

Kansas City's LGBTQIA+ community deserves mental health care that celebrates who you are. Access 325 providers through Headway who bring warmth, understanding, and evidence-based therapy to support your emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Prioritizing your mental health is the foundation for a stable, fulfilling life. I know that the first step—reaching out for help—is often the hardest, so I want to acknowledge your courage in being here. I bring 30 years of experience as a board-certified psychiatrist to our work together.
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.
My approach to therapy is collaborative and compassionate, recognizing that healing looks different for everyone. I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and culturally sensitive approaches to create a space that honors each person’s unique story and identity. I have worked in the mental health field for more than ten years, supporting adolescents, adults, and families through challenges related to mental health, challenging family dynamics, life changes, and substance use.
I work with individuals and families facing depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, identity issues, personality disorders, family conflict, and experiences related to immigration and adjustment. I also have experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community and those exploring questions of belonging and self-acceptance.
I believe everyone deserves a therapeutic relationship where they are seen, heard, accepted, and celebrated—a space where they can feel supported in making the changes that matter most to them. My goal is to offer a safe and empowering environment that helps clients reconnect with their strengths and move toward meaningful change.
Welcome! First and foremost, I am honoring you for taking this step. You're ready for a change. There's a craving for deep healing on your journey towards wellness. You want to gain understanding and insight, resolve inner conflicts, improve relationships, explore unconscious patterns, and transform into the most empowered version of yourself. You may be looking for tools for self-regulation, as well as ways to integrate your mind, body, and heart. If you've been grappling with larger questions about yourself or your life and are ready to take the next step, you've come to the right place.
***Same day appointments may be available****
Download the SPRUCE APP and text us!
https://spruce.care/parkvillepsychiatry
I’m Lauren Holder, M.S., P.L.P.C., and I’m honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Missouri State University and have been practicing for over four years, helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with compassion.


Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist in Kansas City starts with identifying what kind of support matters most to you. Whether you're looking for help with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, gender identity, or the effects of minority stress, a provider who is trained in affirming care can make a meaningful difference. LGBTQIA+-affirming providers approach your identity as a strength — not something to fix — and many specialize in areas like coming out, family dynamics, and navigating discrimination.
Kansas City's mental health care landscape spans both the Missouri and Kansas sides of the metro, with providers offering in-person sessions in neighborhoods across the city and virtual appointments for added flexibility. When comparing providers, reading their bios can help you understand their approach, specialties, and what a first session looks like. A free phone consultation is another way to gauge whether a provider feels like the right match before you commit.
Therapy in Kansas City can be expensive without coverage, but using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce what you pay per session. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated costs before booking, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find an affirming provider who fits both your needs and your budget.
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