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.

If you've spent much of your life feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, different, or exhausted from trying to fit into expectations that don't feel right for you, therapy can offer a space to better understand yourself and build a life that works for who you truly are. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck in cycles of anxiety, OCD, trauma responses, burnout, self-doubt, or emotional overwhelm. Others are navigating ADHD, identity exploration, chronic illness, LGBTQIA+ experiences, relationship challenges, or life transitions and are looking for a place where they can show up authentically without judgment.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I work with adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds, with a special focus on neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQIA+ clients, and those navigating trauma, chronic health concerns, and identity-related challenges. My goal is to help you better understand your experiences, build on your strengths, develop effective coping tools, and create a life that feels more aligned with your values, needs, and sense of self.

Are you tried of doom scrolling? Do your days feel impossibly long? Is it hard to get out of bed? If so, it might be time to consider therapy. Sometimes, having someone walk alongside you with care and intention can help you reconnect with yourself.

Let's start with a 15-minute consultation today.

Arti earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Missouri at Rolla and his master’s in counseling from Webster University. Arti became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2014. Arti has been working within the child welfare world for 24 years and has been part of almost every aspect of the system from preventative services to residential services to investigation of child abuse and neglect. Arti specializes in childhood trauma, trauma of all kinds, and family relationships.

Hello, my name is Amanda Grippi. I am a licensed counselor in both Missouri and Illinois. I earned my Master's degree from Southern Illinois University with a focus in community psychology and I have been in practice for over 20 years. In addition to helping people with Anxiety and Depression, I have advanced training in neurodivergence including ADHD and Autism as well as trauma. I also have extensive experience working with members who identify as LGBTQ+.

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.

As a board certified psychotherapist, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. I've been practicing for 15 years, and my main focus is to help alleviate your pain, whether it be from depression, anxiety, trauma, or dissociation. I've excelled myself in and places great value on serving clients from diverse racial, gender, and sexual backgrounds. I am Deaf and fluent in American Sign Language.

Great to meet you!

I offer a wide range of therapeutic services, including individual therapy for adolescents, and adults. I specialize in creating a supportive environment where clients can explore personal challenges, improve communication, and work toward healthier relationships. My experience extends to school counseling, working with high school students to foster emotional resilience, addressing academic stress, and promoting mental well-being. I facilitate group sessions, providing participants with a collaborative space to connect with peers and developing coping strategies for navigating life’s challenges.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University and 18 years of experience in behavioral health and addiction services. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals facing substance use challenges, mental health concerns, life transitions, and personal struggles that can leave people feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from who they want to be.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing addiction, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, men's issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, relationship challenges, trauma, and major life transitions. I am passionate about helping clients discover their strengths, develop healthier coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I believe that healing happens when people feel accepted, understood, and supported. My goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment where clients can explore their experiences without judgment. No matter how difficult things may feel today, I believe there is hope for growth, healing, and recovery.

As a fully licensed therapist for 4+ years Ashley has had experience working with a wide range of clients. Recently she has begun to focus on women's health, ADHD and those with addiction issues.