Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Lansing, MI covered by Aetna

Hello! I would love to meet you to see if our partnership is a good fit. I love helping adults navigate healing from trauma, anxiety, depression and the challenges that come from just being human. I hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. I am also a married mom of 6. When I am not working, I enjoy camping, warm days at the beach, gardening and watching the animals on our small farm. I love reading and learning. I'm "that nerd" who loves sharing the latest research or why our brains may react in different ways. I have twelve years of experience working with individuals, couples and families battling addiction, mental health and co-occurring disorders. I also have six years of experience working with adults of varying physical, emotional and cognitive abilities in a residential setting.

Hello, and welcome. My name is Jessica Banford, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker / Clinical Social Worker with experience providing support in both emergency and outpatient mental health settings. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical tools for change. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University and my professional background includes working in hospital emergency departments, where I have completed behavioral health assessments, crisis intervention, and care coordination for individuals experiencing acute mental health concerns. This experience has strengthened my ability to remain calm, supportive, and solution-focused during difficult moments. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, and life stressors such as relationship difficulties, financial stress, and transitions. I also worked a outpatient community health center providing therapy to all populations including all ages. I also have experience supporting adolescents and young adults, as well as collaborating with families and support systems. My approach to therapy is client-centered and strengths-based. I often incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), focusing on building coping skills, improving emotional regulation, and increasing overall resilience. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and supported. I look forward to working together to help you reach your goals and improve your overall well-being.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in unhelpful patterns of thinking? You don’t have to figure it out on your own. I work with adults who want to feel more balanced, confident, and in control of their lives, but aren’t sure where to start. Together, we’ll explore the thoughts, emotions, and experiences that are getting in your way and gently build new ways of coping so you can move toward the life you want with more ease and self-compassion.

My goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create lasting change. Our work will focus on understanding your experiences and developing healthier ways to approach stress so it becomes something you can manage and grow from rather than something that holds you back.

Across my clinical and human services work, I have developed a calm, steady approach to helping people move through dificult seasons. I am a member of the counseling team at my church. I have worked with individuals afected by trauma, domestic violence, abuse, neglect, and family stress. Through my work experience, I am able to create supportive environments where clients feel heard, respected, and guided toward practical next steps. My experience has strengthened my ability to build trust quickly, communicate with care, and respond thoughtfully in high-stress situations. I am comfortable working with diverse needs and backgrounds while maintaining boundaries,confidentiality, and a client-centered focus.

Are you ready to make a change? I can help you with life transitions, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and getting unstuck. You can expect increased clarity, confidence, and hope as you move toward a fuller life.