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Melissa Hernandez

Melissa Hernandez

BIPOC Identifying

LCSW, MSW, PEL

Gender Identity: female

Short Biography

therapy you can actually enjoy, growth you can feel, with someone who you can laugh with Certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy MIDDLE SCHOOLERS, TEENS and COLLEGE STUDENTS come to me when they are feeling overwhelmed by life, school, or expectations—offering flexible sessions, honest support, and space to feel understood. WOMEN come to me when they’re done just talking about change and ready to live it. My approach is direct yet compassionate, helping you heal and grow. MOTHERS come to me when they’ve carried it all and need space to exhale and remember they matter too. I provide evidenced based therapy using Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for women and teens who experience trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD and PTSD. I am a bicultural and bilingual therapist (Mexican American) who values and understands the impact of having a therapist who has lived experience in navigating life as a person of color.

Therapy Philosophy

Therapy should feel like something made for you— not something you settle for.

Special Training & Certifications

Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Clinical Focus / Specialties

Generalized anxiety Trauma Anxiety Panic attacks Phobias Obsessive thoughts Compulsive behaviors (OCD) Persistent sadness or low motivation Mood swings Seasonal depression Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) Complex trauma (C-PTSD) Childhood abuse or neglect Sexual trauma Communication difficulties Infidelity recovery Divorce or separation Family conflict Low self-esteem Self-criticism Perfectionism Assertiveness difficulties Identity exploration Stress & Life Adjustment Burnout Work-related stress Academic stress Major life transitions Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Anger management Impulsivity Difficulty regulating emotions Health-related stress ADHD Feeling stuck Emotional numbness Personal growth “Not feeling like myself”

Therapist Methodology

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Psychodynamic Therapy Relational Therapy Gestalt Therapy Trauma-Informed Therapy Mindfulness-Based Therapy Strengths-Based Therapy Play Therapy Feminist Therapy Motivational Interviewing Accelerated resolution therapy

Core Values

Social Justice & Equity Values
Anti-racist Liberation-oriented Feminist-informed Queer- and trans-affirming Racial equity-focused Culturally responsive Immigrant and refugee-affirming Activist-affirming / advocacy-supportive Anti-oppressive practice Intersectional awareness Abolitionist mental health lens Decolonial / decolonizing approach Healing justice framework
Identity, Community & Belonging Values
LGBTQIA+ affirming BIPOC-affirming Family-diverse (poly / ENM / chosen family-affirming) Centering marginalized voices Multicultural sensitivity Community resilience-focused Cultural identity exploration Affirming mixed-race / multiracial experiences Affirming intersectional identities
Relational & Healing Philosophy Values
Trauma-informed Strengths-based Client-centered Collaborative Compassion-focused Empowerment-based Nonjudgmental Authentic and transparent Humor and humanity Radical acceptance Centering safety and trust Relational and attachment-oriented Emotions as information Empowerment through connection Dignity and respect Transparency and repair Co-created healing relationship
Mind & Body Spirit & Holistic Healing Values
Somatic / body-based awareness Mindfulness-oriented Creative expression in therapy Rest as resistance Spiritual but not religious Connection between personal and systemic healing Embodied empowerment Grounded presence
Practice Ethics & Professional Integrity Values
Equity over perfection Accountability and integrity Client autonomy Cultural humility over competence Informed consent emphasis Transparency in process Centering client dignity Ongoing education commitment Non-hierarchical relationship Anti-carceral and anti-pathologizing lens Restorative justice-informed Therapist as co-learner

Clinic / Practice Environment

Clinic Environment

Book a Session

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Practice Information

  • Experience: 6 years
  • Availability: Online & In Person
  • Languages: English, Spanish
  • Session Cost: $175 – $250
  • Accepts Insurance: Yes
    I accept the following PPO plans in IL: Blue cross and blue shield of IL Aetna United
  • Populations Served: 18+,Children,Teens,Young Adults,BIPOC clients,LGBTQIA+ clients,Immigrant and First Generation , Female identifying only

Credentials

  • License:
    License verification pending or self-certified

Office & Contact Info