Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Columbia, MO

Congratulations on beginning this journey, you're exactly where you need to be. I'm Ada Petty, LPC, dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and understanding. I hold a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Webster University and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. With over 8 years of experience, I specialize in supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment related challenges.

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.

I am a Christian counselor. I like to watch the Lord transform lives and bring order to the chaos in our lives. I am a grief specialist. I've been helping people walk through grief for almost 15 years. It's not 'goodbye' forever, it's just 'goodbye' for now. There is peace in knowing Jesus and that faith brings comfort in all types of struggle.

I'm passionate about helping women navigate the unique challenges they face. I understand the pressures of balancing multiple roles, the impact of societal expectations, and the importance of self-care. I strive to create a non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. During our initial sessions, I'll listen to and understand your story. I want to know what brings you here, your hopes, and your concerns. I'll explore your history, current challenges, and strengths. This comprehensive understanding helps me tailor my approach to your specific needs. Together, we'll establish realistic and achievable goals.

I have over 20 years of experience in healthcare. My career began as a pharmacy technician, then as an emergency room nurse, and later supervising behavioral health units at Mercy St. Louis before becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.This background allows me to understand mental health from both medical and psychiatric perspectives.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in both inpatient psychiatric settings and outpatient therapy. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Missouri State University, where I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based, client-centered care.

My background includes working with individuals across a range of needs, from acute crisis stabilization to ongoing therapeutic support. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, self-harm, anger, aggression, and oppositional defiant behaviors. I am also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which I frequently use to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while building practical coping strategies.

I'm glad you found your way here. I'm a dedicated therapist with a passion for helping individuals discover a life worth living. My therapeutic approach is centered around creating a strong therapeutic alliance, practicing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and creating a space where you can be vulnerable and feel validated as you work through challenges. I have developed a niche for working with self-harm, mood disorders, personality disorders, and trauma.