Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Independence, MO covered by Aetna

If you're a new mom feeling more overwhelmed than overjoyed, a teenager who can't quite put your anxiety into words, or a young adult who keeps wondering why everything feels harder than it should — you're in the right place. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, perinatal and postpartum transitions, life stress, and the quieter struggles around identity and self-worth.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience, and I came back to this work because it matters. I've spent most of my career sitting with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, addiction, and the kind of stress that builds quietly over time — the kind most people don't talk about until it becomes unavoidable. I practice telehealth only, which means wherever you are in Missouri, you can access consistent, quality care without rearranging your life. I offer morning, afternoon, and evening appointments — including some Saturdays — because I know life doesn't stop at 5 p.m. My approach is direct and practical. I use evidence-based tools, but I adapt them to what actually works for you specifically. I'm not here just to listen — I'm here to help you move.

Hi, I'm Jessica — and I'm really glad you found your way here.

I've been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2012, and in that time I've had the honor of sitting with people through some of their hardest seasons — anxiety, depression, PTSD, and everything life piles on in between. This work never gets old to me, because every person who walks in brings a story I've never heard before.

One thing I believe deeply: you already know yourself better than anyone. My job isn't to hand you a roadmap — it's to help you trust the one you already carry. I'll follow your lead, meet you where you are, and help you move in the direction you actually want to go.

You came here because something isn't working. Maybe it's the moods that swing without warning, the emotional intensity that keeps spilling into your relationships, anxiety that won't quit, or the weight of something you've been carrying for longer than you should have to. Maybe you've been leaning on substances to get through and know something needs to change.

I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors across Missouri through telehealth, and I specialize

in the kinds of struggles that don't fit neatly into one category: mood disorders, trauma, anxiety

borderline personality, substance use, and relationships under strain.

I am a therapist and strategic behavioral‐health leader with more than a decade of experience supporting youth, families, and adults navigating complex trauma, transition, and systems involvement. My background spans emergency shelter work, foster‐care transition programs, community‐based counseling, and clinical supervision of multidisciplinary teams.

Clients often describe me as steady, collaborative, and deeply attuned to the stories people carry. I bring a trauma‐informed lens to every interaction, honoring the resilience people develop in the face of adversity. My work is shaped by years of program development, crisis intervention, and advocacy for underserved communities — and by a belief that healing grows in environments where people feel seen, safe, and respected.

I believe mental health care should feel collaborative, compassionate, and free of judgment. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, understood, and supported throughout your treatment journey.

I specialize in women's mental health, including anxiety, depression, pregnancy (antepartum), postpartum mental health, life transitions, and the unique emotional challenges women experience across different stages of life. Whether you're preparing for motherhood, adjusting after delivery, balancing career and family, or navigating everyday stress, I strive to provide personalized, evidence-based care tailored to your goals.

My approach is warm, patient-centered, and collaborative. I take the time to understand your story, educate you about your treatment options, and develop a plan that aligns with your values and lifestyle. I believe the best outcomes happen when patients feel empowered to participate in their care and have a provider they can trust.

Hi, I'm Tierra Kinnard, LCSW, and founder of Step by Step Healing Services, LLC. With more than 16 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care. I believe healing begins in a space where you feel safe, heard, and accepted exactly as you are. I specialize in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Excoriation (Skin Picking Disorder), Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder), anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and loss. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including members of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. I understand the profound impact that mental health challenges can have on individuals, families, and relationships, and I am committed to helping clients build resilience, find relief, and create meaningful change.

Hello, I’m Abby Pease, LCSW, QS! As a therapist, I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I bring warmth, energy, and a touch of humor into my work, helping clients navigate challenges while also reminding them that healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion and clarity as you move toward growth and resilience.

I provide warm, high quality mental health care for adults of all ages. My main focus is empowering women and LGBTQ+ adults across the lifespan as they navigate self discovery, relationships, trauma, identity, and major life transitions. Together we will explore what feels confusing, painful, or stuck, and help you move toward greater clarity, self acceptance, and a life that feels more aligned with your values.

I came to train and serve as a counselor after being helped by counseling in my 40s. Sometimes reaching out for help and making changes in life is scary and overwhelming. Sometimes we need support as we navigate these changes. I love to support my clients as they make life-giving changes.