OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions Therapists in Missouri

Hi, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Missouri. I completed my Masters at Mercer University Atlanta and have been practicing for 6 years. I believe everyone deserves to live a life that is fulfilling and meaningful. I help adults find clarity and calm to build a life that feels more aligned with who they really are.

As the Founder of Coyote Hill (coyotehill.org) I have worked with foster children and families in crisis for over 33 years. After retiring as CEO in 2021, I have opened my own private practice. In a world that often demands us to mask our struggles, having a space where your feelings are validated, and your experiences are understood can be transformative. Your story matters, and I am here to listen, understand, and help you write the next chapter—one where you feel empowered and at peace. Together, we can explore the possibilities that lie ahead and take steps towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. We can't undo the past, but we can work together to get to a place where you can finish well.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have dedicated my career to supporting teens and adolescents since 2014. I find it incredibly rewarding to help young people navigate the complexities of their lives and overcome the challenges they face. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices. I am committed to helping my clients discover their strengths and create meaningful change in their lives.

Doctor Vehec is a counseling psychologist. As a therapist in the Veterans Administration’s Vet Center program for fifteen years, he was one of the first qualified second-level screeners for the James A. Haley VA Hospital Poly-trauma Unit, (one of four in the country) where he gained invaluable experience working with our most severely neurologically traumatized veterans. Dr. Vehec studied neuroscience under the preeminent neuro-psychologist Dr. Eugene Tootle at Barry University. Dr. Vehec was the chairman of the Board for a Charter School specializing in Specific Learning Disabled children in grades K-8. During this time he championed numerous Brain Based learning programs, i.e. Brain Boost exercises®, Audio Visual Entrainment, and the Interactive Metronome® program. Dr. Vehec is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Florida Mental Health Counseling Association, and the Milton Erickson Foundation. Dr. Vehec has an established Sports and Entertainment psychology practice. He was the Team psychologist for the Orlando Predators and the Kansas City Phantoms, both were professional Arena Football teams. He provided the coaching staff and players training on brain-based learning exercises designed to improve balance and enhance physical and mental performance. He designed treatment plans to assist players with their post-concussion recovery. Dr. Vehec works with PGA Professionals. One of whom was a contestant on “The Big Break” and continues on the professional tour. He is a consultant for the NFLPA of Central Florida. He co-organized the first neurological symposium for the NFL & NFLPA players before the Pro Bowl in Orlando. Dr. Vehec believes that from concussion to Alzheimer’s and Dementia there is hope that a therapy or exercise program exists which can help to improve one’s quality of life. Dr. Vehec’s favorite expression is “Never let anyone tell you what your limitations are.”

Meet Peggy Dunn, LPC, CLC, CFMHC Mindset Mentor. Emotional Eating Coach & Mental Health Therapist. For over 15 years, I’ve guided ambitious, high-achieving women through anxiety, stress, PTSD, depression, and emotional eating. Using my signature Release It Now!™ 5-Step Process, I help clients heal from the inside out — restoring peace, self-worth, confidence, and emotional resilience. I believe that when you heal the emotional roots beneath your behaviors, lasting freedom follows. How I Help: The Release and Heal It Now!™ 5-Step Process This isn’t a quick fix. It’s a proven, structured, and compassionate method to help you identify, heal, and release the underlying causes of your emotional and behavioral struggles — creating room for a healthier, happier you. 1️⃣ REVEAL: Uncover What’s Really Going On Anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, and emotional eating are symptoms of deeper emotional wounds and unhelpful thought patterns. 2️⃣ RELEASE: Let Go of Limiting Beliefs and Emotional Blocks This creates space for healthier beliefs and habits to take root. 3️⃣ REPROGRAM: Reshape Your Thoughts, Rewire Your Reactions Your brain can be retrained. In this phase, we’ll install new, empowering thought patterns and coping strategies. 4️⃣ RESTORE: Build Sustainable, Healthy Habits Healing isn’t just mental — it’s physical and emotional too. Together, we’ll create simple, sustainable habits. 5️⃣ REJOICE: Celebrate Progress, Foster Gratitude, Live Joyfully Recovery isn’t linear — it’s about progress, not perfection.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated with my Master's Degree from Saint Louis University. I have worked with clients who have moderate to severe mental health symptoms for over 20 years. I enjoy challenging clients to get outside their comfort zone so I can assist them in creating a meaningful life. I use ACT, CBT and psychoeducation to give clients the tools they need to meet their goals and improve their lives.

