Optum Therapists in Missouri

Hello, I am Cindy! Being a therapist, is more than just a career for me it is a passion. I have been working in the substance use and mental health field for 10 + years. I feel that therapy can be beneficial for all even therapist themselves. I’m looking forward to meeting with you and supporting you on your journey toward recovery. You have taken the first step which can be the biggest struggle looking into finding help. I am proud of anyone who does tha.

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.

am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri. I received my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2009. In 2013, I received my M.A. in Counseling from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. I have worked in the mental health field for over 14 years and have been a licensed professional counselor for 11 of those years. I am a wife and mother who is passionate about enriching the lives of people who struggle with showing up for themselves daily especially as it pertains to self-care and mental health.

The world has only one you, and you were made to SHINE! Like an athletic coach, I apply my considerable training, experience, and creativity to help you carve out the steps to get from where you are to where you want to be, providing you support, accountability, and structure along the way. I provide coaching to individuals, families, and organizations facing a variety of challenges both in the US and around the world. As a licensed counselor, I also understand that sometimes we're just trying to keep our heads above water. For my counseling clients, I provide support and feedback to help them strengthen areas of their identity and process places of pain so that they can move through to healing. My seminary training and clinical experience equipped me with expertise in both theology and psychology for an integrated approach to total wellness. I look forward to having an ongoing helping relationship in a mobile culture so that, wherever life takes you, I am available to walk alongside you.

Hello and welcome to your mental health therapy journey. You’re about to embark on a meaningful path of self-discovery, growth, and healing. I would be honored to walk alongside you. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with a deep passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges and uncover their inner strengths. Long before I earned my credentials, I have always felt I was a counselor. Formal training only deepened my understanding and sharpened my skills. Outside the therapy room, I’m a storyteller at heart and a collector of hobbies many of which involve craft projects I’ve enthusiastically started (and occasionally forgotten). I bring creativity, curiosity, and compassion into my practice, and I look forward to supporting you as you explore what it means to thrive.

I'm a retired, decorated Air Force combat veteran. I graduated from Washington University St Louis, earning a Master of Science in Social Work with an emphasis in Social Entrepreneurship. ​I have years of experience as a therapist working with the military, veterans, and various populations. I've worked as a subject matter expert in wellness programs such as suicide prevention, substance abuse, alcohol and drug abuse, and smoking cessation. I was a certified resiliency trainer and instructor for over 15 years. 

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.

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.

My personal experiences with significant life changes and medical trauma have fueled my passion for helping others as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Grief Counselor. My approach is rooted in empathy and authenticity. I specialize in helping you build a deeper relationship with yourself so you can heal from the past and step into a more authentic life. My commitment is to create a safe space where you can learn to love, honor, and appreciate yourself, even in the midst of your most difficult challenges.

I believe that every person possesses the inner strength and resources needed to find happiness and healing. As a transgender woman, I understand both the internal and external forces that can stir self-doubt, amplify fear, and lead to deep feelings of loneliness and uncertainty. I also know—through both personal and professional experience—that self-acceptance and joy are not only possible, but also within reach. Science consistently shows that those who seek support often find meaningful relief and lasting change. I bring to my practice a mindfulness-based approach grounded in compassion, presence, and affirmation. My work is especially focused on serving the LGBTQAI+ community, though I warmly welcome anyone seeking an empathic, nonjudgmental partner in their journey toward a more fulfilling life. In addition to my clinical work, I have served as an adjunct and visiting professor at Washington University in St. Louis, and as professor and dean of the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. My academic and clinical experiences have always been deeply interconnected, and both continue to inform my commitment to human dignity, resilience, and transformation.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I love supporting folks in their healing journey. I've been a therapist to adults 18 and older since 2014. My preference is for meeting clients in person, though also meet virtually when appropriate. I have a big heart for social justice concerns and bring that energy to my work. Personally, I take great joy in singing with CHARIS, the St. Louis Women's Chorus.

