Mel Buehler, ACMHC

I'm Mel (she/her), an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC), and I am thrilled you're here. Using compassion, collaboration, and trauma-informed practices, I strive to provide therapeutic support tailored to your needs. The philosophy that guides my work is that you are the expert of yourself and your experiences, and our work together will always be based on that understanding.

I am committed to creating a welcoming, non-judgmental, and safe environment where you can embrace, discover, or rediscover your true, authentic self, ultimately working together to achieve your goals. I am committed to supporting you and to meeting you wherever you are on your healing journey.

My Approach

Depending on your specific needs and objectives, I tailor my approach accordingly, utilizing modalities informed by psychodynamic theory, client-centered therapy, play therapy, and more when appropriate. I am trained in advanced EMDR, certified as a trauma specialist, and hold a certificate in neuropsychotherapy. Additionally, I am currently working towards gaining the necessary 40 hours of training to earn Certification for Hormonal Transgender Treatment of Minors from the Utah Department of Licensing, as well as seeking more formal training/certification in the treatment of OCD (including ERP formal training).

Through my own healing journey, I developed my personal mantra: "Turning pain into purpose." As a result of my reframed personal narrative, I can confidently attest to the potential transformative power of therapy on every level. It would be an honor to be granted the opportunity to walk alongside you as you experience the transformative powers of healing.

My Experience

I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and I live with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I am familiar with many of the challenges individuals face daily. It has been my lived experience that has reinforced my understanding of trauma, verbal abuse, parentification, interpersonal violence, sexual abuse/assault, domestic abuse, harassment, disordered eating, neglect, narcissistic parents/relationships, and psychologically damaging environments. My wealth of practical experience enables me to utilize my gift of empathy effectively in an effort to understand as much as possible of whatever challenge you might be facing. Providing support and advocacy to the voiceless, as well as advocating for those who feel unworthy, misunderstood, or trapped, fulfills my sense of purpose in life. A significant part of my practice consists of creating a compassionate space for healing and growth, where you feel seen, heard, and empowered at every step.

Education & Professional Background

I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Houston. I recently completed the master's program in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in August 2025. I am now working as an Associate Therapist. In the future, I am considering pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Learning is one of my greatest passions, and I am certain that this specific journey is far from over.

My professional journey includes diverse leadership roles held throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, complemented by an academic foundation in nursing. Most of my work and volunteer experiences have been directly aligned with health and human services—the very skills essential to effective therapeutic practice. Whether volunteering in multiple units at a Level 1 trauma center within the world-renowned Houston Medical Center, serving with the Houston Food Bank, or working in other capacities, my focus has always remained the same: providing compassionate, individualized support tailored to meet the specific needs of those I serve. This varied background continues to inform and enrich my therapeutic work today.

A Little About Me

I was born in Vancouver, Canada, and moved to Houston, Texas, 11 years ago! Outside of my professional life, I'm a proud wife and Mom to three wonderful kids, all aged 5 and under. I'm extremely passionate about creative arts and expression, especially theater and dance, as well as a strong interest in travel and learning new foreign languages. I share my home with two playful dachshunds, Scooby and Stella, two rescued cats named Magic and Piper, and a sweet hedgehog named Bea.

Whether we work together or not, I wish you the best on your journey towards healing and growth.

*Accepting New Clients*

Locations: Telehealth

Areas of Interest:·   

• LGBTQIA+

• Gender Identity

• Gender Affirming Care

• Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Trauma

• Children

• Teens

• Young Adults

• Life Transitions

• PTSD & C-PTSD

• Identity Conflicts

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Boundaries & Healthy Relationships

• Identity Conflicts

• Substance Use

• Empowerment & Acceptance

• Neurodivergent Affirming Care

• Disordered Eating

• Complex Mental Health Disorders

• Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

• Perinatal, Prenatal, & Postpartum Support 

  • Medically Complex Pregnancy

  • Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis 

  • Breastfeeding 

  • New Parents

  • Experienced Parents

  • Health Anxiety

  • Medical Trauma, Abuse, Neglect, Maltreatment, Malpractice 

  • Adverse Healthcare Experiences & Interactions 

  • Processing Diagnoses: Personal, Familial, Relational

  • Grief & Loss

  • Miscarriage & Stillbirth

  • Infant & Child Loss