Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Columbia, MO

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.

You came here because something isn't working. Maybe it's the moods that swing without warning, the emotional intensity that keeps spilling into your relationships, anxiety that won't quit, or the weight of something you've been carrying for longer than you should have to. Maybe you've been leaning on substances to get through and know something needs to change.

I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors across Missouri through telehealth, and I specialize

in the kinds of struggles that don't fit neatly into one category: mood disorders, trauma, anxiety

borderline personality, substance use, and relationships under strain.

I care about real connection, steady progress, and creating a space where you can show up as yourself. I’ve spent years helping people sort through heavy thoughts, navigate big life changes, and rebuild a sense of direction. I won't rush you or force you into a mold, I help you understand what matters to you and take the steps to move towards it. I'm happy to be the calm, steady guide who will walk alongside you.

I have over 15 years of experience as a therapist after receiving a Master's Degree at the University of Missouri. In 2011, I went through extensive training to become EMDR certified. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as addiction counseling. In March of 2025 I became certified in grief counseling.

I am passionate about guiding my clients toward their goals with warmth and non-judgement. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each individual and strive to strike a balance between helping someone understand the "why" and the "how" throughout therapy. Asking why did I come to be here; what have I been doing that isn't working anymore and how can I go about change? Pain, whether relational or within work-life can be an invitation to make the changes necessary to grow. I believe that growth toward a successful and healthy future is possible with deeper understanding of one's past and taking steps toward change.

I have interests and experience in serving adult clients who have experienced a trauma in the past, relational loss, anxiety/depression, abuse, career challenges and addiction. My training in EMDR and Internal Family Systems have helped me as I come alongside those who have experienced various types of trauma. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which offers practical tools for change.

If you are looking for a warm therapist who will gently challenge you to take a look at your situation through fresh eyes, I can help. Everyone experiences pain in life. Sometimes all we need is for someone to walk alongside us for a season.

I have been married for 41 years and am a mother and grandmother. I have have an MSW degree and have been in private practice as a therapist for 27 years. I prefer serving adults and have a passion for individual and couples counseling.

I have dedicated my career to helping others since graduating from Truman State University in 1994 and later earning my Master's degree from Lindenwood University. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting individuals and families through life's challenges while helping them discover hope, healing, and resilience.

My experience in the social services field has provided me with the opportunity to work with a diverse range of populations and settings, including juvenile services, foster care, behavioral schools, residential treatment facilities, substance abuse programs, and career development services. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the unique challenges people face and strengthened my commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to quality mental health care.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, and depression. I am trained in several evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, DBT, CBT, and TF-CBT. Because every person's journey is unique, I tailor my approach to meet each client's individual needs, drawing from a variety of therapeutic tools to help them achieve meaningful and lasting change.

Together, we work to build on existing strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and create pathways toward emotional wellness and personal growth.

When I am not working, I enjoy being the proud mother of two wonderful young men. I am actively involved in my church and community and cherish spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy watching basketball, swimming, and taking advantage of every opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and warm-weather activities.

Everyone has the power to grow, heal and improve their life. Maybe you are feeling stuck due to symptoms of depression or anxiety or are feeling overwhelmed by being in a difficult season of life. Therapy can help you process what you have been through, better understand the patterns keeping you stuck, and build healthier ways of coping so you can feel more grounded, resilient, and in control of your life again. Having a seasoned and trusted clinician alongside you can make all the difference in moving you towards your goals. For almost 25 years, I've partnered with individuals experiencing depression, stress management, anger management, and PTSD so they can regain emotional balance, strengthen their relationships, and create healthier, more fulfilling lives. Working with adolescents and adults, I strive to provide a compassionate, supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to take meaningful steps toward lasting change.