Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Columbia, MO

Congratulations on beginning this journey, you're exactly where you need to be. I'm Ada Petty, LPC, dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and understanding. I hold a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Webster University and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. With over 8 years of experience, I specialize in supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment related challenges.

Great to meet you!

I offer a wide range of therapeutic services, including individual therapy for adolescents, and adults. I specialize in creating a supportive environment where clients can explore personal challenges, improve communication, and work toward healthier relationships. My experience extends to school counseling, working with high school students to foster emotional resilience, addressing academic stress, and promoting mental well-being. I facilitate group sessions, providing participants with a collaborative space to connect with peers and developing coping strategies for navigating life’s challenges.

Hi, and welcome to my space! I have been in the mental health field for over 19years. I am so elated to grow alongside you as change is inevitable, so is my desire to evolve. I have a primary focus on Trauma, Self-Injurious behaviors, and Suicidality; but have experience with working with family/ marital issues and those who struggle with depression and anxiety. While these are my focus areas, I am well versed in others as my training within coursework, and direct supervision has given me the opportunity to support many others.

I have over 15 years of experience as a therapist after receiving a Master's Degree at the University of Missouri. In 2011, I went through extensive training to become EMDR certified. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as addiction counseling. In March of 2025 I became certified in grief counseling.

I am passionate about guiding my clients toward their goals with warmth and non-judgement. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each individual and strive to strike a balance between helping someone understand the "why" and the "how" throughout therapy. Asking why did I come to be here; what have I been doing that isn't working anymore and how can I go about change? Pain, whether relational or within work-life can be an invitation to make the changes necessary to grow. I believe that growth toward a successful and healthy future is possible with deeper understanding of one's past and taking steps toward change.

I have interests and experience in serving adult clients who have experienced a trauma in the past, relational loss, anxiety/depression, abuse, career challenges and addiction. My training in EMDR and Internal Family Systems have helped me as I come alongside those who have experienced various types of trauma. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which offers practical tools for change.

If you are looking for a warm therapist who will gently challenge you to take a look at your situation through fresh eyes, I can help. Everyone experiences pain in life. Sometimes all we need is for someone to walk alongside us for a season.