Shelby Banach

Rooted in transparency and mutual vulnerability, Shelby Banach's approach to therapy creates a secure and trusting relationship with her clients. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Shelby employs a strengths-based perspective, helping individuals uncover parts of themselves that may have been lost amidst life's demanding pressures. Her goal is to make aspects of her clients' present lives more manageable and fulfilling, improving interpersonal relationships and performance in various areas of life.

Shelby's treatment approach is foundationally built on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skill building, addressing three major areas: emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. By combining processing, identifying thinking patterns, and developing skills, she helps clients achieve new levels of stability, peace, and relief. Drawing from her own experiences as a client, Shelby has witnessed the transformative power of DBT firsthand and firmly believes that joy is not just deserved, but a fundamental entitlement of every human being.

Working with a diverse clientele, Shelby addresses a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, faith crises, mood disorders, relationship problems, loneliness, disconnection, and substance use problems. She offers both individual and couples therapy, tailoring her approach to meet each client's unique needs.

Shelby's educational background includes a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2018) and a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis (2019). Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Shelby has lived in various parts of the country before settling in Athens, Georgia to be closer to family. Outside of her practice, she is passionate about reading, travel, pop culture, daily exercise, and caring for her fur babies.

Shelby Banach provides therapy services in Athens, Georgia, and via telehealth. She is in-network with several insurance providers, including Alliant, Aetna, Optum, United Healthcare, United Behavioral Health/Student Resources, and most Kaiser Permanente plans. Additionally, she is a Certified Out of Network Tricare provider and a Medicare provider, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of clients seeking her expertise in individual and couples therapy.