Melanie Shands, LCSW, is a compassionate and experienced therapist who brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 2015 and is an EMDRIA Certified EMDR provider as well as a Registered Play Therapist.

Her passion for helping children, teens, and adults heal from trauma is deeply rooted in her own journey—after one of her children received a mental health diagnosis, she became acutely aware of how widespread and profound the impact of trauma can be. Following the heartbreaking loss of her son after his long battle with mental health, she now honors his journey by walking alongside others in theirs, offering hope and healing.

In her free time, Melanie enjoys outdoor activities with her husband, spending time with her two adult children, her two cats, and reading as many books as possible. 

Book your intake session with Melanie today!