Melissa Madriaga , LPC

Melissa Madriaga is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Wisconsin who brings eight years of clinical experience to her work. She combines a commitment to holistic care with evidence-based techniques to support people facing a range of challenges, from anxiety and depression to eating and food-related concerns. Her background includes focused work with incarcerated and homeless populations and experience supporting LGBTQ and other underserved and marginalized communities.

Madriaga earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2015 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marian University in 2010. She served seven years in the United States Army Reserves and has built a private practice called Inner Balance Counseling. In addition to general clinical training, she completed an Eating Disorder Certification Program and integrates cognitive behavioral strategies alongside more holistic, client-centered methods.

Her clinical experience covers eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-harm and cutting, adjustment and transition challenges, suicide prevention, and related concerns. Madriaga is open minded in her approach and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate clients when possible. She works via multiple remote modalities to reach people who need support across Wisconsin.

Outside of practice, she is a single mother to two daughters and shares her home with three cats and a yellow lab puppy. She enjoys hiking, biking, domestic travel, and exploring Wisconsin, and she approaches each therapeutic relationship with a focus on hope and practical change.

Therapeutic approaches and online care with Melissa Madriaga

Madriaga integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into her online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a collaborative, empathetic relationship where the therapist supports the client's own goals and self-exploration; it is useful for building self-esteem, navigating relationships, and processing life changes. CBT helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns through practical skills and structured strategies, which can be particularly effective for anxiety, depression, and eating-related concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Madriaga works with each person to determine what fits best. She partners with clients to consider their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time so the treatment feels relevant and useful.

Online therapy with Madriaga is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to increase flexibility and accessibility. These options make it easier to fit therapy into varied schedules and life circumstances, allowing licensed professionals to provide consistent, goal-focused care across Wisconsin without requiring in-person visits.