LGBT therapists in Columbia, MO

Life can feel like too much: too many demands, too many pressures, too little space to

just breathe. Whether you are navigating anxiety, trauma, a big life change, or a

nagging sense that something needs to shift, I am here to help you find your footing. I

bring warmth, humor, and a genuine belief that therapy works best when it feels

human. My background spans schools, community health, substance recovery, and a

psychiatric hospital, so whatever you are carrying, I have likely walked alongside

someone carrying it too. If you are curious about what it would feel like to work

together, let us find out.

I specialize in treating anxiety, OCD, stress, and life transitions. My approach is warm, non-judgmental, and goal-focused. Therapy for anxiety is effective when people learn to gain control and understanding of their condition while receiving care that incorporates evidenced-based practices. Together, we'll identify your strengths and create a plan that aligns with your goals and values.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe therapy should meet you where you are while also helping you move toward where you want to be. I often compare therapy to going to the gym: it is dedicated time to strengthen the way you understand and respond to your thoughts, emotions, relationships and behaviors.

My approach is warm, direct and collaborative. You can expect empathy, compassion and acceptance, along with thoughtful questions and practical strategies that help you make meaningful changes. Your needs, experiences and goals will guide our work together.

I support adults and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, addiction, relationship challenges and major life transitions. I also have experience working with concerns related to sexual orientation, identity, suicide prevention, family dynamics and professional stress.

You do not have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. We can start with what is happening right now and work together from there.

You're navigating something hard right now, whether that's anxiety, depression, grief, a major life transition, or stress that just won't let up. You don't have to figure it out alone. I'm Joseph, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience helping people move through uncertainty with confidence. My work is grounded in a simple belief: when we accept change and prepare for it thoughtfully, we transform it from a source of crisis into an opportunity for growth .

I work with adults who are managing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, chronic illness, caregiving stress, and life transitions such as divorce, retirement, or career shifts. I aim to create a calm, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where you can be honest about how you’re doing—without feeling like you have to have it all figured out. My goal is not to tell you who to be, but to walk alongside you as you clarify what you want your life to look like and take steps toward it at a pace that feels right for you.

Sometimes life changes in ways you never expected. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, the transition into parenthood, or the emotional demands of caring for others, it's easy to lose sight of yourself while trying to keep everything together. You don't have to face those challenges alone. For more than 20 years, I've partnered with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, women's issues, and trauma, helping them build resilience, strengthen relationships, and rediscover hope during life's most difficult seasons. Working with children, adolescents, and adults, I strive to create a compassionate, supportive space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and empowered to move toward lasting healing.

I am a therapist that is focused on helping people with sex and sexuality issues. I am currently a member of AASECT (American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors , and Therapists. I am open minded, solution-oriented, and compassionate towards clients.

I care about real connection, steady progress, and creating a space where you can show up as yourself. I’ve spent years helping people sort through heavy thoughts, navigate big life changes, and rebuild a sense of direction. I won't rush you or force you into a mold, I help you understand what matters to you and take the steps to move towards it. I'm happy to be the calm, steady guide who will walk alongside you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in both inpatient psychiatric settings and outpatient therapy. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Missouri State University, where I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based, client-centered care.

My background includes working with individuals across a range of needs, from acute crisis stabilization to ongoing therapeutic support. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, self-harm, anger, aggression, and oppositional defiant behaviors. I am also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which I frequently use to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while building practical coping strategies.