Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Columbia, MO covered by Aetna

Hello and congratulations for taking the first and sometimes hardest step of looking for a therapist. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of IN, KY LA, MO, NV, TX, WA and WV. I have the great privilege of working with adolescents and adults seeking assistance in improving their overall mental health and associated challenges. I’ve been in the behavioral health arena for over 40 years and have held numerous direct care and clinical leadership roles in a variety of settings. My joy comes from helping people navigate life's challenges.

I have been practicing for 17 years, primarily seeing adults and senior citizens. I operate from a person-centered, emotionally-focused basis. You are the expert on your life, and my goal is to help you with that. I utilize experiential and psychodramatic techniques.. These methods allow for role plays and visualizations. Such techniques increase your ability to get more deeply in touch with your issues and see situations clearly. When you reenact what happens at home, in the safety of the therapy office, solutions become clear and your voice becomes strong.

Life can be challenging from time to time, rather than continuing to struggle reach out and I can help you obtain the necessary skills to be confident in the decisions you make.

With a career spanning nearly two decades in child welfare and clinical social work, Laura provides a specialized safe place for youth (ages 3–26) navigating life’s most difficult experiences. Her practice focuses on building inner coping and resilience by enhancing bodily awareness and active curiosity, ensuring that healing isn’t just a cognitive process, but a physical one.

Specialized Clinical Focus:

Childhood Trauma: Expert in childhood sexual abuse, abuse and neglect, grief, bullying, complex medical diagnosis/complications, and all the BAD, SAD, and SCARY things in-between.

Specialized Sexual Behavior Work: Extensive experience facilitating therapy for children and adolescents with inappropriate and illegal sexual behaviors.

Systemic Support: Navigating foster care, adoption, divorce, family and/or sibling dynamics, behavioral struggles, and school avoidance.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of South Carolina and Missouri, as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor, AAMFT approved. I have loved working with individuals, couples, and families over the past 15 years of practice!

I’m Dr. Pearson, and I draw on over 30 years of counseling experience helping individuals, couples, marriages, families, teens, children, and organizations work through life’s challenges. I support clients dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, anger, relationship issues, family conflict, addiction and alcohol concerns, military-related stress, and major life transitions. My background includes working with people across many stages of life, including active-duty military members, veterans, DoD staff, military families, couples preparing for marriage, families under stress, and individuals seeking healthier ways to live at home, at work, and in their relationships. I believe therapy should offer hope, practical support, and a clear path toward healthy change.

If you are moving through a major life transition, especially one you did not choose, you may notice that old ways of coping no longer work. Many people I see are adapting to a new chapter, trying to build skills for what is next while caring about how change will affect the people they love. Some arrive unsure about trying therapy again after a difficult experience. Together, we explore how your family of origin and earliest relationships echo in what you face today.

Clients often describe me as approachable, practical, and easy to talk to. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself without fear of judgment. My style balances support with practical problem-solving, helping clients gain insight while also developing strategies they can use in everyday life. Above all, I want you to feel heard, understood, and supported as we work toward your goals together.

I am dually licensed as a nurse practitioner and a licensed professional counselor. I have been working with adults, adolescents, and children for more than 20 years. I have extensive experience with populations in crisis, mood disorders, and helping individuals identify their goals with clarity.

My name is Elizabeth Penniston, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a degree from Saint Louis University. Throughout my academic journey, I dedicated myself to gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which led me to complete my practicum and supervision at a respected Domestic Violence organization. This experience has allowed me to work closely with individuals who have faced challenging and complex situations, further enhancing my skills in trauma-informed care, advocacy, and therapeutic support.

I am deeply committed to providing compassionate and effective mental health care, utilizing evidence-based practices, and fostering a safe environment for my clients. My work has instilled in me a profound understanding of the unique needs of those affected by domestic violence and the importance of empowering individuals as they navigate their healing journey.