About Us

What is Metis?

The name “Metis” is derived from Greek mythology, where Metis was said to be the goddess of good counsel, advice, planning, and wisdom.

Therapists are verified by Psychology Today and GoodTherapy.org


Partners

Melissa Wright MA, LPC, RPT-S

Melissa Wright

This is my 14th year at Metis. I have over 25 years experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Kansas City area. I specialize in working with children and teens. The main reasons I currently see kids/teens are anxiety, depression, life transitions (big changes like divorce, grief and loss, family dynamics) and trauma.

I am a registered play therapist – supervisor (RPT-S) trained through the Kansas City Play Therapy Institute. Play therapy is a unique approach to counseling that uses play and structured activities to target a child’s needs.

Melissa Wright, MA, LPC, RPT, NCC Therapist Kansas City Therapist

I obtained my Master of Arts in counseling from Webster University and my Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Previous employment includes being an outpatient therapist, supervisor, and in-home therapist at Healthy Families Counseling and Support with Cornerstones of Care. I taught a Counseling for Children course at Webster University. I provided service coordination/case management with the Department of Mental Health and Platte County Board of Services. I also managed a day treatment program through Unlimited Opportunities, Inc. in mid Missouri.

I have two boys, a junior in college and freshman in college, and have been married for 25 years.

I mostly offer in-office appointments and telehealth is always an option as well.


Nicole Rich MA, LPC

Nicole Rich

This is my 14th year providing outpatient therapy at Metis Counseling. I have worked for Healthy Families Counseling and Support for 6 years as an outpatient therapist, in-home therapist, and targeted case manager providing mental health and counseling services to adults, adolescents, children, and families.

I earned my Master of Arts degree in counseling from the University of Saint Mary and my Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology from Park University.

Nicole Rich MA, LPC Therapist Kansas City Therapist

Previous employment includes case management, group facilitation, and in-home counseling with Child Abuse and Prevention Association and Synergy Services, Inc.

I have 3 kids, a college sophomore, 11th grader and a 7th grader, and have been married for 26 years.

I currently offer appointments in person and using telehealth.


Independent Contractors

Independent contractors that provide counseling services at this location include the following.

Wendy Barnes MA, LPC

Wendy Barnes

My primary focus when working with clients is to help empower them as we journey through the process of transformation together. I specialize in providing therapeutic services to children (8-12), adolescents (13-17), adults, families, and couples.  As a licensed professional counselor and certified school counselor in the state of Missouri, I have worked with children and adolescents for more than 20 years. During this time, I have also worked alongside my husband in Pastoral ministry for the past 22 years.  I have experience with counseling families and couples through grief & loss, family crisis, and everyday challenges of life.  While I am not a Christian Counselor, I am a professional counselor who is a Christian. One key strength is my ability to connect with people of all ages. 

My educational background includes a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Kansas, a master’s in Counseling from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and a master’s in Education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.  I currently utilize a person-centered and individualized approach to counseling specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy; solution-focused; and trauma-informed counseling techniques.

I currently offer appointments in person and using telehealth 2 evenings a week.


Janet Buntain, LMSW

Janet Buntain

I am a Licensed Master level Social Worker with a Bachelors in Theology from the University of Dallas, and a Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville. My clinical supervisor is Laura Holden.

I enjoy helping people rise from surviving to thriving. I typically work with clients who experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, and low self-esteem. I have clinical experience working with court mandated clients, substance abuse, anger management and domestic violence. 

I work within several therapeutic modalities –  cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, goal-setting, psychoeducation, and animal assisted therapy. 

I work with adolescents ages 13 and above, as well as adults. I see clients remotely and in-person, and have afternoon and evening hours available. 

I am now accepting Aetna and Cigna health insurance plans and can see people on a sliding scale for those who qualify. I currently have immediate openings.

Let’s work together to discover your best self.


Brittany Hursh, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Brittany Hursh

I obtained my Master and Bachelor degree in Social Work at the University of Missouri. I have background in research, policy/advocacy, case management, group facilitation, and individual, group, and family therapy. I have worked in inpatient/outpatient substance abuse facilities and community mental health under a variety of roles/titles. I have worked within the juvenile justice system and in public school settings (Kindergarten, Middle, and High School) providing therapy and coordinating services for youth and families of diverse backgrounds. I have background in crisis work and am trained and efficient in suicide assessment and intervention. 

I am trained in a variety of therapy modalities and utilize a generalist approach. I meet my clients where they are at while focusing on their strengths and growth. I enjoy connecting with clients in an easy and relaxed manner and feel that therapy is a collaborative process. 

In my free time, I enjoy being with friends and family and doing anything outdoors. I love travel, music, arts and crafts, and yoga.

I am currently accepting referrals for children (7 years old and up), adolescence (13-18 years old), and adults (18 years and up). I offer in-person and tele-health therapy appointments. I have appointments available 1-2 evenings per week.


Sunny Lee MA, LPC

Sunny Lee

I am a licensed professional counselor, providing individual, couple, and family counseling. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – https://www.emdrconsulting.com/), which is a highly effective way to treat anxiety, depression, and trauma.

I am also trained in play therapy and theraplay (attachment-based therapy with the purpose of building a bond between child and caretaker). I completed Heartland Play Therapy Institute Certificate Program (https://www.heartlandplaytherapy.com/) and Level Two Theraplay & MIM (https://theraplay.org/). Further, I have experience in Substance Use Disorder Treatment. If needed, I can incorporate Christian faith into the therapy. I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Bachelor of Arts in social work from Ewha Womans University in South Korea.

I taught undergraduate multicultural counseling and marriage & family counseling classes at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. My previous employment includes City Union Mission, ReDiscover, and Torch Trinity Counseling Center.

I have a 18-year-old boy and have been married 19 years. I currently offer appointments on Wednesdays.


Crystal Richardson MA, PLPC

Crystal Richardson

I graduated with my Master of Science in Counseling in 2021 and graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2017, both from the University of Phoenix. I am currently working on my PLPC hours required by the state of Missouri for my full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

I have worked with a diverse range of clients both individually and through group therapy, ranging from ages 8 – 60. My clinical internship was at a local domestic violence (DV) shelter, and while I was there, I worked with clients who experienced mental, emotional, and physical traumas. My group counseling experience focused on mindfulness activities and trauma-focused interventions.

My approach to counseling is client-centered therapy, which emphasizes hearing the client’s story and helping them come to their own conclusions. Although individual counseling is a personal experience for the client and lends well to individual work, I also like to facilitate groups. I would like to establish and lead mindfulness groups and begin hosting single-parent support groups, and trauma survivor support groups such as groups supporting those living with PTSD/CPTSD (such as Veterans, DV survivors, First Responders, and so forth).

I am a single parent of 3 grown children, and I am a DV survivor as well.

I offer in-person and telehealth appointments with evening and Saturday availability.

I am receiving clinical supervision from Melissa Wright MA LPC RPT-S.

I accept Aetna and Cigna insurance. I currently offer appointments for $100 per session with the option for a reduced fee for those who qualify.