Licensed to practice in 6 states and accepts 60 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Family Conflict

Kea Roper

(she/her)

LCSW, 15 years of experience
Authentic
Warm
Direct
VirtualAvailable

Welcome — this is a space where you can be honest, seen, and understood. I’m Shakea “Kea” Roper, LCSW, and I bring 15 years of clinical and life experience to our therapeutic partnership. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or burdened by cycles that just won’t shift — I see you. I specialize in helping people manage anxiety, depression, racing or intrusive thoughts, life transitions, and relational struggle. My style is active, grounded, and rooted in both compassion and challenge. Many clients say: “Kea listens like no one else — and she’s not afraid to stretch me when I need it.” I integrate evidence-based approaches (CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, Strengths-Based, Brief Therapy) along with more specialized models: Making Sense of Your Worth (MSoYW): an 8-week group curriculum developed by HALO Project where we explore and heal the internal “lies” we believe about ourselves, rebuild toward positive self-worth and secure attachment. Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT): a structured, cognitive-behavioral system where we work through step-by-step exercises to enhance reasoning, decision-making, and a healthier identity (beyond self-destructive or impulsive patterns). I also actively engage in community work, and I’m currently pursuing my doctorate (which continues to deepen my perspective and rigor). Outside of sessions, you’ll often find me at board game night, crafting, or spending time with family. It’s an honor to walk alongside you. Nelson Mandela said, “Everything seems impossible until it’s done.” Let’s work together toward the possible. I’m currently accepting clients in Pennsylvania, Missouri, Kansas, Utah, North Dakota, and Nevada.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Starting therapy can feel both hopeful and a little overwhelming, and that’s completely normal. In our first session, you can expect a welcoming, judgment-free space where you’re encouraged to share what’s most pressing for you right now. There’s no rigid agenda—you bring the topics, and we’ll shape the session around your needs and goals. Many clients describe feeling a sense of relief, release, and even clarity after their first session. Sometimes that comes from simply being heard; other times it’s from beginning to problem-solve or looking at challenges from a new perspective. My style is honest and straightforward, but always compassionate. I’ll listen closely, validate your experiences, and, when it’s helpful, gently challenge patterns of thought or behavior that may be holding you back. Together, we’ll identify practical strategies and coping skills that you can start applying between sessions. Whether you need a supportive listener, structured guidance, or a mix of both, our sessions are always tailored to you. The first step is showing up, and from there we can begin building toward the changes you want to see.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is that I genuinely believe in people. I’ve faced struggles myself, and I know firsthand that healing and growth are possible. This gives me not only empathy, but also the ability to hold hope for you when it feels hard to hold it for yourself. Another strength is my ability to listen for patterns—in your thoughts, behaviors, relationships, or even the way you talk about yourself. I’ll reflect these patterns back to you in a supportive, nonjudgmental way, so together we can decide what to do with that insight. Sometimes awareness alone is powerful; other times it leads to new strategies and life changes. Either way, it’s a tool for your growth. I’m also known for being caring and direct at the same time. My caring shows up in the safe, welcoming space I provide. My directness shows up in the honesty you’ll get from me—I won’t just nod and agree. If something is keeping you stuck, I’ll help you see it clearly so you can decide how to move forward. Another strength is goal-focused collaboration. I want you to experience real progress, not feel like you’re “stuck in therapy forever.” We’ll identify your goals, actively work toward them, and once you feel ready, you’ll leave with the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive in your world. And if life ever throws you back into tough seasons, know that you can return without shame or judgment. Here’s what some of my clients have said about working with me: “Kea is the only therapist I’ve found helpful in pragmatic ways. She’s a great listener without being a planted pot—she always offers meaningful feedback. She’s inclusive, enthusiastic, trauma-informed, and has a wonderful sense of humor. Regardless of my options, I tend to always come back to Kea because of the consistency and effectiveness of her therapeutic recommendations.” “I absolutely love Kea! She’s extremely easy to talk to, and she’s a straight shooter. She doesn’t tell you what you want to hear—she tells you what you need to hear. It’s really refreshing!” Ultimately, my strengths are here for your benefit: to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

The clients I connect with best are those who are ready to invest in themselves—even if they’re not sure what that looks like yet. You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, weighed down by depression, stuck in unhealthy cycles, or simply worn out by the stress of daily life. You might find yourself lying awake at night with racing thoughts, struggling to balance family, work, and personal needs, or questioning your sense of self-worth. My ideal client doesn’t have to have it “all figured out.” What matters most is a willingness to show up, explore, and take small steps toward change. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be open to the process. I’m especially positioned to serve: Adults navigating mood disorders, stress, and life transitions People who want honest, straightforward support rather than sugar-coating Those who have experienced trauma or relational struggles and are ready to rebuild self-worth and healthier connections Clients interested in practical tools (CBT, DBT, problem-solving, mindfulness, solution-focused strategies) they can apply outside of therapy Individuals working to break long-standing cycles—whether in thinking, behavior, or relationships I also bring specialized training that can benefit clients with unique needs: Making Sense of Your Worth (MSoYW): a structured program that helps rebuild positive self-worth and secure attachment. Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT): a step-by-step system designed to strengthen decision-making, responsibility, and healthier life choices. My counseling style is active, honest, and compassionate. Clients often say I’m “a great listener who isn’t afraid to challenge my thoughts.” I take that as the highest compliment—because it means they feel supported and stretched in ways that lead to real growth. If you’re looking for someone who will walk beside you, encourage you, and challenge you when needed, you’re in the right place. Together, we can create a path forward toward the life you want.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Family Conflict

I identify as

Black / African American

Woman

Serves ages

Adults (18 to 64)

Elders (65 and above)

Licensed in

Kansas

Missouri

Nevada

North Dakota

Pennsylvania

Utah

Accepts

Aetna

Aetna - ASR Health Benefits

Aetna - Allied Benefits

Aetna - Luminare

Aetna - Medicare

Aetna - Moda

Aetna - WebTPA

Aetna – HealthEZ

All Savers

Amerihealth Administrators

Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage

Anthem

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Independence Blue Cross

Independence Administrators

Arlo

AvMed

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah

Capital Blue Cross

Capital Blue Cross - Medicare

Cash - $175 per session

Centivo

Cigna

Cigna - HealthEZ

EAP:Cigna

EAP:Evernorth

EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum

Evernorth

GTEB

Geisinger - Commercial

Geisinger - Medicare

Geisinger – Dual (Geisinger Gold HMO D-SNP)

Golden Rule

Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare

HealthPartners

Highmark

Highmark - Medicare

Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare

Humana - Medicare

Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)

Amerihealth

Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO

Independence Keystone 65 HMO

Medica

UnitedHealthcare/Optum

Optum

OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions

Oscar

Oxford

Regence Group Administrators

Surest (formerly Bind)

Tufts Health/Cigna

UPMC Health Plan

United Medical Resources

UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)

UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance

UnitedHealthcare Shared Services

UnitedHealthcare StudentResources

UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare

UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)

Location

Virtual

, 141 ratings

8 ratings with written reviews

July 1, 2026

Kea always gives me a way to see a healthy decision making process to advocate for myself.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 6 with Kea

June 2, 2026

Very pleased with 1st session.

Verified client, age 65+
Review shared after session 1 with Kea

May 7, 2026

I liked she gave me feedback. Listened and assessed. I already assess myself so I like when someone else does and I can tell if they really pay attention and Kea did. I like her & can’t wait to start working.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Kea