Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Independence, MO

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.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel difficult, but you don’t have to navigate challenging seasons alone. I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience supporting adolescents and adults through anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship and family concerns.

As a Certified Grief Educator, I have a particular passion for helping people navigate grief and loss. I understand that grief is not linear and that everyone experiences loss differently. Together, we can create a supportive, compassionate space where you can process your emotions, make sense of your experiences, and find ways to move forward while honoring the people and relationships you’ve lost.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and individualized. I use evidence-based strategies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and DBT-informed coping skills, along with practical tools you can use in everyday life. We may also focus on emotional regulation, communication, boundaries, coping strategies, and building confidence.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, adjusting to a major life transition, working through relationship concerns, or trying to find your way through grief, therapy can provide a place to feel heard, supported, and understood. I would be honored to support you along the way.

I have been practicing for 17 years, primarily seeing adults and senior citizens. I operate from a person-centered, emotionally-focused basis. You are the expert on your life, and my goal is to help you with that. I utilize experiential and psychodramatic techniques.. These methods allow for role plays and visualizations. Such techniques increase your ability to get more deeply in touch with your issues and see situations clearly. When you reenact what happens at home, in the safety of the therapy office, solutions become clear and your voice becomes strong.

Therapy can be a powerful space for support, insight, and meaningful change. With more than 20 years of experience, I work with clients across the lifespan, including those in the "sandwich generation," older adults, caregivers, and people facing serious illness. I help individuals navigate complex family dynamics, work and health stressors, and major life transitions. A central focus of my work is helping clients communicate more effectively in the relationships that matter most-with partners, parents, adult children, and siblings-and break the patterns that keep important conversations stuck.

I am drawn to matters of the heart, the deep questions we ask, how we find meaning, move through pain, and become more free. My own healing through relationships, therapy, spirituality, expressive arts, and body movement led me to become a therapist. I completed my MA in Couples and Family Therapy from Seattle University in 2019, opened my private practice in 2021, and have trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy for 6 years. I also bring experience as a yoga instructor, doula trainee, and spiritual seeker.

Parenting a child with special needs—especially a neurodivergent child—can be both rewarding and challenging. I’m here to support parents and caregivers with warmth, understanding, and practical tools so you can feel more confident and supported in your role.

I currently provide individual therapy to children in a school setting and have spent years working in foster care, adoption, and residential treatment. As a former foster parent and respite provider, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the unique experiences families navigate while caring for children with special needs. I also started a support group in my community to support caregivers, inspired by both my professional experience and my own parenting journey.

In addition, I have spent years helping employees and volunteers in non-profit fields navigate self-care, compassion fatigue, and responses to burnout.

I work with adolescents, adults, and couples and specialize in supporting clients facing addiction, anxiety, and depression. My goal is to help people grow through practical tools, self-awareness, and renewed hope.

I bring years of experience using evidence-based therapies to support meaningful change. Whether you’re navigating a major life shift, struggling with motivation, or working through long-standing challenges, I’m here to meet you where you are and walk alongside you as you move forward.

I am a clinically licensed therapist who works with teens and adults. I support clients who are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, depression, emotional regulation, relationship stress, life transitions, and self esteem concerns. I aim to create a space that feels warm, genuine, and safe. I believe therapy does not have to feel intimidating to be effective, and I often use appropriate humor to help clients feel more comfortable while doing meaningful work.

Dr. John has more than thirty years experience in counseling ministry, including fifteen years in military chaplaincy, in both Active Duty and Reserves, including combat tour of duty in Iraq; He holds a Masters of Arts in Theological Studies, a Masters of Divinity, specializing in Pastoral Counseling, and a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Counseling. John & Terri have been married 30+ years and have five children.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and clinical experience in both civilian and military settings. Over the years, I’ve supported individuals facing trauma, anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and identity concerns.

I’ve worked as a therapist in outpatient settings, private practice, and as a behavioral health provider within the Missouri Army National Guard. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, EMDR-informed approaches, CBT, and strengths-based therapy.

I support clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, relationship strain, and transitions. I take pride in creating a grounded, non-judgmental environment where you can explore what you’re facing and develop strong, sustainable coping skills.

Stephanie Barkley graduated from Saint Louis University with a doctorate in medical family therapy. She has been practicing for 15+ years. She uses modalities that deconstruct patterns preventing you from reaching your full potential. Her counseling sessions will help you reconnect with yourself and the present moment and make yourself and your relationships priorities again.