Amber Wood
(she/they)
About me
Hey, I’m Amber. I’m so glad you’re here! I know sometimes it can be pretty scary searching for a therapist who helps you feel known and understood. That is the kind of therapist I strive to be. Let me share a little about myself. I’ve been working in the mental health field for over 11 years now. I worked in community mental health for 10 1/2 of those years before deciding to branch into my own private practice. I grew up in a very conservative and religious family, even attending seminary, so I do know those beliefs well. It took me until I was 25 to be brave enough to live my authentic self as a gay individual, knowing it would cost me most of my family and friends. It hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it. It is now my desire to be the support for you that I never had as you live your own truth and tell your own story.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I know the first session with a new therapist can feel overwhelming and intimidating. I strive in my first session to answer any lingering questions or insecurities about the therapy process while also learning more about the background, challenges and relationships impacting you and how you view the world. I will look at mental health symptoms that may feel debilitating and assess what skills might be helpful in meeting the goals you set. I know it's a lot of information to give to someone you just met, so I try to be sensitive about this process, letting you choose how much or how little you feel comfortable sharing.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I love to learn and frequently attend trainings in order to further my education and expertise so I can be the best therapist for my clients as possible. In doing so, I am trained in various therapy models. I focus primarily on a person-centered approach as I believe this is where a solid therapy relationship begins. I view each client as an expert on their own life and seek to better understand how to challenge and encourage each individual as they feel empowered to be their best selves. It is not my job to judge or scold, so it is important for me that each of my clients know they are safe, valued just as they are and are in no way "damaged."
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am a strength-based clinician who offers person-centered therapy. I love to use creative avenues to help individuals better manage the challenges they face. My priority is to provide a safe space for my clients to feel seen and heard. In addition to the other treatment modalities mentioned, I am a trained provider of military-focused care through Star Behavioral Health Providers. I am comfortable going at your pace to explore your needs, wants and goals.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
ADHD
Anger Management
Autism
Child or Adolescent
Coping Skills
Depression
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
School Issues
Self Esteem
Identifies as
LGBTQ
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Children (6 to 12)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Missouri
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Arlo
Cash - $130 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
Evernorth
GTEB
Tufts Health/Cigna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe the key to a healthy therapeutic relationship starts with a safe space filled with unconditional positive regard and empathy. I work hard to help you feel empowered to find your truth and needs. I am comfortable with letting you set the pace of treatment and goals you establish for yourself.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I am trained in this evidence-based model and use it to help children and adolescents process through their trauma in order to find healing and improved self-worth.
Attachment-based
As relational beings, attachment is a normal human response. Through treatment we explore your attachment style, needs and how to improve relationship building patterns. The better you understand yourself and your own needs, the more you are able to connect and build secure relationships with those around you.
Play Therapy
I have been a registered play therapist since 2017, working with clients from 3yrs old to adult. I use the therapeutic powers of play to help you process your emotions, problem solve and approach struggles through your natural communication style (play).
Gender-affirming therapy
As a queer individual, I understand on a personal level what gender-affirming care can mean in helping individuals feel seen and safe. I am mindful of this with every session I have, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. In our sessions no subject or feelings are off the table. You are welcome to come and be present just as you are without having to hide parts of yourself you may feel uncertain about.
1 rating with written reviews
August 3, 2026
I have found it challenging to open up to someone and then need to step away, so finding a therapist/counselor has felt stressful. Amber's profile checked all the boxes I had (someone open, honest, who understood the queer experience, who looked like they cared and were listening). Those feelings were only reinforced after our session, in the best way. She let me blab, but still made time to ask specific questions to more deeply understand my point of view. I am very grateful for Amber.