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Melissa Chavez, holistic therapist in Chicago

Melissa ChAVEZ, LCPC

Founder & Clinical Director | ADHD, Women’s Mental Health & Life Transitions Therapist

  • Anxiety and chronic overthinking

  • ADHD in adults and executive functioning challenges

  • Career stress, job transitions, and feeling stuck or unfulfilled at work

  • Women’s mental health

  • Prenatal and postpartum mental health

  • Hormonal mental health concerns, such as PCOS

  • Life transitions and identity shifts

  • Burnout in high-achieving professionals

  • Cultural identity and first-generation experiences

  • Grief, major life transitions, and emotional overwhelm

AREAS OF FOCUS

MEET YOUR THERAPIST

My approach is warm, grounded, and collaborative. I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can show up honestly — without feeling judged or pressured to have everything figured out.

 

At the same time, I tend to be supportive but straightforward in how I challenge clients. Many people appreciate having a therapist who is compassionate and validating while also willing to ask the deeper questions that help things actually shift.

 

In our work together, we’ll look at the patterns behind anxiety, ADHD, overwhelm, or burnout and begin identifying practical ways to move forward. I often use solution-focused strategies, helping you build on your strengths and create small, meaningful changes that start improving things in real life.

 

I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and integrative mental health approaches, while also bringing in humor when it feels appropriate. Healing can be serious work — but it doesn’t always have to feel heavy.

I often work with clients on building realistic routines that support their mental health — not ones that look perfect on paper but fall apart in real life.

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT 

In addition to my clinical work, I manage an internationally recognized IPS (Individual Placement and Support) employment program supporting individuals living with serious mental illness in pursuing meaningful work and independence. I also serve as Co-Chair for Region 1 (Chicago–Northwest) of the Cook County Behavioral Health Workforce Collaborative and sit on the Behavioral Health Workforce Center advisory board, where I advocate for improved access to mental health care, culturally responsive services, and stronger support for the behavioral health workforce — particularly in underserved communities.

Mel and Pets.jpeg

A FEW THINGS THAT MAKE ME, ME:

  • I love a good true crime doc especially the ones where you think you’ve cracked the case… and you absolutely haven’t

  • I’m happiest at home with my dogs, my cat, and yes… my fish (they’re part of the family too)

  • I believe rest is necessary, laughter is underrated, and we don’t always have to take ourselves so seriously

  • I’m a big fan of slow mornings, soft blankets, and conversations that go beyond surface-level

  • I’ve recently gotten into Pilates — it’s one of the few things that helps me slow down and reset​.

"YOU CAN NEVER BE OVERDRESSED OR OVEREDUCATED"

OSCAR WILDE

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