Melanie Banks (She/Her)

LMHC, LPC
Accepting Clients

Accepting New Clients! My name is Melanie Banks and I am a Mental Health Counselor practicing in CT and MA.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Somerville, MA

Services
  • Individual
  • Couples
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

Life can get overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin looking for help. Maybe you find yourself stressed, anxious, and burnt out, or maybe you are feeling lonely. I work with clients who are navigating a diverse set of challenges including anxiety and stress, relationship issues, family concerns, low self-esteem, trauma-related symptoms, and depression. I provide a safe and supportive space for clients to start healing and share their story.

My Background and Approach

Together, we will enhance your sense of self, foster healthier connections, and strengthen your ability to cope with life's challenges. I tailor my approaches to the needs of each of my clients by integrating evidence-based practices from dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, and solution-focused brief therapy. I meet you with empathy, curiosity, and care. I have a Master of Arts concentrating in Counseling Psychology from the University of Connecticut. In addition, I've worked in a multiple settings focused on behavioral health including schools, community mental health, and crisis work.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Every person goes through challenges and needs support at times. My belief is that a strong, collaborative therapeutic relationship can unlock a person's innate resilience and capacity for growth, even in the face of significant challenge. I practice from an anti-racist, trauma-informed, and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens. Therapy is a vulnerable space, and I seek to validate your experiences, and hold a safe space for those difficult moments.

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Other Techniques
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Couples Counseling
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Relational Therapy
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
  • Person-Centered (Rogerian)
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Anxiety Depression Racial Identity
Other Issues
  • Burnout
  • Career Counseling
  • Codependency
  • Grief or Loss
  • LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Teen Issues
  • Women's Issues
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Optum
  • United Healthcare
  • Blue Cross blue Shield of Massachusetts
  • UHC/Optum
  • Mass General Brigham Health Plan
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Atheism
  • Christianity
  • Interfaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 5 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $175 - 200/session

Reach out to Melanie