed February 2024

Melissa is wonderful and emphatic therapist. A great listener, she takes into account what you share and offers extremely valuable feedback and suggestions for moving forward. Highest possible recommendation.

Reviewed January 2024

I cannot say enough great things about Melissa. I can tell she cares and actively listens during our sessions. She provides feedback and support while asking questions to help me dive deeper into what's really going on. Thank you, Melissa!!

Reviewed December 2023

Melissa is a caring person who listens and asks provoking questions. I have very much enjoy our chats and look forward to many more as she helps me grow as a person.

Reviewed November 2023

Melissa is awesome. So real and authentic.

Reviewed November 2023

I like that she seems to care about my well being and it is obvious that this is more than just a job to her.

Reviewed November 2023

Melissa is kind, considerate, a great listener and very insightful. Excelllent therapist and she helps me get results in a positive, safe space that helps my psyche breathe. Highest recommendations.

Reviewed November 2023

So far, I am very happy with the help that Melissa has provided. She understands what I am going through and is helping me cope with my trauma. I am so glad I took a chance at BetterHelp and started to work through my problems.

Reviewed September 2023

She was very considerate and punctual. Had great recommendations on how to help me cope with my life.

Reviewed September 2023

I have only had three visits with Melissa so far, shes a great listener and always sends me grat info to best support me. I would love to continue working with her.

Reviewed August 2023

I find Melissa to be insightful and a great listener. Just being able to talk to someone who I can trust has been a blessing. I would definitely recommend Melisa to anyone that needs a professional, non bias perspective.

Reviewed July 2023

Very smart, professional and capable therapist. Sharp and listens careful to what one says, but can also 'read between lines' to glean a more nuanced meaning.

Reviewed May 2023

I've met with Melissa 3 times and am greatly enjoying the process. She sends articles and videos so I can continue learning about the topics discussed during our session. She's easy to talk to and responds in a way that keeps our conversation flowing.

Reviewed May 2023

She’s very kind and a wonderful listener. I always feel better after a session with her.

Reviewed May 2023

Melissa is so great and has walked me through different thought processes to help me work through my problems. ☺️ highly recommend!

Reviewed April 2023

Melissa is amazing, she has made me feel so comfortable to talk to her. She helped me work through so much of my stress and life issues. I am lucky to have been placed with such a professional, sweet, educated counselor.

Reviewed April 2023

Great counselor couldn't ask for anything else.

Reviewed January 2023

Easy to talk to

Reviewed December 2022

I really enjoyed Melissa's assistance in helping me to work through an inter-personal issue at work - and in just one session!

Reviewed December 2022

I’m so appreciative of Melissa. She’s amazing and has already helped me over come tough situations and shared very useful strategies with me. Glad to have been matched with someone who cares.

Reviewed December 2022

Melissa is awesome!

Reviewed November 2022

She is a very good therapist, she helped me a lot, I have overcome great things, thanks to her I am very grateful.

Reviewed November 2022

How was your experience with Melissa?

Frequently asked questions

Does Melissa Cauthen offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Melissa Cauthen works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Melissa Cauthen speak?

Melissa Cauthen speaks English.

How many years of experience does Melissa Cauthen have?

Melissa Cauthen has 16 years of experience.

Where is Melissa Cauthen licensed to practice?

Melissa Cauthen is licensed to practice in Illinois.

Does Melissa Cauthen accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Melissa Cauthen does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Melissa Cauthen offer?

Melissa Cauthen offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Melissa Cauthen?

Melissa Cauthen can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Melissa Cauthen?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.