Melissa Mitsdarffer

We are privileged to have Melissa Mitsdarffer on our team, bringing with her an impressive two decades of clinical experience. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has a solid academic background with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology earned in 2002 and a Master of Social Work obtained in 2008 from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. She was granted her license as a Clinical Social Worker in 2011. In 2022, we were fortunate enough to welcome her into our esteemed group of behavioral health specialists. 

Melissa began her journey in the field by volunteering for a crisis line in 2002. She then dedicated her career to working with adults who face persistent mental health issues and crisis interventions. This path led her to pursue training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). These certifications equipped her with the necessary skills to assist individuals in achieving their desired life changes, including strategies for stress management, improving relationships, emotional regulation, and mindfulness. 

Upon completing graduate school, Melissa worked in a residential setting, supporting adolescents struggling with substance use and mental health concerns. Her duties included conducting individual and group treatment sessions and working closely with families. After becoming a licensed clinical social worker, Melissa shifted her focus to working in community behavioral health for a period of time. She then transitioned to a private psychiatric practice setting, where she worked with adults, adolescents, couples, and children both individually and in groups. 

Melissa is passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential and achieve life satisfaction. She utilizes a variety of proven techniques as part of her treatment interventions, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

She is currently undergoing training in Emotion Focused Therapy for couples. 

Melissa helps educate individuals about the importance of nurturing and prioritizing mental health, treating it as an integral part of overall well-being. She strives to establish a strong therapeutic relationship with her patients, approaching them with care and compassion, fostering personal growth and helping them achieve their goals. 

Melissa was born and raised in Southern Illinois. She enjoys making art and handcrafts, spending time with family and friends, traveling, listening to local bands, hanging out with her cat, Suki, and aspires to become a “foodie” when she’s not working.