Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Saint Louis, MO covered by Cigna

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.

I am dually licensed as a nurse practitioner and a licensed professional counselor. I have been working with adults, adolescents, and children for more than 20 years. I have extensive experience with populations in crisis, mood disorders, and helping individuals identify their goals with clarity.

Very empathic, resilient, welcoming and non judgmental.

Hi, I'm Tierra Kinnard, LCSW, and the founder of Step by Step Healing Services, LLC. With more than 16 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care. I believe healing begins in a space where you feel safe, heard, and accepted exactly as you are. I specialize in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Excoriation (Skin Picking Disorder), Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder), anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and loss. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including members of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. I understand the profound impact that mental health challenges can have on individuals, families, and relationships, and I am committed to helping clients build resilience, find relief, and create meaningful change

I’m an LCSW who helps individuals, couples, and families build relationships that feel safer, calmer, and more connected. My style is warm, grounded, and practical, rooted in trauma-informed and attachment-based care. I don’t expect perfection from you—together we’ll look for clarity, simple tools that fit your real life, and steady support you can rely on.

I believe mental health care should feel collaborative, compassionate, and free of judgment. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, understood, and supported throughout your treatment journey.

I specialize in women's mental health, including anxiety, depression, pregnancy (antepartum), postpartum mental health, life transitions, and the unique emotional challenges women experience across different stages of life. Whether you're preparing for motherhood, adjusting after delivery, balancing career and family, or navigating everyday stress, I strive to provide personalized, evidence-based care tailored to your goals.

My approach is warm, patient-centered, and collaborative. I take the time to understand your story, educate you about your treatment options, and develop a plan that aligns with your values and lifestyle. I believe the best outcomes happen when patients feel empowered to participate in their care and have a provider they can trust.

If you're dealing with anxiety that won't let up, a life change that's left you off-balance, or relationship tension that keeps getting in the way — I can help. After 10 years as a school social worker in St. Louis, I know what it looks like when people are overwhelmed, and what it actually takes to move through it. Today I work with adults navigating similar territory: the pressure that builds quietly, the transitions that feel harder than expected, the moments in relationships that leave you stuck. My focus is on making therapy practical, grounded, and worth your time.