Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Wichita, KS covered by Aetna

I'm a licensed psychologist with over 21 years of experience. My clients are high-functioning, responsible people who've reached a point where pushing through doesn't work anymore. They need deeper understanding, not just more coping strategies. You might be here because you keep noticing the same relational patterns. Or you're navigating a major transition. Or family dynamics from decades ago are showing up in your current life. Maybe you've achieved external success but something feels misaligned. You want to understand the "why" behind your choices, not just learn to cope better.

Here's what I want you to know: You can have your shit together professionally and still need help personally. You can have your shit together personally and still need help professionally. Success in one area doesn't mean you've figured out all the others - that's part of us being human.

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen without having to over-explain yourself. My role is to help you reconnect with your strengths, deepen your relationships, and move through life with greater self-trust and ease.

I believe therapy works best when you feel understood, respected, and never judged. My approach is collaborative and practical, helping you develop skills that you can use outside of our sessions rather than simply talking through problems week after week. I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that helps people respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while taking meaningful action toward the life they want to build.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, or overwhelming stress, my goal is to create a space where you can be honest about what you're experiencing and feel supported as we work toward lasting change. I strive to balance compassion with directness, offering both validation and practical strategies to help you move forward in a way that aligns with your values.

I started out working in college sports as a trainer and eventually began consulting with athletes and coaches after graduate school. My career path later took me through 10 years with an ambulance service, 2 years as a community service officer and 4 years as a crisis counselor embedded with a police department. I've also spent a considerable amount of time teaching psychology as a college professor. Because of this rather unique skill set, I have a heart for athletes, rescue workers and students.

I'm Melinda Powers, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) and owner of Parlami LLC, a private psychotherapy practice in Lawrence, Kansas. I hold an MSW from Arizona State University and am licensed in Kansas, Missouri, and Nevada.

My clinical approach is trauma-informed and integrative. I'm trained in EMDR and clinical hypnotherapy and I hold ADHD Clinical Services Provider credentials. I work with individuals, couples, and families ages 15 and up, with particular specialties in trauma recovery, ADHD, and conscious uncoupling for couples navigating separation or divorce.

I believe healing happens through genuine connection, not just technique. Whether you're working through past trauma, navigating attention or focus challenges, or facing the end of a significant relationship, I bring both compassion and directness to our work together. I'll meet you where you are, but I won't let you stay stuck there if real change is possible.

Parlami means "talk to me" in Italian, and that's exactly the invitation I extend to every client: a space to be honest, be heard, and do the real work of moving forward.