Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Independence, MO covered by United Healthcare

H, I'm Dr. Michelle Echols and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's and Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and more than a decade of experience helping people untangle some of life's most complicated moments — relationship struggles, family tension, substance use, and the rollercoaster that comes with being a teenager.

My sweet spots are teens, couples, and families. I genuinely love this work, and I especially love watching people who felt stuck start to move again.

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,

Hello, I’m Abby Pease, LCSW, QS! As a therapist, I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I bring warmth, energy, and a touch of humor into my work, helping clients navigate challenges while also reminding them that healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion and clarity as you move toward growth and resilience.

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

Hi! I'm Melissa and excited to work with you! I love working with women who are in mid life and navigating all that comes our way. From Perimenopause/menopause, chronic health concerns, and relationships, I'm hear to support you.

I am curious and validating, providing a nurturing environment to talk openly and honestly about your struggles, strengths, weaknesses, needs, likes, and dislikes. I love helping people explore their unique and particular powers as well as how these powers impact their world and their relationships. As a passionate supporter of those who have been through unjust or otherwise traumatic experiences--including those experiencing discrimination based upon race or gender identity or sexual orientation--I am particularly interested in helping people gain skills for dealing with, and making sense of, the remnants of their pasts.

Having completed Bessel Van der Kolk's Trauma Research Foundation's Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies in early 2025, I have a strong foundational understanding of the most cutting edge approaches to treating trauma. I am also comfortable using a combination of approaches, including Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I received an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, a psychodynamically focused program, after which I completed Bryn Mawr's certificate program in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have also completed 1 year of Gestalt Therapy training and the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Immersion Program.

As an LCSW, my training emphasized the role of social environment--from the family to society at large--in how we construct our narratives, enabling me to help you make sense of what in your life is yours to own and what is a product of your environment.

Are you tried of doom scrolling? Do your days feel impossibly long? Is it hard to get out of bed? If so, it might be time to consider therapy. Sometimes, having someone walk alongside you with care and intention can help you reconnect with yourself.

Let's start with a 15-minute consultation today.

My work is grounded in the belief that healing happens when we feel seen, heard, and understood. I strive to meet each client with compassion and curiosity, honoring their unique story while helping them develop the tools they need to move forward. Whether I am working with children, teens, or adults, my goal is to help each person feel more confident in who they are and more hopeful about where they’re going.