Melanie Minges

#PRC15080

I have over a decade of experience providing crisis counseling and suicide prevention to individuals in distress and immediate need of assistance. My expertise extends across various topics, including trauma, substance use, anxiety and mood disorders, as well as severe and persistent mental illnesses. While I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I also recognize the significant impact of the ecological model—considering individual, family, organizational, community, and societal factors on mental health and wellbeing. I firmly believe that change occurs through addressing faulty or unhelpful thought patterns, challenging learned behaviors, and acquiring improved coping mechanisms. Throughout our sessions, my mission is to establish an authentic rapport and create a nurturing space for clients, meeting them at their current point in their journey. I assist clients in identifying and challenging negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, fostering a profound catalyst for lasting change by illuminating paths toward self-discovery, resilience, and growth

MA - Mental Health Counseling, Bowie State University PhD (dissertation-in-progress) - Counselor Education and Supervision, The George Washington University NCC - National Certified Counselor

I love spending time with my dog (Baylee, a cute Poodle/Bichon mix), exploring the DC area, finding the best cup of coffee, and traveling as much as I can.