Melissa Mainini, LCSW — Therapist in Missouri

Hi there, I'm Melissa!

I'm glad you're here. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and that's okay. My role is to partner with you to explore opportunities for greater awareness and more adaptive skills. You want to feel better. We can get there.

My focus

My ideal client is curious and motivated. I work best with individuals ready to ask different questions and try new things. I help clients better understand and move through challenges, and create and enjoy the relationships and experiences they desire.

My approach

I use an integrative approach, incorporating cognitive-based therapies and bottom-up therapies. People are dynamic, and no two sessions look exactly alike. We focus on understanding how the mind and body work, and how we can develop skills to make life better.

My communication style

I create a space that is warm and casual, but conversation is intentional. I often bring personal anecdotes into sessions, and I welcome sarcasm, dark humor, and expressive language. I also prioritize your feelings; your concerns are given the levity and space needed.

My journey to mental healthcare

Being a therapist is the coolest and hardest thing I've ever done. My journey began when learning about cognitive distortions felt like discovering a new language I had always wanted to speak. I'm grateful for the experiences that allow me to work with amazing people and help them move through life better.

My goals for you

Treatment goals help hold us both accountable and provide a framework for guiding our discussions. We develop goals collaboratively within the first three sessions, reflecting the progress you hope to make. Goals change frequently as we achieve success and as life continues to happen.

Our first session

During our first session, I spend time connecting with you about what brought you to therapy, your past experience with therapy, and what you hope to get from treatment. We collaborate about expectations and discuss safety and safety planning when needed.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

+ 5 more

Therapy types

Family Therapy
Individual Therapy

Ages served

Minors
Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Ambetter

+ 25 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Missouri, Saint Louis.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Melissa Mainini