Children & Teens
Age-appropriate support for anxiety, ADHD, behavior, self-esteem, emotional regulation and school or family stress.
Counseling · Prairieville, Louisiana & Telehealth
Support for life's hardest seasons, and a path back to feeling like yourself.
I'm Melissa Shaw, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 23 years of experience helping children, teens, adults, couples and families work through anxiety, depression, grief, parenting challenges and big life changes.
- In person & telehealth
- Toddlers to seniors
- Accepting new clients
About Melissa
Collaborative, practical and grounded in your strengths
I believe people naturally move toward wellness, and that each of us already carries strengths we can learn to lean on. My job is to help you find them, put them to work, and build a foundation that lasts after our sessions end.
I began my social work career in 2002 in addiction and adolescent treatment programs. Since then I have worked in medical social work at an adolescent psychiatric hospital and at neurological and physical rehabilitation hospitals, as a clinician with the State of Louisiana Mental Health System, as a hospice social worker serving patients of every age, from newborns to centenarians, and as a high school wellness educator. In 2016 I founded Mind Spring Wellness Center, where I also offer coaching.
I favor brief, solution-focused work. The goal isn't to keep you in therapy. It's to help you leave with tools you can use for years.
LicenseLCSW-BACS, Louisiana #8247
EducationMSW, Louisiana State University
BSW, Southeastern Louisiana University
BSW, Southeastern Louisiana University
ExperienceSocial worker since 2002
Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
Services
Who I work with
Adults
Anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, sleep problems, life transitions and building healthier coping skills.
Couples
Communication, conflict and reconnection, so you can understand each other again.
Families & Parents
Parenting support, family conflict and family cohesion, including single parents and blended families.
Areas of focus
Approach
Tailored to you, not to a template
Every person and family is different, so I draw on several evidence-based approaches and adjust them to fit your goals, your values and your pace. Sessions are confidential, and the space is safe and without judgment.
I welcome clients of all backgrounds. I treat all clients with dignity, compassion and professional respect, even if my personal beliefs are not identical to yours. Christian counseling is available for anyone who would like their faith included in their care.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
- Family Systems
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Psychodynamic
- Strength-Based
- Christian Counseling (on request)
Fees & Scheduling
Private pay, clearly priced
$160Individual session
$280Couples session
15 minComplimentary consultation
A sliding scale is available, so please ask. I don't bill insurance. Private pay keeps your care fully confidential, with no diagnosis sent to an insurer and no limit on the number or type of sessions.
Office hours
- Monday
- 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Thursday
- 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (alternating weeks)
Location
15655 Airline Hwy
Prairieville, LA 70769
Telehealth is available for clients anywhere in Louisiana.
Questions
Frequently asked
How do I get started?
Call, or send a message using the form below, to set up a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. We'll talk about what's bringing you in and whether I'm a good fit. If I'm not, I'll help you find someone who is.
Do you take insurance?
No. I'm a private-pay practice and accept cash or check. A sliding scale is available for those who need it.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. I see clients in person in Prairieville and by secure video for clients located in Louisiana.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on your goals, but I focus on brief, solution-focused work. We'll set clear goals together and check on progress along the way.
What ages do you see?
I work with clients from toddlers through older adults, including individuals, couples and whole families.
Contact
Let's talk
Reach out to request your complimentary 15-minute consultation. I'll get back to you as soon as I can, usually within one business day.
To protect your privacy, please don't include detailed health information in this form. We can talk about that on the phone.