Melanie Bannish, LCSW
Compassionate LCSW with broad clinical experience
- Trauma and abuse care
- Bilingual English Spanish
- Video phone messaging
About Melanie Bannish
Melanie Bannish is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Missouri with 25 years of clinical experience. As an LCSW, she is trained in assessment, psychotherapy, and care coordination, and she applies that background to support people facing a wide range of challenges including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, addiction, grief, and identity-related concerns. She has a broad professional background that includes several years living and working in South America with children who had medical needs, and during that time she became engaged with indigenous community concerns and women’s issues.
After returning to the United States, she coordinated a bilingual domestic violence program serving Spanish-speaking women in collaboration with the Catholic church, and she has worked with court-referred clients, employee assistance program participants, and people with disabilities. Melanie brings an interest in spirituality and its role in healing to her work; she served as a therapist in a study examining the effects of religious beliefs in trauma treatment and spent time at a Buddhist ashram in New England learning about meditation, nutrition, and related practices. That holistic perspective often complements her clinical approach.
Her style is described as friendly and compassionate, and she offers flexible session formats including text, phone, and video to meet client needs. She welcomes clients who are seeking thoughtful, experienced support through life changes and emotional challenges.
After returning to the United States, she coordinated a bilingual domestic violence program serving Spanish-speaking women in collaboration with the Catholic church, and she has worked with court-referred clients, employee assistance program participants, and people with disabilities. Melanie brings an interest in spirituality and its role in healing to her work; she served as a therapist in a study examining the effects of religious beliefs in trauma treatment and spent time at a Buddhist ashram in New England learning about meditation, nutrition, and related practices. That holistic perspective often complements her clinical approach.
Her style is described as friendly and compassionate, and she offers flexible session formats including text, phone, and video to meet client needs. She welcomes clients who are seeking thoughtful, experienced support through life changes and emotional challenges.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Melanie Bannish have?
Melanie Bannish has 25 years of experience.
Is Melanie Bannish a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her license is MO LCSW 002633.
In which languages does Melanie Bannish provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English and Spanish.
Where is Melanie Bannish located?
She is located in Missouri.
How can I work with Melanie Bannish as my therapist?
You can work with Melanie Bannish through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Melanie Bannish work with international clients?
Melanie Bannish does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Melanie Bannish cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approaches for Online Care and Practical Support
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the individual’s experience, offering a respectful, empathic environment where the therapist listens closely and helps clients explore their values, goals, and personal strengths. This approach is useful for people seeking validation, stronger self-understanding, and support during life transitions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured approach that examines the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps clients develop practical skills to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and build healthier coping strategies for issues like anxiety, depression, and stress.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused method that can reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories by processing those experiences in a supported way. It is often recommended for clients who have experienced abuse, accidents, or other impactful events.
Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself. Melanie collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as therapy progresses.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, manage transportation challenges, and maintain continuity of care. Licensed professionals can deliver effective support through these formats, and many clients find that remote sessions increase consistency and access to ongoing help.