Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Independence, MO

Hi. I'm glad you found me!

I have been in the social work field for 30 years working with children and families. I have a BS in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. I've been a social worker since 1995 and a licensed therapist since 2011. I believe it's important to have a safe and comfortable place to process how you are feeling.

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.

Very empathic, resilient, welcoming and non judgmental.

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.

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.

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.