Melissa Drinkman, Pathways To Connection (She/Her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, DBH, LCSW
Our practice is about helping people with connections, whether that be connecting with a partner, friend, spirit, the greater community or with self. We believe that it is in connection that we find wellness and healing.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Children, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, LGBTQ+, Men, Military / Veterans, Native American, Pacific Islander, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Christian Counseling Blends psychological practices with Christian values and scripture. It provides faith-based support for life challenges and spiritual growth.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Contemplative Psychotherapy Combines mindfulness and meditation practices with modern psychology. It encourages awareness and compassion as part of the healing process.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Combines low doses of ketamine with psychotherapy to treat depression, trauma, and anxiety. It can provide relief when other methods haven’t worked.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 200
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- We offer sliding fee between $80 and $175 for qualifying individuals.
- Accepts Insurance
- Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare/Optum, Medicare
Education & Credentials
Melissa Drinkman, Pathways To Connection DBH, LCSW
- Female, Male, Non-Binary
- License # LCSW 14136
- Licensed in AZ, WI
- Practicing Since 2012
Education: We are therapists with Master's Level education in social work, counseling and marriage and family therapy.
Melissa Drinkman, Pathways To Connection Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
Melissa Drinkman, Pathways To Connection Practice Description
We are a group of connected therapists with similar practice expertise and values. We have different specializations but value the relationship we develop with the people we work with, believe healing and growth is always possible, and practice from the perspective that a safe space is integral to the work we do.