Dr. Melissa DuPlantis, PsyD, helps children, teens, adults, and older adults across Illinois navigate emotional, behavioral, and relationship challenges with warmth, insight, and evidence-based psychological care. As a psychologist at LifeStance Health, she provides therapy tailored to each individual’s needs, helping patients strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, and move toward a greater sense of balance and well-being. Dr. DuPlantis works with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD/trauma, while also offering support for many additional mental health and life transition challenges. Dr. DuPlantis is especially passionate about helping individuals facing complex life experiences such as gender identity exploration, women’s mental health concerns, and mindful self-compassion. She believes meaningful healing often begins with learning how to respond to oneself with greater understanding and acceptance. Through a collaborative and affirming therapeutic relationship, she helps patients develop self-awareness, reduce emotional suffering, and build confidence as they navigate personal growth and change. Her clinical approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. Dr. DuPlantis draws from these evidence-based therapies to help patients address unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, and create practical strategies for everyday life. In addition to her primary areas of focus, she offers support for a broad range of mental health concerns, relationship issues, family dynamics, and major life transitions. She also provides couples therapy and family therapy as part of her comprehensive approach to care. Dr. DuPlantis values creating a welcoming environment where patients feel respected, heard, and empowered. Whether working with adolescents experiencing school-related stress, adults managing difficult transitions, or older adults adapting to later-life changes, she approaches treatment with curiosity, compassion, and respect for each person’s unique story. She completed her education at Centenary College of Louisiana, Sam Houston State University, and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. Her diverse training supports her ability to provide thoughtful, individualized care across the lifespan. Outside of her professional work, Dr. DuPlantis enjoys learning French and Spanish, practicing mindfulness, and exploring poetry, art, and music. These interests reflect her appreciation for lifelong learning, creativity, and personal growth.