Melissa Millinger, LCSW

About Me

I first felt drawn to social work from a young age, rooted in a deep desire to support others.

I initially pursued early childhood education, but while working as a home visitor and supporting families, I discovered my passion for social work and shifted my path. I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology and my graduate degree in social work, and have built my career across child welfare, education, and hospital settings.

While working on a labor and delivery unit, I experienced postpartum depression and anxiety myself. After connecting with skilled providers and receiving meaningful support, I felt called to specialize in perinatal mental health. I completed advanced training through Postpartum Support International and became certified in perinatal mental health, deepening my commitment to supporting individuals during this complex and vulnerable season of life.

I bring both clinical expertise and lived experience into my work. I have helped develop perinatal mental health policies and protocols, contributed to multidisciplinary care teams, and implemented standardized screening and referral practices. I am also trained in perinatal grief and loss through Resolve Through Sharing and have supported the development of bereavement care standards.

My work is grounded in the belief that families deserve compassionate, informed, and responsive care during both joyful and deeply challenging moments.

In private practice, I provide long-term therapeutic support to individuals while also offering education and consultation to professionals across the state. I have previously served on the board of Postpartum Support Illinois and led Climb Out of the Darkness Peoria, reflecting my commitment to both clinical care and community advocacy. I am also an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, supporting providers and systems in strengthening their work with young children and families.

My personal and professional experiences are deeply intertwined. As a mother of two neurodivergent children, my parenting journey led to a later-in-life understanding of my own neurodivergence. This perspective informs my neuroaffirming approach and my work with individuals navigating identity, sensory needs, and the intersection of mental health and medical complexities.

I also have a strong interest in supporting women navigating co-occurring conditions and life transitions, including perimenopause.

I strive to create a space where clients can show up authentically and feel understood, respected, and supported. I prioritize collaborative, trauma-informed, and neuroaffirming care, and I am intentional about language, preferences, and individual needs. I want each person I work with to feel safe, seen, and free from judgment.

Outside of my professional work, I’m a strong advocate for individuals and communities. I’m actively involved in local advocacy efforts focused on human rights, reproductive justice, and social change. In my personal life, I enjoy time with my family, our dogs, and the ongoing process of building a life that honors each person’s needs and authenticity.