Melissa Carlson Counseling

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United States
Algonquin, IL
Melissa Carlson Counseling

Group private practice offering telehealth sessions in addition to in-person offices in Algonquin, IL. Our therapists see children, teens & adults.

Culturally-competent, trauma-informed talk therapy, play therapy, & EMDR.

03/13/2026

Happy 2 Year Anniversary Josh Symbal, LPC 🎉 Josh has a special interest in athletes & mental strength in athletic performance. Josh also works with teens & adults struggling with depression, anxiety, executive functioning, and personal loss. To read more about Josh & check availability visit www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/meet-josh

BCBS, Blue Choice, United Healthcare/Optum, Cigna/Evernorth, & NIU student insurance accepted.

03/12/2026

Happy 4 Year Anniversary Rebecca Oller, MSW🎉 Rebecca works with children, teens, & adults with a primary focus in ADHD, behavioral concerns, anxiety, depression, grief, & family therapy. To read more about Rebecca & to request an appointment visit www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/meet-rebecca

Evening appointments available. BCBS, Blue Choice, United Healthcare/Optum, Cigna/Evernorth, & NIU student insurance accepted.

03/12/2026

Accepting new clients! Melia Carter, MSW, sees our youngest clients age 3-12 in the Algonquin office. Melia specializes in autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, situational mutism, behavioral concerns in children, as well as parenting concerns. To read more about Melia & to request an appointment visit www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/meet-melia

Evening & Saturday appointments. BCBS, Blue Choice, United Healthcare/Optum, Cigna/Evernorth, & NIU student insurance accepted.

03/10/2026

“When you want to quit, go deeper.” My yoga teacher said that this morning and it made me think of something I see in therapy.

Often someone makes a decision to start therapy because they want to change something (a situation or how they’re feeling, behaving, etc) and maybe the first few sessions are them outlining “the problem.” The therapist may begin to point out some patterns, the client may began to make some connections, and then things start to get uncomfortable.

We don’t like to uncomfortable, right? So clients may be wishing for the therapist to tell them how to fix their problem or to tell them someone else is the problem. But things only really start to change when you go deeper. When you learn to sit in the discomfort. When you don’t quit.

That is where you find your strength. Where you see your resilience, and your courage, and your ability for change.

🤎Melissa

03/08/2026

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02/28/2026

Weekend check in 🫶🏽 So many of us are feeling the heaviness of the world right now; whether it’s the never ending National news or challenges closer to home, you are not alone. And, this is your reminder that’s it’s ok to feel joy too. It’s ok - necessary - look for the good things, to feel gratitude, to take care of yourself. If that feels impossible, if it’s getting harder and harder to hold that weight, please reach out for support:

📲 call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing a crisis 24/7/365
☎️ call 800-950-6264 NAMI Helpline for mental health support M-F
💻 visit https://www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/contact to get connected with one of our therapists. **Inquiries will be responded to within 48 hours M-F - please use 988 if you are in crisis**

🩷Melissa

02/07/2026

I’ve been trying to think of something to write in response to the vile information unfolding and being shared across news networks and social media. Perhaps it shouldn’t be so shocking as survivors have been speaking out regarding their abuse for a long time, but the truth revealed in chilling detail and discussed in predatory emails - but shared so casually across our screens - is traumatic. I have no magic words but I need those who are exposed to these reports - even briefly - to understand the impact on their mental health.

Therapists & First Responders know this as vicarious trauma - a result of being exposed to or engaging with detailed stories of violence, including sexual assault. You may experience symptoms similar to PTSD such as intrusive or reoccurring thoughts or imagery, difficulty sleeping, irritability, anxiety, or depression.

Please, please take care of yourselves. You don’t need to read or engage with every piece of information you come across. You honor the survivors by believing them and being strong in the conviction that they deserve justice.

Limit your exposure to traumatic details, distance yourself from those who are causing you harm with their response (or lack of response) to the reporting, eat well, sleep, move your body, go to therapy, spend time with friends & family who are comfortable to be around.

Take care of yourselves,
💜Melissa

01/13/2026

As of January 19 every therapist at our practice is in-network with NIU’s student health insurance policy. If you or a loved one is enrolled at Northern Illinois University and did not opt out of the required health insurance, you will automatically be enrolled with UHCSR insurance. In-network copays are $10 per session for either telehealth or in-office services.

Go Huskies! 🐾
♥️Melissa

Complete an inquiry form for more information or to schedule an appointment www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/contact

For more information on student health insurance www.niu.edu/health-services/insurance/

01/12/2026

I heard something the other day that I keep thinking about: “Most people are uncommitted but are really attached to the result.”

While that can be applied to many “results” we are looking for, I will focus on mental wellness. Whatever it is you are wanting - decreased anxiety, increased mood, overcoming trauma, healing your inner child, feeling empowered in your parenting - it will take work. Commitment. Consistency. Self reflection. Honesty. Time.

If you’re attached to the result - a truer version of yourself - be prepared to embrace the journey.

🤍Melissa

01/09/2026

Happy 1 year anniversary Kevin Maraizu, LCPC! A graduate of Adler University, Kevin has extensive experience helping adolescents & adults manage challenges like depression, anxiety, anger, and stress in addition to men’s issues, anger management, & racial identity issues. Kevin integrates evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, existential therapy, motivational interviewing, and client-centered techniques.

Kevin is currently accepting new clients and has evening availability. To learn more about working with Kevin, visit the link in bio or https://www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/meet-kevin
IL telehealth only. BCBS, BlueChoice, UnitedHealthCare/Optum (UHC), Aetna Behavioral Health, Cigna/EverNorth, and NIU Student Insurance.

01/07/2026

Just finished my re-read of The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and this line got me🤎

Address

2200 Huntington Drive N
Algonquin, IL
60102

Telephone

+18155165001

Website

http://www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/

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