Melinda Burns

Qualifications & Experience

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Community Psychology from the University of Washington and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.

I have over 25 years of experience working in various capacities in mental health. I started working in group homes for youth and adolescents after I graduated from high school. I spent five years working in a psychiatric hospital as a Program Specialist for youth, adolescents, and adults. I have mental health experience working with church ministries, inpatient hospitalization, school districts, Children’s Outreach Response Systems, as an Outpatient Mental Health Clinician, and in crisis response for youth and adolescents.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I have always been very relational and people seem to naturally gravitate towards me in telling me their personal stories. As a counselor, I like to lean in and listen with curiosity. I find great joy serving clients and helping them grow into the person God created them to be.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I have been married to my husband for over 26 years, and we love traveling the world together and discovering new places to explore. I enjoy being creative and am intentionally making time to learn new hobbies and grow in this season of life. I work part-time as a classroom assistant at a private Christian school, where I have the joy of supporting students and encouraging young minds. I also serve in the Women’s Ministry at my church, helping plan retreats and events. It is a true blessing to walk alongside others and see others flourish and grow in their faith and purpose.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• Addiction
• ADHD
• Aging and Geriatric Issues
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Counseling for Children
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Depression
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Intensive Marriage Counseling
• Men's Issues
• Marriage Counseling
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Women’s Issues

Depression

When you are struggling with depression, you might have trouble dealing with daily stressors. Depression can range from mild to avoiding things that previously gave you joy and pleasure, which leads you to isolate more. In its moderate stage, you might want to call into work more often and make excuses for not wanting to be there. Depression can be so severe that you do not have the desire or energy to get out of bed, eat, bathe, or dress yourself for the day. These struggles can create feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and exhaustion even during times when good things appear to be happening in your life.

People who suffer from depression may feel sad, tearful, angry, irritable, shameful, and powerless over what is happening. This can lead to many complex issues and eventually create a feeling of numbness. My hope is that through talk therapy we can work together to discover the abundant life God has intended for you to live.

Anxiety

Anxiety can be a normal and healthy emotion, or it can get to a point where it becomes disproportionate and can cause you to feel nervous, restless, or tense. There can be a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom. There is a feeling that can arise that feels overpowering, when you feel unsafe due to the fear that can increase very rapidly. You might experience rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, feeling weak and tired, and have trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the persistent worry. If you have any of these symptoms, I would love to help you understand the root cause of the anxiety. Together we can learn about the specific tools and skills that will help you with these anxious feelings.

Youth/Adolescent Counseling

I have been working with youth and adolescents for over 20 years. I worked with them through various settings in my church, educational settings, in-patient hospitalization, and as a crisis responder. I have helped in the areas of suicide crisis stabilization, sexual abuse, substance abuse, bullying, and as an advocate. There are so many challenges that youth and adolescents face on a day-to-day basis. A lot of what they are dealing with can lead to challenging behaviors and the feeling that you are not able to connect or understand what is going on. There can be a variety of issues that lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, isolation, sadness, fear, and even outbursts of anger. Together we can learn what is happening and find the treatment option that would be healing and most beneficial for them.

Individual Counseling

Where have you been? Where are you now? Where are you going? These are great questions for us all to explore. I offer individual counseling to explore those areas of life that you find yourself questioning or curious about. Together we can find unique connections that have created you to be the person you are today. We can dive deep into those areas that you have yet to discover and create a solid foundation for you to understand identity. What is your story?

Spiritual Development

Where are you in your personal relationship with God? What is it that you are looking for or trying to figure out? What are some of your struggles and questions about why you are suffering or have suffered? Where is that peace that surpasses all understanding when you need it the most? Do you feel like God has abandoned you at times and left you alone? Is your heart aching and longing to connect with your Creator? How do you find your way into God's loving arms? I am here to help you continue to connect, reconnect, and build on that solid foundation God offers us through his Son, Jesus, and with the help of the Holy Spirit. Join me as we learn and grow into the abundant life God has for you.

Teletherapy

I was able to learn new and creative ways to serve clients as it became challenging to meet in person during times of unrest and uncertainty. Teletherapy provided a space that allows my clients to get continuous care. Teletherapy has proven to be effective for my clients when getting to my office has been an issue. I continue to offer teletherapy for clients who wish to meet virtually.

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• • Bellevue – Tuesday
  • Redmond – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
  • Online (WA Only) – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, couples and families looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% plus $0.15 per transaction will be added for credit card payments.