Does this sound familiar- today is the day! Today is the day that you are finally going to get organized, stop contacting your toxic ex or start that self care routine you've been thinking about for months. And you start off great but find it hard to keep those new behaviors going. Your mental résistance enters and you feel stuck. Stuck in damaging behaviors and problematic patterns. And the pattern starts again. So here's what I've learned along the way: 1. Transformation is not linear. 2. Transformation is a daily event. 3. You are your own best healer. I am here to help you on your path of transformation and healing. My goal is to create a safe space for you to be authentically you. You are the expert on your life and I am here to help you expand on your strengths as well as hold you accountable for reaching your goals. I have been a licensed Social Worker since 2007 and am both a certified grief counselor and an ADHD services professional. Are you ready to do the work? Consistent, small, daily choices can help you get from where you are to where you want to be. And I am here to help you in that process. I am currently offering telehealth in KS, MO, NC and TN. Reach out to take that first step. We can get there together.

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.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 19 years of behavioral health experience across various clinical, managed care, and military family settings. I am skilled in case management, utilization review, crisis intervention, and therapeutic services for diverse populations. I am a proven licensed mental health professional with supervisory experience in Medicaid MCOs, and a consistent track record of delivering quality care through evidence-based practices.

A Christian Counselor who counsels with an open Bible during the session. I serve individuals grappling with intrusive negative thoughts, shame, and guilt from past decisions and the lack of clarity about their God-given purpose. Do you experience emotional breakdowns, increased stress, and sleepless nights? Do you often fight to quiet or chase away the persistent inner thoughts/voices? It can be down-right SCARY as uncontrollable anxiety and spiritual uncertainty set in, leaving you to wonder, “Where is God?” “Why is this happening to me?” and crying out, “I just want it to stop!” When positive self-talk, distraction, and deep breathing are not working, you need to find a different kind of therapy. Christian counseling, which utilizes Biblical instructions from God, focuses on dealing with all aspects of mental health. The Bible is true, and scientific discoveries continue to support what God has been telling us. Let's remove the distracting emotional states of worry, fear, and pain so you can focus on life. You can engage in enjoyable activities again with doubt or apprehension. If you are done with all the annoying, catastrophizing negative thoughts that keep you from enjoying life or rob you of sleep at night, I want to encourage you - you don’t have to live this way. Reach out to me TODAY. I offer a FREE 20-minute CONSULTATION if you still have questions. Start experiencing peace and joy today!

For over 15 years, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside people through some of the most challenging and meaningful moments of their lives. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri, my role is not to “fix” anyone — it’s to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences, reconnect with your inner strength, and create the changes that matter most to you. I believe that healing doesn’t always come from having the right answers — sometimes, it begins with the right questions, honest reflection, and the courage to show up just as you are.

Hi! My name is Shellie and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri. I received my Masters from Webster University and have been practicing for a little over 6 years. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, or the lasting effects of trauma and PTSD, you don’t have to face it alone. My goal is to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions, gain insight, and build skills to move forward with confidence.

Manifesting hope & living life with meaningfulness doesn't have to be journeyed alone! I have over 16 years of experience in individual and family therapy. I have experience with clients from diverse cultures, faith, life transition phases, and career backgrounds. I recognize the importance of meeting clients where they are and have seen success in ensuring that my treatment approach incorporates humility and being inquisitive about set-backs and progress. I incorporate humor when appropriate and may sometimes ask hard-questions when patterns of difficulty arise.

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.”

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Texas and Missouri. I received a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Webster University and I have been practicing for many years. I'm also currently achieving a doctorate degree in Forensic Psychology as well. I help children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and many more.

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.

Hi ~ I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Tennessee; I have been licensed for 13+ years. My focus is to help people learn how to manage anxiety and depression so as to live a more fulfilling life. I will provide resources, teach skills, and provide encouragement to help make changes. We will collaborate to make a plan for long term success.

Hello there, I'm Shannon Loos-Vankawala, LPCC. If you're feeling overwhelmed and dissatisfied in life right now, you are not alone! I work with clients to improve: anxiety, depression, adjustment/transitions, burn out, relationships and dating, trauma, self-esteem/confidence, self-care, coping skills, and more. In order to best help, I use a person-centered, strength-based approach to help clients organize their thoughts, navigate behavior patterns and obstacles, and clarify steps toward their unique goals. I help clients to explore what might be holding them back, and uncover a way forward that is filled with acceptance and balance. My overall approach is one of creativity and trust in YOU at the present moment. When you are ready, go ahead and reach out. We can get through the struggle together.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) based in Indiana. I am also licensed in Missouri. I received my Master's from Purdue University and have been practicing for 22 years. I help teenagers and adults with addictions, couples issues, depression, anxiety, sexual difficulties, like infidelity and porn addiction, as well as many other areas.

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.