Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Independence, MO

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. I work with ages 8+ in addictions, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm, and suicidal ideations. We all experience unwanted circumstances, emotions, and addictions that are difficult to handle alone. What has been harmed in relationship with others must be healed with relationship. That's where I come in.

For those who cannot use insurance, my self-pay rate is flexible as I provide a sliding fee scale. Please contact me for more information.

Taking New Clients June 8th!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Horizon Within Counseling. I work with children, teens, adult, couples and families, helping navigate anxiety, stress, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I offer a warm, collaborative and solution-focused approach , using evidence-based practices including EMDR to help clients feel empowered, build resilience, and move forward with greater purpose and balance.

I believe that one of the most important aspects of therapy is finding a provider who you truly connect with. This is why it is my goal to make you feel seen, heard and understood as you take these important steps towards personal growth, healing and fulfillment. While I work with a wide range of populations and presenting concerns, my areas of focus include relational trauma, self-esteem, and anxiety.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a degree from Pfeiffer University. I have always been drawn to helping others and consider it a privilege to walk alongside individuals as they navigate life’s challenges. My therapeutic approach is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. I am deeply committed to helping them grow, heal, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Welcome!

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and have been practicing 5 years. I’m a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist who values authenticity and connection. I treat client's age 5 and up with a variety of mental health disorders.

I have nearly 20 years of experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate life's challenges. My background includes working as an elementary school counselor, pediatric mental health therapist, adjunct professor, and private practice therapist. I hold a Master's in Counseling from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and am certified in Play Therapy. I strive to create a warm, supportive space where clients feel understood and empowered to grow.

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.

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.

Welcome! My name is Rebecca and I specialize in helping those that have experienced trauma. My interest in therapy rooted from being part of a military family and noticing people that were left to sort through the pieces trauma left behind. I completed my education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and developed a lot of impactful tools since. I worked with survivors of violence for 5 years while working with a variety of other populations in private practice. I have a passion for my own ongoing education and bringing what I learn to session. I enjoy connecting with people and recognizing we're all doing our best.

Brittany is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master of social work degree from Walden University. With over seven years of experience in the field of social work, she brings a wide-ranging background that includes working with the Children’s Division, in hospital settings, with geriatrics, and school-based social work. This diverse experience has given her a deep understanding of individuals across the lifespan and the unique challenges they face. Helping others through therapy is more than just a career, it’s a calling. Brittany believes deeply in the power of trauma-informed care and support, and the healing that comes from having a safe, judgment-free space to process and grow. She also believes in the importance of identifying the root cause of symptoms, rather than just managing surface-level issues.

Ana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) clinician at 816 Counseling Services, serving clients throughout Missouri and Kansas via telehealth. She works with children, teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, relationship struggles, and emotional overwhelm. Ana’s approach is warm, supportive, and relationship-centered, helping clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change while building healthier connections and practical coping skills.