Dr. Melissa Harlow, Ph.D

Dr. Melissa Harlow is a licensed psychologist who embodies the idea that therapy is for everyone. She believes that therapy can promote insight, awareness, growth and connection. The power of relationships, the role they take in forming, transforming, and healing, are at the core of her practice.

Melissa enjoys working with clients who are processing difficult emotions or life transitions, working through grief, relationship concerns, boundary setting, and social justice issues through a therapeutic lens. Every client should feel safe, understood, and valued while processing their most vulnerable thoughts and experiences. Melissa strives to understand the various world dynamics that shape us and lead us to become the people that we are today.

Melissa is both warm and curious in her approach, and she meets her clients in the emotional spaces where they are at in therapy.

She focuses on learning about each client, their backgrounds, personality structures, and where they want to be. Her sessions are then tailored toward the specific needs of the client and she creates a collaborative environment to work in.

Melissa is deeply honored to be able to do the work that she does. It is a privilege to hear clients’ stories and to be a part of their change. The therapeutic relationship formed can truly be deep and long-lasting. For that, Melissa is grateful for this work and profession.

EDUCATION

Melissa completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Denver with a double major in psychology and criminology. She went on to complete her doctorate in clinical psychology (with a specialty track in forensic psychology) at Palo Alto University. Melissa completed her post-doctoral degree at the Behavioral Health Division of Milwaukee County and she is a fully licensed psychologist in the state of Wisconsin.

EXPERIENCE

Melissa has a wide variety of professional experience including outpatient, inpatient, residential, and in correctional institutions. She has worked as both a staff psychologist and as a mental health director for larger institutions. Throughout her experience, Melissa has worked with adolescents, adults of all ages, men, women, LGBTQIA+, couples, individuals, and families.