Rising Stars: Meet Dr,. Melissa Jackson, LPC of Goodyear, AZ

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr,. Melissa Jackson, LPC.

Hi Dr,. Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been fortunate to build a deeply fulfilling career in the counseling field—one in which my passion remains as strong today as it was more than 22 years ago when I first began this work. Although I entered the helping profession in 2000 after earning my bachelor’s degree in Social Work, the counseling field has ultimately been where I have found my greatest purpose and reward.

Before relocating to Arizona in 2014, I gained extensive experience across a variety of settings in Wisconsin. After completing my master’s degree, much of my work focused on treating substance use disorders and supporting youth and families. I became certified as both a clinician and supervisor in Functional Family Therapy and held independent licensure as a Substance Use/Abuse Therapist through the State of Wisconsin. Throughout my career, I have remained a firm believer that an individual’s progress—whether in treatment or in life—is closely tied to the strength of their support system.

Since moving to Arizona, I have earned my doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Grand Canyon University and worked in several leadership roles. These include management positions within an inpatient mental health and detox hospital, as well as a nonprofit providing in-home services for families involved with the Department of Child Safety. I have also served as COO of mental health clinics specializing in substance use and gambling addiction, director of a mental health program serving children from birth to age 17 and their families, and clinical services supervisor for child welfare programming within the same organization.

Today, I own and operate a consulting business that serves behavioral health organizations throughout Arizona, while also maintaining a small private counseling practice. In addition, I am an adjunct faculty member in Grand Canyon University’s Master of Counseling program, a role that allows me to help shape and mentor the next generation of counselors.

I currently reside in Surprise, Arizona, with my husband and our two rescue dogs, and we recently celebrated the joy of welcoming our first grandchild.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many in the helping professions, I encountered several challenges throughout my career journey. One of the most significant was balancing full-time work while completing both my master’s and doctoral degrees. Managing academic demands alongside personal and professional responsibilities required discipline, organization, and a great deal of perseverance.

Another challenge arose when I launched my private practice and began the process of building a client base. As with many new practices, it took time and patience to establish momentum. Fortunately, through consistent effort and community connection, the practice grew steadily and soon reached a level of stability and fulfillment.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my current work, I provide consultation to behavioral health organizations, offering support in clinical oversight, team training and development, productivity enhancement, auditing, and compliance—particularly in the area of documentation standards. In my private practice, I primarily serve adults and especially value working with individuals navigating later-life challenges, including retirement transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, and other major life adjustments.

I am deeply proud of the educational path I pursued, as earning each degree required significant dedication and commitment. I also consider my career to be highly rewarding, particularly in the ways it has allowed me to mentor and guide emerging professionals through clinical supervision.

What truly sets me apart is my passion for helping others work through life’s complexities with empathy, transparency, and a non-judgmental approach. I strive to support clients and colleagues alike in facing challenges directly while fostering personal growth and resilience.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have been fortunate to benefit from a variety of strong mentors throughout my career, along with a deeply supportive personal network. Each mentor contributed to my development not only as a professional but also as a clinician. Their leadership—characterized by open-door policies, nonjudgmental guidance, and genuine support—helped shape my confidence and capabilities as both a supervisor and a leader.

My greatest advocate, however, has been my husband, who walked alongside me throughout my doctoral journey. Many people underestimate the sacrifices made by spouses and families when someone pursues higher education, particularly the time commitments involved. When I completed my doctoral degree, we celebrated together with a much-deserved trip, honoring the shared effort it took to reach that milestone.

I am also grateful for the support of co-workers, peers, and friends, many of whom completed the program with me and have continued to be sources of encouragement and collaboration.

Finally, I believe it is essential to recognize the clients I have had the privilege to serve. Their willingness to share their experiences and trust me with their stories has exposed me to the full range of life’s challenges, ultimately strengthening my skills and deepening my commitment to the work of professional counseling.

Pricing:

• Individual Counseling – most insurances accepted
• Individual Counseling – $135 private pay
• Clinical Supervision (Individual) – $125
• Clinical Supervision (Group ) – $75
• Clinical Consultation – $100/hr.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mjclinicalconsultation.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-jackson-lpc-098650139

Image Credits
Billy’s Place