Melissa Ross, LCPC
Therapist - Life Balance Counseling Peoria, PLLC
Melissa Ross is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who specializes in working with teenagers, veterans, first responders, and their families. She earned her Master's degree in Counseling from Bradley University and, as a veteran herself, brings together her military experience and her professional training in marriage and family therapy, trauma treatment, and addiction recovery.
Melissa provides trauma-informed, evidence-based care, drawing on approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process trauma, manage anxiety and depression, and build lasting resilience.
Before entering the mental health field, Melissa served five years in the United States Navy as military police, retiring from active duty in 2006. After her service, she continued supporting the veteran community by volunteering with veterans' organizations, where she saw firsthand the psychological toll that military service and high-stress professions can take on individuals and their loved ones.
As a female veteran, Melissa understands the culture of stoicism, self-reliance, and quiet strength that often makes it hard for veterans and first responders to reach out for help. She recognizes the hesitation many feel about opening up, and she works to create a safe, respectful environment where clients can begin that process at their own pace.
Melissa works closely with veterans, first responders, and individuals navigating trauma, addiction, and PTSD. If you are struggling with overwhelming memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or coping with emotional pain through addictive behaviors, she offers a supportive space to begin healing. She understands the feelings of isolation, guilt, loss, and shame that can accompany trauma, and she collaborates with clients as they move toward recovery.
Having walked her own healing journey with PTSD, Melissa brings both professional training and personal understanding to her work. She is passionate about helping veterans, their partners, and their families heal from trauma, reconnect in their relationships, and rebuild meaningful lives in which trauma no longer defines the future.
Insurance & Scheduling
Melissa is able to bill some insurances, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Cigna, and Aetna. Both in-person and virtual sessions are available — please call for availability.
To get started, call the office at (309) 296-0078. If you'd prefer, you can also schedule a FREE 15-minute consultationwith Melissa to make sure you're a good fit before booking your first session.