Family therapy and counseling in Columbia, MO

I have been a SW for 29 years. I received my bachelors of social work from Southern University and A&M College and my masters of social work from Southern at New Orleans. As a SW, at DCFS/CW, I have served as in Investigations, Foster Care, Family Service, Adoption, and as a Child Welfare Supervisor, CW Trainer, and a CW Manager. PRN work included working in MH/SA, hospitals, hospice and school SW. I am a TBRI Pract. & adoption competent. I help people who seek help! I retired from DCFS on 01/21/2026. Please see link below on the impact I’ve made on people across the state and allow me to help you too. Please message me for an appointment. Thank you.

https://youtu.be/XQ9RdZwCRW8

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life or weighed down by past experiences? Whatever you’ve been through, you don’t have to face it alone. As a licensed clinical social worker specializing in PTSD, attachment, and family systems, I’m here to help you uncover your strengths, heal from trauma, and create meaningful change.

As a Missouri Ozarks native, nature and the outdoors have always played a huge part in my healing journey and mental health. Growing up, I was outside any chance I got; riding bikes, riding horses, climbing trees, bird watching, rock collecting, camping, hiking, floating, boating, spelunking, exploring creeks, and enjoying campfires. Nature immersion, movement in nature, outdoor recreation, and horsemanship remain part of my daily practice; and I incorporate these into my therapeutic work wherever possible.

As a board certified psychotherapist, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 10 years, I work with a plethora of inter-generational clients aged 21-90 who are struggling with anxiety and depression and trauma.

As a chaplain, I take a psycho-spiritual approach and work with clients assisting with intercultural issues, blended family dynamics, religiosity challenges and grief & loss.

My name is Vanessa Cox. I'm the Founder and CEO of Extensive Prevention Intervention Counseling Services (EPICS) LLC, a professional counseling practice, and the Founder and Board Secretary of EPICS J. R. Foundation. The driving force behind my lifework has been a personal mission to live with integrity and make a difference in the lives of others. With over 30 years of clinical and administrative experience,