Melissa Hurt , LICSW

Melissa Hurt is a licensed clinical social worker who brings both clinical training and broad social work experience to her practice. She holds an LICSW, which is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and she completed a master’s degree in social work with a focus on macro social work issues before pursuing clinical licensure. Melissa pays careful attention to how systems, culture, and personal family stories shape a person’s life and brings that perspective into therapy.

Over the years she has worked extensively in disability services supporting teams of social workers and has experience with young college professionals and those connected to the military community. Her background as a military spouse and a parent of three teenagers informs her understanding of long-term partnerships, family transitions, and the stresses that come with caregiving and life changes. Based in Minnesota, she works with concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, parenting challenges, intimacy-related concerns, self-esteem, ADHD, and compassion fatigue among other areas.

Melissa’s approach is compassionate and strengths-focused, blending Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness and practical self-care. She emphasizes creativity, growth through struggle, and collaborative exploration of what works best for each person. She describes herself as a trusted confidant who offers honest, compassionate support and encouragement as clients move toward greater stability, joy, and purpose.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take committed steps toward a meaningful life even when difficult thoughts and feelings are present. It is often useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions by combining acceptance strategies with practical action planning.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and developing concrete skills to shift those patterns. It is commonly used for depression, anxiety, and mood-related concerns when clients want structured tools for change.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on emotions and attachment needs within relationships, helping partners or family members understand and reshape interaction patterns that cause distance or conflict. It can be particularly helpful for intimacy-related issues and relationship repair.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Melissa works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques as therapy progresses so the work stays relevant and practical.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how clients connect with licensed professionals - whether by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and other commitments. These options support continuity of care and can increase access to therapy for people managing busy lives or caregiving responsibilities.