Giovanna (Gina) Messina Peitz, MS, LPC, QMHP

Gina graduated with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Oregon University in 2020 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Oregon. Gina’s past work has included residential care and working in the community with individuals who experience severe and persistent mental illness. She works with adults ages 18+.

Gina’s prime concern when providing clinical therapy is to embrace and accept each individual’s unique humanness and support their personal journey. It is important to her to have multicultural awareness as well as support LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalized communities. Gina has experience supporting individuals with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, stress management concerns, ADHD, communication concerns, addiction, and identity formation. Gina generally caters treatment interventions to each individual, but will often utilize person-centered and trauma-informed approaches, as well as draw from cognitive behavioral theory, acceptance and commitment approaches, and strength-based approaches. Gina is also trained to utilize EMDR to support trauma processing.

Gina is currently accepting clients with OHP Jackson Care Connect. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call (541) 826-8282 or email gina@alexandercounseling.org.

Shelby Hale, MA, LPC, QMHP

Shelby earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Oregon University in 2020 after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Arizona State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists.

Shelby has experience working with clients from ages 5-70 and has facilitated family, group, and couple’s therapy in the past. Currently, she works with clients age 16+ for individual psychotherapy. Shelby primarily uses EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Existentialism, and Person-Centered Therapy. She also has specific training in Exposure Response Prevention Therapy and Internal Family Systems, and specializes in working with clients who deal with disordered eating behaviors, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and various types of trauma. She is trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodivergent adults who are seeking support around Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as concerns related to depression, anxiety, communication, boundaries, and sense of self.

Shelby’s approach to treatment is personable, collaborative, trauma-informed, and includes feminist, LGBTQ+, and socio-cultural perspectives to best understand the experiences that have contributed to one’s circumstances. She also frequently incorporates the science of the nervous system into treatment, which supports the somatic and emotional processing the body needs in order to heal and grow. Shelby is able to work with private pay clients and clients who have OHP Jackson Care Connect insurance. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call (541)826-8282 or email shelby@alexandercounseling.org.

Melinda Lanning, MSW, LCSW, QMHP

Melinda is a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has been licensed in the State of California since 2010 and in the State of Oregon since 2017. Melinda has been a mental health practitioner for 13 years. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of California at Berkeley and her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University in New York. Melinda spent 27 months living and working in Central America, where she learned Spanish, her second language. 

As a therapist, Melinda’s interests include working with adults and adolescents on issues/concerns around emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, domestic & interpersonal violence, self-esteem & self-worth, gender identity, communication, addiction, and interpersonal boundaries.  Melinda has had experience conducting individual, family and group therapy. She has worked as a therapist, a Clinical Supervisor and a Clinical Manager. Melinda has worked in environments including residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, as well as community and school based treatment programs. She uses various approaches in therapy, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. Her approach is tailored to the needs of the individual, as well as to their goals.

Melinda fundamentally believes in a strengths-based, person-centered, least restrictive approach in her practice. She feels that we all struggle as human beings, but if we are willing to embark on a journey of self-reflection and self discovery, beginning within the context of a safe space such as therapy, there are no bounds to what we can achieve, and how we can heal, in all aspects of our lives.

Melinda is currently accepting private pay clients and clients with OHP Jackson Care Connect and TriWest insurance. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call (541) 826-8282 or email melinda@alexandercounseling.org.

Miranda Wheeler, MSW, LCSW, QMHP

Miranda earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 2014. She enjoys working with adolescents and children, but also enjoy working with adults. Her therapy approach is tailored to the individual and their needs and goals. Her approach will typically include one, or a combination of, the following; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), as well as Play Therapy and Narrative Therapy. She works with clients to address a variety of areas including; depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, domestic violence, among others including attachment related issues. She also works with clients with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Miranda’s main focus is children and teens, working on a variety of issues including but not limited to; depression, self-esteem, cognitive, behavioral, bullying, and sexuality. She uses a variety of therapeutic approaches and tailor those approaches to client’s specific needs.

Miranda is currently accepting private pay clients and clients with OHP Jackson Care Connect and Aetna insurance. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call (541) 826-8282 or email miranda@alexandercounseling.org.

RuthAnne Alexander, MS, LPC, NCC, QMHP

“Hello and welcome! I am RuthAnne Alexander, owner of Alexander Counseling Center. My goal is to provide excellent mental health wellness services for our community. Thank you for visiting this website, and feel free to call or email and ask questions!”

                                                                                                                   ~RuthAnne Alexander

RuthAnne Alexander earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon in June 2011. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with the National Board of Certified Counselors, and a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Oregon. In addition to mental health counseling, RuthAnne taught various Psychology courses at Southern Oregon University in Ashland from 2011-2016. She is a board-approved supervisor for registered associates (for both LPC and LMFT focused associates).

During her training, RuthAnne completed her internship with the VA SORCC in White City providing therapy for Veterans experiencing PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Prior to the VA SORCC, RuthAnne was a mentor for teens through the Phoenix High School and the Rose Circle, and also volunteered with HOPE Equestrian Center.

RuthAnne began her private practice office in White City in 2011. She addresses clients’ concerns with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress, relationship concerns, and more. She also works with clients seeking personal growth and removing blocks to their success. RuthAnne provides therapy for adults experiencing a broad range of mental health and wellness concerns.

RuthAnne currently has limited availability for individuals with OHP Jackson Care Connect and those seeking support through a Worker’s Compensation claim. Please call 541-826-8282 to learn more.