Hello, I’m Rachel Williamson, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience in mental health. I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, life transitions, and complex emotional challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. I hold bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. My clinical approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma, and I also integrate , Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and Experiential Therapy to meet each client’s unique needs. My background includes working with individuals facing substance use issues, chronic mental health, and those battling life changes. I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to grow, heal, and move forward.

Have you found yourself wondering how your life has turned out this way? Do you feel stuck in your current circumstances? My practice is focused on providing support to adults from all walks of life who are facing challenges. My 9 years of experience in private practice, inpatient substance use facilities, and community mental health treatment centers allows me to recognize that therapy is not "one size fits all". You will leave our sessions feeling understood and with a plan for your future based on your personal goals and dreams.

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor serving clients in Illinois and Missouri, with over 14 years of experience. My goal is simple: to create a comfortable space to feel at ease and make meaningful changes in your life. Whether you’re going through a tough time or want to understand yourself better, we’ll work together at your own pace. I believe everyone has the potential to grow and thrive with the right support, and I’m here to help you build the life you envision for yourself. I believe in using methods that have been proven to work while making sure the approach fits you perfectly. We’ll start with tried-and-true techniques like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy to build a strong foundation. Think of it as creating your personal toolbox of skills and strategies you can use both in and outside our sessions. Science shows us something really interesting: being kinder to ourselves and practicing mindfulness can transform how we handle life’s challenges. These practices help rewire our brains, making us more resilient and better equipped to handle stress. They can even help heal old hurts that might be holding you back. I love seeing my clients discover their inner strength and potential. Together, we’ll find the best combination of techniques that work for you – whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, handle stress better, or simply feel more at peace with yourself. We’ll go at your pace, building on what works and adjusting what doesn’t. The best therapy is both practical and personal. While I use approaches backed by research, your unique needs, and goals will always shape our work together.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Illinois. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings. Life comes with many challenges and we often find ourselves overwhelmed by what has come our way. Together we can identify concerns and find ways to move through life challenges. Through exploring and learning ways to manage emotions, I feel there are opportunities for growth. I believe it is important to identify individual strengths and will guide you towards positive self worth. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term counseling, I will work with you to achieve a greater self-fulfillment.

Hi there! I am a licensed therapist and have been in the field for 30 years. I have a doctorate in Philosophy with a focus of Psychology. I specialize in personality disorders, anger management, and trauma. My passion is working with adults that present with an array of issues including but not limited to anger, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and criminal behavior. I have a lengthy background with couple counseling, effective communication, and narcissistic abuse.

Finding a therapist you can identify with, feeling heard & accepted can be a challenging feat. Therapists are not one size fits all. We are people with problems, just like you. I offer you over 20 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse treatment world. I have an undergraduate degree in psychology (2001) and a graduate degree (2006) in professional counseling. With working 10 of those years in a hospital setting, I also have a decent handle on possible medical issues you might need to be referred for. After more life experience, I became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2016 and opened my private practice. I can't tell you all the answers to life's problems, but together we can come to what the best decision will be for you in particular. Your goals and values are worth exploring. Your likes and dislikes matter. Your happiness is not selfish.

Chris Elliott is a licensed clinical social worker with more than a decade of experience in providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. His clinical approach integrates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness based interventions. Chris focuses on helping clients build psychological flexibility, process trauma, and align their actions with personal values to foster meaningful, lasting change.

Hello, I am Christina Sharp. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Missouri and went on to get my clinical license (LCSW). I reside in Missouri and I am licensed in Missouri, Nevada, Illinois and Massachusetts. I have worked for clinics and have seen clients in-person, via telehealth, and in-home. I now have my own private practice and see client's via telehealth. I am a wife and a mother to an amazing young daughter, who I love to spend my off time with. I am also an animal lover with three of my own; my 8yr old dog Phoenix, and my litter-mate 11yr old cats Radar and Ziva. My self-care includes spending time out in nature with my family, including getting my hands dirty in my garden. I enjoy reading and spending quality time with my young child. Over the winter months, I also enjoy crocheting and learning new skills.

