Melissa Hurt

Therapist blending systems perspective with clinical care

LICSW Minnesota

Experience: 3 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Melissa

Melissa Hurt is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) who draws on a social work background and clinical training to support people seeking greater stability, joy, or peace in their lives.

Background and approach

She earned a master’s degree in social work with an emphasis on macro practice and then completed the requirements for a clinical license, bringing both systems-level insight and direct clinical skills to her work. Her practice integrates compassion, strengths-focused thinking, and creativity while attending to how culture, family history, and life choices shape current patterns.

With three years of clinical experience and additional years working in disability services, Melissa emphasizes practical reflection and growth through challenges. She uses approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to explore thoughts, feelings, and values.

Melissa works with issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, grief, parenting, addictions, ADHD, and a wide range of additional focus areas. She seeks to be an honest, compassionate partner in the therapeutic process and aims to help clients discover strategies that fit their lives and goals.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Melissa integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into her online work. CBT focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce distress and improve daily functioning, which can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and mood concerns. ACT emphasizes identifying personal values and taking committed action even when difficult emotions are present, supporting clients through life transitions and persistent challenges.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Melissa partners with clients to explore which methods align with their goals, preferences, and circumstances, adjusting strategies over time so the work remains relevant and usable in daily life.

Online therapy with her is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and needs. These options make it easier to access consistent support from a licensed professional while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities, and they allow clients to try different formats to see what fits best.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Melissa commonly address?

Areas of focus include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, addictions, ADHD, parenting, and many related life challenges.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

She blends practical, strengths-based work with compassionate support and creative problem solving, often drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy.

What is her professional background and experience length?

She holds a LICSW and has three years of clinical experience plus additional years supporting disability services and social work teams.

Where is Melissa licensed to practice?

She is licensed in Minnesota with the credential MN LICSW 26480 and maintains clinical practice in that state.

Does Melissa provide therapy in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English; she is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available for working together?

Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.

How are sessions priced and billed?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin therapy with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

Addictions Trauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Licensed

Minnesota

Languages

English