Melissa Cauthen, LCSW
Licensed social worker empowering life changes
- Stress and anxiety care
- LGBT and relationship support
- Family and trauma counseling
About Melissa Cauthen
Melissa Cauthen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with 16 years of professional experience supporting individuals and families. She draws on a broad social work background to meet people where they are, offering empathic guidance and practical skills to help clients move toward greater well-being. Melissa emphasizes empowerment, helping clients identify strengths and build the resources needed to keep their inner light shining.
Her practice focuses on a wide range of concerns including stress and anxiety, self-esteem and depression, LGBT-related issues, relationship and family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief and parenting challenges. She also works with career concerns, bipolar and other mood disorders, compassion fatigue, and coping with life changes. Melissa blends evidence-informed methods with a client-centered stance to tailor treatment to each person’s needs.
Melissa values cultural sensitivity and notes that her lived experience as a minority contributes to an ability to understand diverse perspectives. She creates an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored and where clients are supported in taking courageous steps toward a more fulfilling life. As an LCSW - a licensed clinical social worker - she combines clinical training with real-world social work experience to support sustained change.
Her practice focuses on a wide range of concerns including stress and anxiety, self-esteem and depression, LGBT-related issues, relationship and family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief and parenting challenges. She also works with career concerns, bipolar and other mood disorders, compassion fatigue, and coping with life changes. Melissa blends evidence-informed methods with a client-centered stance to tailor treatment to each person’s needs.
Melissa values cultural sensitivity and notes that her lived experience as a minority contributes to an ability to understand diverse perspectives. She creates an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored and where clients are supported in taking courageous steps toward a more fulfilling life. As an LCSW - a licensed clinical social worker - she combines clinical training with real-world social work experience to support sustained change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
Antisocial personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Domestic violenceFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameJealousyLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Melissa Cauthen have?
Melissa Cauthen has 16 years of professional experience.
Is Melissa Cauthen a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: IL LCSW 149023198.
In which languages does Melissa Cauthen provide therapy?
Melissa provides therapy in English.
Where is Melissa Cauthen located?
She is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Melissa Cauthen as my therapist?
You can work with Melissa through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Melissa Cauthen work with international clients?
Melissa Cauthen does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Melissa Cauthen cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Melissa Cauthen
Melissa integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Client-Centered Therapy in her work. ACT focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and emotions while clarifying personal values and taking committed action - it can help with anxiety, stress, and life transitions. CBT helps identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and teaches practical strategies to change them, often useful for depression, anxiety, and mood regulation. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating space for clients to explore identity, self-esteem, and relationship concerns.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Melissa works with each person to understand their goals, preferences, and needs, and adapts techniques so therapy feels relevant and manageable. Together the client and therapist determine which strategies fit best and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage with licensed professionals. Sessions may occur via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to choose the format that fits their schedule and comfort level. This flexibility can make it easier to maintain continuity of care while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.