MU Portrait of Melissa Upton

Melissa Upton, LPC

Compassionate counselor focused on practical solutions

14 years in practice · based in Mississippi · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Melissa

Melissa Upton is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi who helps people handle stress and anxiety. She also supports individuals facing depression, anger, relationship strain, and parenting pressures. Melissa writes plainly and focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

She spent 25 years working in the public school system and has 14 years of school counseling experience. That background shaped how she helps with academic and career questions as well as emotional concerns.

Book with Melissa Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

She uses simple tools to teach coping skills and guide conversations about goals. In sessions she aims to create a respectful, down-to-earth space. People can expect straightforward conversation and active listening.

Melissa emphasizes self-help techniques and building skills that carry into daily life. Her approach draws on client-centered principles and solution-focused ideas. That means she starts where the person is and works toward small, practical changes.

Sessions often focus on problem-solving, better communication, and steps to reduce distress. Melissa also uses career planning methods when needed, including the RIASEC idea from John Holland for people exploring work or schooling choices. She encourages setting realistic goals and trying small experiments to see what works.

Her style is collaborative and aimed at helping people regain a sense of balance and forward motion.

Approaches and Online Options for Practical Progress

Melissa uses client-centered methods that focus on the person’s priorities and experiences. This approach involves active listening, reflecting what matters to the individual, and shaping goals together to make therapy relevant to daily life.

She also uses solution-focused techniques that aim for small, achievable changes. These methods concentrate on steps that can be tried between sessions and on what is already working, which can be useful for anxiety, stress, relationship problems, and career planning.

Finding the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has helped before, then tailor sessions to fit those needs. Together the person and therapist decide which tools to emphasize and adjust the plan over time.

Online therapy offers several practical benefits. Video calls let people use face-to-face conversation from wherever they are. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging make it easier to fit support into a busy day and to try brief problem-solving or check-ins between longer sessions. These options increase flexibility and make it simpler to keep therapy consistent with everyday schedules.
Book with Melissa Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Melissa help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship and parenting challenges, ADHD, trauma and related issues.
How does she approach therapy?
Her style is client-centered and solution-focused, emphasizing respectful listening and practical steps the person can try between sessions.
What is her professional background?
Melissa has 14 years of school counseling experience and 25 years in the public school system in Mississippi, working with adolescents on emotions and academic planning.
Where is she based and what are her credentials?
She practices in Mississippi and holds the LPC credential, with graduate degrees in counseling from Mississippi State University.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
14 years
Licensed
Mississippi
Languages
English

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