Dr. Melissa Polusny is a distinguished, board-certified clinical psychologist with over 30 years of dedicated experience in the field of trauma recovery. She holds a PhD and is board certified in clinical psychology (ABPP), reflecting her commitment to the highest standards of clinical practice. Dr. Polusny’s career is marked by her extensive service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, where she spent more than 25 years providing direct clinical care, conducting pioneering research, and training hundreds of mental health professionals nationwide in evidence-based trauma treatments. Her clinical expertise encompasses a range of gold-standard, science-backed modalities, including Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based resilience training. Dr. Polusny specializes in the assessment and treatment of PTSD, complex trauma, and resilience-building, with a focus on adult, veteran, and first responder populations. As a Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Dr. Polusny has made significant academic contributions, authoring over 140 peer-reviewed publications and directing more than $9 million in federal research funding. Her research has advanced the understanding of risk and resilience in trauma-exposed populations and has been instrumental in refining trauma-focused interventions. Dr. Polusny is also recognized as a national consultant and expert trainer, known for her collaborative, compassionate, and data-driven approach to client care.

If you've been through something hard – something that left a mark – you don't have to carry it alone. Trauma can leave you feeling stuck disconnected or unsure how to move forward. Therapy offers a different kind of space: one where your story is heard with compassion and healing becomes possible. Together, we'll move from adversity to resilience – making decisions about your care as partners. I'm a board-certified clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping people recover from trauma and reclaim their lives. My practice is active, collaborative, and grounded in the methods proven to help people recover from trauma. I believe in shared decision making: you are the expert on your life, and together we’ll explore options, set goals, and choose approaches that fit your values and preferences. We’ll move at your pace, working to understand how trauma has shaped your thoughts and behaviors and build skills that help you reclaim your life. We’ll regularly review your progress together and adjust our approach based on what matters most to you. My goal is to help you move beyond coping alone and into a life where you feel connected, confident, and in control again. Ready to take the next step? Visit my website to book a free consultation or email me directly. Let’s start moving from adversity to resilience.