LGBT therapists in Independence, MO

Hello and congratulations for taking the first and sometimes hardest step of looking for a therapist. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of IN, KY LA, MO, NV, TX, WA and WV. I have the great privilege of working with adolescents and adults seeking assistance in improving their overall mental health and associated challenges. I’ve been in the behavioral health arena for over 40 years and have held numerous direct care and clinical leadership roles in a variety of settings. My joy comes from helping people navigate life's challenges.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of South Carolina and Missouri, as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor, AAMFT approved. I have loved working with individuals, couples, and families over the past 15 years of practice!

My name is Luis, and I am an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) based out of San Antonio. I received my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M - San Antonio and have worked in outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization settings. I tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals, drawing from evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and Gestalt techniques when appropriate.

If you're carrying the weight of depression, anxiety, or a past you haven't been able to fully

process, you don't have to figure it out alone. With more than five years as a Licensed Clinical

Social Worker, I work with adults and seniors who are ready to make sense of what they've been

through and start moving toward the life they want to build.

I have a particular passion for working with people navigating mood disorders like bipolar disorder,

trauma and PTSD, and the kind of emotional challenges men often face but rarely talk about. I also

work with couples who want to strengthen their connection before things fall apart.

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 dedicated counselor with a passion for helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and my Master's in Guidance and Counseling from Lincoln University. My career began working with survivors of domestic and sexual assault and, over the years, I have gained diverse experience working in private practice, school-based therapy, community behavioral health, and the prison system.My approach is sex positive, affirming and tailored to your unique needs. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin—just a willingness to explore. I enjoy exploring the Pacific Northwest and spending time with my friends, family and dog.

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.

If you keep finding yourself in the same arguments, the same shutdowns, or the same loop of feeling more reactive than you want to be, you are not broken. There is often a younger version of you driving the bus in those moments. I work with teens, adults, and women navigating relationship strain, family of origin patterns, anxiety, and grief, including the kind that does not involve a death. Clients describe me as warm, steady, and easy to talk to, and they often say I notice what they did not realize they were sharing.

I believe in meeting my clients where they're at. They are the expert in their own story. I'm just here to listen, help process, maybe challenge, and encourage them in their journey. I went to Newman University for my Master's Degree and went on to get my Clinical License. I have worked with varying populations including teens, adults, geriatrics, the prison population, couples counseling, and Christian Counseling. I enjoy working with people who have been through trauma or grief or have experienced anxiety or depression.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Michigan and Missouri with over a decade of experience specializing in mental healthcare and addiction counseling. Additionally, I proudly served 10 active-duty years in the world's greatest U.S. Navy, from where I bring valuable insights as an honorable veteran. In my capacity as a Sailor, I served as both the Command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor and as a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate. Aside from work, I enjoy time with my husband, our 4 wonderful children, and loving on our pug, Miss Pearl.My areas of expertise include assisting clients in managing stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, loss, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, perimenopause, and serious mental illnesses. I specialize in addiction treatment in both substances and pornography/sexual addiction. I believe deeply that you are the expert of your own story, possessing numerous strengths that will empower you to overcome life's challenges.Taking the initial step toward a more fulfilling and purposeful life requires courage. My role is to support you throughout this journey, providing tailored guidance aligned with your individual goals and needs. Together, we will build insights and strategies to enhance your overall sense of purpose and well-being.