Grief counselors and therapists in Lexington, KY

I believe everyone deserves to feel healthy, balanced, and fulfilled. I provide a supportive, confidential space for individuals and couples to explore their mental and emotional well-being.

As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I offer a holistic approach to care—integrating therapy with medication management when appropriate to support the whole person.

With over 11 years of healthcare experience across a variety of settings, I bring both clinical expertise and a compassionate, patient-centered approach to treatment. Recognizing the growing need for mental health support, I pursued advanced training in psychiatric care to better serve individuals navigating stress, anxiety, mood concerns, and life transitions.

My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered as you work toward meaningful, lasting change.

Hello, I’m Dr. Rebecca Pender Baum, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist with over 18 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. I work with clients navigating everyday stress, anxiety, unexpected life transitions, and both current and past traumatic experiences. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking greater clarity and balance, therapy can be a place to slow down, feel understood, and move forward with intention.

I am a dedicated mental health professional with experience supporting individuals through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, and life transitions. My background includes working with diverse populations, and I strive to create an inclusive, respectful space where clients feel heard and understood. I am committed to ongoing professional development and use evidence-based practices to ensure clients receive effective, up-to-date care tailored to their unique needs.

Licensed in Kentucky with over six years of professional counseling experience, I specialize in assisting clients in overcoming life challenges stemming from various issues, including anxiety, anger, depression, trauma, and abuse. My diverse clientele spans the age range of 10 to 65 and encompasses individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Beyond my counseling expertise, I have honed my problem-solving, stress management, and coping skills through my military background. Throughout my career, I have encountered a wide range of circumstances and challenges that necessitated the effective application of these skills. Recognizing that life often presents us with challenges and traumatic experiences that can leave us feeling isolated and misunderstood, my approach is to collaborate with you in identifying these obstacles and guiding you towards healing, growth, and a more fulfilling future. I firmly believe that you possess the expertise and inherent strengths to overcome the barriers that hinder genuine healing and personal growth. Embarking on a journey towards a more fulfilling and happy life requires courage, and I am committed to providing unwavering support and empowerment throughout your transformative process.

I am a seasoned psychotherapist and psychiatric provider with nearly two decades of experience in the behavioral health field. After earning a Master of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville in 2006, I became licensed by the Kentucky Board of Social Work. I also hold national certification in case management (CCMC), am a licensed supervisory-level addictions specialist (CADAC-IV) through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, and a licensed marriage and family therapist through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

My academic journey continued with a Doctorate in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University, specializing in integrated medical and behavioral health services, followed by a Post-Doctorate Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I further expanded my scope of practice through a Master’s Entry in Professional Nursing (BSN & MSN) from the University of Louisville in 2020, a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Northern Kentucky University in 2021, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Duke University. I am board certified as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, licensed to prescribe and manage medications.

In addition to clinical practice, I have led multidisciplinary teams and supervised clinical operations, enhancing quality of care, staff development, and patient outcomes across diverse systems. I am deeply committed to lifelong learning and delivering compassionate, evidence-based, integrative care to individuals and families in both Kentucky and Indiana.

I have experience working with various types of traumas with adolescents, teens and adults. A history working in residential and foster care settings.