Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Columbia, MO covered by Cigna

I’ve spent 20 years in mental and behavioral health because I believe people are capable of more than they realize, even when things feel heavy. What draws me to this work is sitting with someone in the middle of a hard season and watching them find their footing again.

I earned my undergraduate degree from Southwest Baptist University and my Master’s in Counseling from Missouri State University. I also pursued doctoral-level studies at Roberts Wesleyan College. My clinical background spans forensic psychology, psychological testing, relationships, and sexual health, which has given me a broad foundation for working with a wide range of people and challenges.

I work with individuals, couples, and families across Missouri, all sessions virtual. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, eating disorders, OCD, bipolar disorder, maternal mental health, relationship challenges, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.

My practice is a space where all of who you are is welcome, whether that includes your faith, your identity, or both.

If I had to describe my style in a few words: warm, direct, and judgment-free.

I specialize in treatment of psychosis, anxiety, and depression. I completed my counseling degree at the University of Missouri in St. Louis in 2021 and am currently working towards a doctorate in psychology through Ponce Health Sciences University. I have worked for inpatient hospitals for two years and in private practice before that. Currently, I am working in a jail setting for competency restoration services.

I believe every person deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. With more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing a wide range of challenges. I earned my Master's Degree in Community Counseling from Pittsburg State University and am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor II.

Throughout my career, I have worked in juvenile and adult justice systems, drug courts, schools, and community behavioral health settings. These experiences have given me a broad understanding of the many factors that influence emotional well-being and personal growth. I work with concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, anger management, substance use, relationship challenges, and adolescent behavioral issues. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their concerns and building a healthier, more fulfilling life.

I have a personal trauma history and rather than have it “define” me, it has “refined” me. The mercy I received from my God and my wife, is the mercy that I freely give. I specialize in treating individuals who have experienced all manner of trauma. Although I am trained in several modes of therapy, CPT, EMDR, TFCBT, CBTSP, and TANT, I am a phenomenological person centered Rogerian therapist with an eclectic style, as no single mode of therapy can help every individual. It is genuine transparency (transporting you into me), Intimacy (into me I let you see), vulnerability, empathy, validation, and heart invested relationships that give people the desire, courage, strength, ability, will, hope, and belief to change / grow / heal. I have 40 plus years of therapy experience with individuals, couples, and groups. I have spent the last 40 years working with the most vulnerable members of society, striving for justice and peace on their behalf. I wholeheartedly believe that individuals change through the power and influence of love and unconditional positive regard. Every problem in the world is a relational problem and genuine empathy, love, and compassion are the instruments of healing. Just as many people have been damaged by key, primary relationships, one experiences healing through safe, trusting, loving relationships and I’ve devoted my life to being a healer.