
Melissa Cauthen, LCSW
About me
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.
Professional experience
Additional areas of focus: 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
Clinical 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
License information
IL LCSW 149023198
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Melissa Cauthen. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I was extremely nervous to start therapy for the first time but I had my first session with Melissa and I instantly knew I could pour out what I’ve needed to express for a long time. I received no judgements from her and she was able to provide me a lot of useful information. Great first session!
Written on Mar 25, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and self esteem
I always feel so much better after talking with Melissa. She has helped me in ways that no one else could. She is super easy to talk to, and listens perfectly. I am so glad I have her to talk to, and help me with my anxiety. 100% recommend!
Written on Mar 17, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Very nice and understanding. She understood my problems and offered practical advice.
Written on Mar 15, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Melissa is amazing and empathetic and really helped me change my mindset within the very first session. I look forward to meeting with her again soon.
Written on Feb 18, 2025 after therapy with Melissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
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.
Written on Oct 25, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and coaching
Melissa is an amazing listener and allows for open and honest conversation coupled with tools to move through whatever I have going on.
Written on May 01, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and adhd