Melissa Pfeffer

After a 20-year career as a 911-Dispatcher and several years as a continuing member of the Big Sky Critical Incident Stress Management Team helping first responders, I decided to enhance my skills in the mental health field by earning my master's degree in social work (MSW) from the University of North Dakota. I am a fully licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Since 2018, I have devoted my time to working with hospice patients and their families with a focus on grief counseling and bereavement support. I have continued working with first responders as a steering committee member of the Big Sky Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. I am an active mental health professional and volunteer hours providing one-on-one counseling to first responders and facilitate critical incident defusings and debriefings. While working in hospice, I have earned a certification as a grief educator and taken advantage of many training opportunities that have enhanced my experience in working with depression, anxiety, end-of-life issues, and dementia/Alzheimer's. I have helped many people in crisis while volunteering for the Crisis Text Line (741741). Though my years of experience and my own personal experiences, I have developed skills to help those with chronic pain, terminal illness, family issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, weight/eating disorders.

I am warm and welcoming. I use active listening to allow people to express their thoughts, share their feelings, and work through issues that are difficult to overcome on their own.

I create an open, judge-free environment to allow people to freely discuss what needs to be heard. I meet people where they are. I work with people to develop step-by-step tasks to help people successfully achieve their goals.