Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Independence, MO

Welcome!

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and have been practicing 5 years. I’m a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist who values authenticity and connection. I treat client's age 5 and up with a variety of mental health disorders.

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.

My name is Elizabeth Penniston, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a degree from Saint Louis University. Throughout my academic journey, I dedicated myself to gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which led me to complete my practicum and supervision at a respected Domestic Violence organization. This experience has allowed me to work closely with individuals who have faced challenging and complex situations, further enhancing my skills in trauma-informed care, advocacy, and therapeutic support.

I am deeply committed to providing compassionate and effective mental health care, utilizing evidence-based practices, and fostering a safe environment for my clients. My work has instilled in me a profound understanding of the unique needs of those affected by domestic violence and the importance of empowering individuals as they navigate their healing journey.

My name is Vanessa Cox. I'm the Founder and CEO of Extensive Prevention Intervention Counseling Services (EPICS) LLC, a professional counseling practice, and the Founder and Board Secretary of EPICS J. R. Foundation. The driving force behind my lifework has been a personal mission to live with integrity and make a difference in the lives of others. With over 30 years of clinical and administrative experience,

I am Lisa Travis Johnson, a licensed professional therapist in Missouri with a master’s degree in education and an emphasis in community counseling. I work with clients facing addiction, trauma and abuse, low motivation, self esteem and confidence challenges, anxiety, depression, and gender sensitive concerns, and I strive to meet you exactly where you are with care and respect.

I believe everyone has the capacity to grow, heal, and create meaningful change in their lives. I work with adults navigating alcohol and substance abuse, trauma, depression, stress, and relationship challenges in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where they feel safe being fully themselves.

Many of the clients I support feel emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed by stress, disconnected in relationships, or stuck in unhealthy coping patterns. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, strengthen emotional resilience, and move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.