Melissa Upton, LPC

Melissa Upton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Mississippi who brings a long history of work in school settings and a commitment to one-on-one counseling. She holds a master’s degree and a specialist’s degree in school counseling from Mississippi State University, and she is also a National Certified Counselor - a national credential awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors that recognizes professional standards in counseling.

With 14 years of experience in school counseling and 25 years working within the public school system, Melissa has spent much of her career supporting adolescents and their families. Her background includes work with anger management, depression, anxiety, coping skills, relationship concerns, ADHD, academic planning, and career guidance within educational environments. She is now broadening her focus to offer individualized counseling across a wider range of ages and life challenges.

Melissa’s clinical approach centers the client and emphasizes practical, goal-oriented strategies. She draws from client-centered principles and cognitive-behavioral techniques, and she also uses solution-focused methods when appropriate. For academic and career counseling she incorporates the RIASEC framework - John Holland’s career inventory model - to help people explore interests and match them to career paths.

Clients can expect respectful, compassionate support aimed at helping them manage stress, navigate relationships, address trauma and family issues, improve self-esteem, and cope with life transitions. Melissa encourages active participation in the process of self-help and believes counseling is a space to work through daily conflicts and pursue a more balanced, fulfilling life.