My name is Chiwoo, and I'm a licensed professional counselor (LPC) serving clients in Missouri and Florida. I support individuals who tend to overthink and prioritize others' needs, helping them find relief and improve their well-being. By integrating evidence-based therapy with a compassionate approach, I help dismantle unhealthy thought patterns and equip clients with practical tools they can use immediately.

I'm Barry Johnson, a licensed therapist serving Missourians throughout the state. I help clients navigate relationships, life transitions, career/school problems, age & health concerns, parenting frustrations and more. As a former therapist at the U.S. Army and Veterans Affairs, I helped service members with their mental health journeys. Whether it was combat trauma from Iraq or marital troubles at home, I provided a space to heal. Today in my private practice, I'd be honored to put that experience to work for you.

Hello, I'm Adrienne. Are you struggling with sadness, low motivation and anxiousness? Do you feel pulled in a million directions, and feel unable to fit it all in? I empower high performers to overcome the burden of anxiety, low motivation and burnout. I use a mix of evidence-based therapy models to get to the root of your struggles. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back in balance. Whether you are dealing with overwhelm or the cycles of anxiety and depression. I am here to help. Seeking therapy can be scary but you are making the right choice. You deserve a safe place to heal and grow. In our sessions, I'll meet you with compassion and create a space free from judgment so you can overcome the hangups and habits that are holding you back. Let's work together!

I am a mom, wife, friend and therapist. I am passionate about caring for people and meeting them where they are. I use a variety of therapy modalities to care for clients and find that it's best to sit with my clients and understand their needs and goals and then come up with a plan together. I have been a therapist for 7 years and love what I do. I have my Masters in Counseling from Covenant Seminary.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Missouri. I earned my Master's Degree from Simmon's University in Boston, MA and have been practicing for over 4 years. I work with teenagers and adults who are coping with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and self-esteem issues. I have also spent a number of years working as a Medical Social Worker and are able to help clients and caregivers through complext medical journies.

I love being horribly straightforward with my clients. Coming to therapy can be uncomfortable, but the pay-offs are often life-changing. My passion is to help clients experience healing, balance, peace, and empowerment using holistic and integrative psychotherapy. Realizing that everyone’s mental health needs are unique, I specialize in providing tailored treatment plans that incorporate the latest evidence-based treatment methods with your specific objectives in seeking counseling. I am committed to working with you to see the results you wish to achieve in therapy. Besides my graduate studies, I have additional training/focus on anxiety, depression, and trauma based therapies and I use a variety of interventions to meet your personal needs/issues. I have also focused my post-graduate studies on positive psychology, holistic methods, and integrated therapies. Use me!! Work with me to use my skills/knowledge to meet your objectives to live a better life.

Welcome. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 22yrs of experience working with individuals from all walks of life, and I love working with individuals in helping them with life challenges and barriers to their happiness and living their best life. My strengths include being a good listener, starting where the client is in their life, helping them to change the things that no longer serve them well.

Hi! My name is Shellie and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri. I received my Masters from Webster University in Myrtle Beach, SC and have been practicing for a little over 6 years. I help adults who are struggling with anxiety and depression walk through their pain and come out the other side a better version of themselves.

I believe in working collaboratively with you to help you define the tools needed to overcome obstacles, deescalate situations, make better choices and negotiate positive outcomes to be the best you can be. My goal is to help you grow, regain peace, joy and healing in your life by providing nonjudgmental counseling, partnership, empathy, encouragement and support to achieve wellness.

I’m currently living in Missouri with my wonderful husband, our lovable dog, and two very sassy cats. As a military spouse and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families through life’s many challenges. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Alaska and went on to complete my Master of Social Work at the University of Maine. With over 20 years of experience as a therapist, I’m passionate about helping others find healing, growth, and resilience.

Hello, my name is Peggy Bissing and I am licensed professional counselor in Texas, Missouri and Alaska. I am a licensed chemical dependency counselor in the state of Texas and Mental Behavioral Telehealth Counselor in Idaho. I have often told my client's that my soul's purpose on earth is to prevent suffering and to help people live happier lives. I am excited to assist you on your healing journey.