Melissa Anderson is a Clinical Social Worker at Willard Family Therapy who works with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. She has a strong passion for supporting clients navigating anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and complex emotional experiences.

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Utah State University and completed her Master of Social Work at Boise State University, graduating summa cum laude. Her background includes experience across crisis response, schools, juvenile systems, and outpatient mental health, giving her a deep understanding of how personal struggles and larger systems intersect.

Melissa frequently works with adolescents and adults navigating trauma and PTSD, OCD, depression, substance use, suicidal ideation, and life transitions. She also supports couples and families with communication concerns, parenting stress, infidelity, and relational repair. Melissa is LGBTQ+ affirming and provides a safe, respectful space for clients exploring identity, sexuality, and belonging.

She uses a trauma-informed, integrative approach that may include CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS, mindfulness, play and art therapy, narrative and solution-focused work, and Gottman methods for couples. Melissa believes therapy should feel collaborative, supportive, and tailored to each client’s pace, goals, and relationships.

At Willard Family Therapy, Melissa is known for creating a calm, compassionate space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change.