About Melissa Sakkos
Focus areas
Anxiety
Perfectionism
Self Esteem Issues
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Stress Management
Depression
Relationship Struggles
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Family / Marital
Compassion Focused
Hypnotherapy
Emotionally Focused
Person-Centered
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
Hispanic or Latinx, White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Melissa Sakkos
I earned my Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from Aurora and Loyola University and I am licensed as a Social Worker (LSW) in Illinois and Washington. My clinical experience includes work in mental health and medical programs across Chicagoland, including outpatient counseling and hospital-based services. My work in children’s services and outpatient counseling gave me an understanding of the emotional, developmental, educational, family, and health-related challenges people face throughout their lives.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent years working as a dental hygienist and as a dental hygiene professor. Chronic connective tissue pain and the emotional pressures of working in a fast paced medical setting inspired me to help those with similar struggles. That experience gave me firsthand insight into what it's like to push through pain in a demanding medical career, while still being expected to show up and care for others.
This combination of clinical training and personal experience has shaped the way I think about people and therapy. I understand that emotional lives cannot be separated from our relationships, families, work, health, responsibilities, and the environments in which we live.
Throughout my career, I have been interested in what helps people move forward, not just cope, but actually feel unstuck. People come to therapy for many reasons: past trauma, chronic pain or illness, burnout, ADHD related struggles, or simply feeling weighed down by something they can't quite name. Often, there is no single event. Life may look good from the outside, yet something feels missing or simply isn’t working. There can be a gap between the life someone is living and the life they want.
I bring this perspective to my work with adults. I work collaboratively with clients to understand what is troubling them, recognize patterns that may be getting in their way, and make changes that can lead to stronger relationships and a more satisfying life.
What should a new client know about working with you?
We know that therapy works best when people feel safe enough to be themselves and speak openly about what's really going on in their lives. So, I bring warmth and curiosity to my work, while recognizing that every client's path to healing looks different. Ultimately, therapy has to move at the pace that's right for them.
I would describe my approach as gentle and practical. I take the time to understand the thoughts, patterns, and experiences that keep someone feeling stuck. I like to work with clients not only to address what first brought them to therapy, but to help them leave sessions feeling lighter, not heavier. That is the piece that matters most. It is key for clients to walk away feeling more like themselves again, better able to move through life without carrying so much weight, and equipped to make real, lasting change.
I work with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and chronic pain. With everyone, I recognize that emotional well being is often tied closely to the body, whether that shows up as physical pain, exhaustion, or simply feeling worn down by carrying too much for too long.
My goal is to create a space that feels calming and peaceful, where clients can work through what's holding them back without having to relive it, and come out the other side feeling unstuck.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
My approach is collaborative and gentle. I always begin by taking the time to understand what brings each client to therapy and what's been weighing on them recently. Of course, I'm also interested in the experiences and relationships that have shaped how they think and feel today.
I draw from several methods. My approach is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), traditional talk therapy, and Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), a hypnotherapy based method used for more than just trauma. In all of these approaches, there is a common goal: helping clients work through what's holding them back without having to relive it, and come out the other side feeling lighter. Most importantly, I believe therapy needs to fit the person. I don't approach clients with a predetermined formula; how we work together depends on who you are, what brings you to therapy, and what you need from it.
Depending on a client's needs, the work may focus on processing a difficult past experience, breaking free from negative thought patterns, navigating ADHD related challenges, or working through the emotional weight of chronic pain.
The goal isn't just to manage symptoms. It's to help clients feel peaceful and unstuck, session after session, while building real, lasting change.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Melissa Sakkos, LSW has 100+ in-network plans.
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Aurora University, Master's in Social Work
- Loyola University Chicago, Bachelor's in Social Work
NPI number
1497336358
How soon can I make an appointment with Melissa Sakkos?
Generally, Melissa Sakkos has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Melissa Sakkos's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Melissa Sakkos accepting new patients?
Melissa Sakkos generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Melissa Sakkos's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Melissa Sakkos accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Melissa Sakkos is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Melissa Sakkos online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Melissa Sakkos using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Melissa Sakkos work with?
Melissa Sakkos works with Outspoken Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Melissa Sakkos?
Melissa Sakkos frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Melissa Sakkos on their profile.
What languages does Melissa Sakkos speak?
Melissa Sakkos speaks English.