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Headshot of Dede Carson, LCSW

Dede Carson

Therapist(She/Her)
5 years of experience
  • Virtual & in-person
  • Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Family issues, Anger management, Panic disorders, Grief or loss, Relationship issues, Identity issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • Individual therapy, Family therapy, Couples therapy, Child or adolescent therapy

Great to meet you!

Dede Carson, CEO, LCSW, CDTA, MAADCII, AAS, Supervisor

Dede Carson is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Center for Life Coaching and Counseling, where she has been dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered mental health services since 2010. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and clinical supervisor, Dede is passionate about helping individuals and families overcome life's challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Her educational background includes degrees in Business and Marketing, Psychology, and a Master of Social Work. In addition to her clinical expertise, Dede has experience in medical billing and coding, human resources management, and substance abuse specimen collection. This diverse professional background provides her with a comprehensive understanding of both behavioral health and the systems that support quality client care.

Dede works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use disorders, parenting challenges, relationship concerns, life transitions, stress management, and personal growth. She believes every individual possesses unique strengths and is committed to developing personalized treatment plans that reflect each client's goals, values, and needs. Dede strives to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel empowered to heal, grow, and achieve lasting positive change.

My approach to therapy

Dede's approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and individualized. She believes that meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, empathy, and open communication. She is committed to creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, emotions, and goals.

Recognizing that every individual is unique, Dede tailors treatment to each client's specific needs, strengths, and life circumstances. She works collaboratively with clients to increase self-awareness, develop effective coping skills, improve emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and build the confidence needed to navigate life's challenges. Whether clients are working through a difficult life event, managing ongoing mental health concerns, or seeking personal growth, Dede is dedicated to providing compassionate guidance and evidence-based support throughout the healing process.

What you can expect from me

Clients can expect their first session with Dede to be a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free experience focused on building a strong therapeutic relationship. She understands that beginning therapy can feel overwhelming and strives to create a comfortable environment where clients feel safe sharing their concerns at a pace that feels right for them.

During the initial session, Dede takes time to learn about each client's background, current challenges, personal strengths, and goals for therapy. Together, they begin developing an individualized treatment plan that reflects the client's unique needs, priorities, and aspirations. Dede encourages open communication throughout the therapeutic process and believes that the most effective therapy is built on collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. Her goal is for every client to leave their first session feeling heard, supported, and hopeful about the path forward.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Woman
  • My style is
    Empowering, Solution Oriented, Holistic

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    5 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at Southwest Missouri State University
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (Missouri)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Aetna Medicare Advantage, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Ascension, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Devoted Health Medicare Advantage, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Family issues, Anger management, Panic disorders, Grief or loss, Relationship issues, Identity issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • More specialties
    ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Eating disorders, Stress management, Women's issues
  • Therapy methods
    Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Strength-Based, Seeking Safety, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Focused CBT, Humanistic, Structural Family, Psychodynamic, Family Focused Therapy (FFT), Solution Focused Couples Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy, Gestalt, Behavioral Couples Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Family therapy, Couples therapy, Child or adolescent therapy
  • Ages served
    Children, Infants / Toddlers, Seniors, Adolescents, Adults
  • Languages
    English
  • Locations
    1011 South East Street
    Mount Vernon, MO 65712
    Location 1 of 3