Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Kansas City, MO

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.

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.

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.

I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, substance use challenges, emotional overwhelm, and difficult life transitions. Many of the clients I support feel exhausted from carrying stress, self-doubt, unhealthy coping patterns, or the emotional weight of trying to manage everything on their own.

My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel safe, heard, and respected. Together, we’ll work toward understanding what’s keeping you stuck, strengthening healthier coping skills, and creating meaningful, lasting change that supports your emotional wellbeing and everyday life.

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.

You came here because something isn't working. Maybe it's the moods that swing without warning, the emotional intensity that keeps spilling into your relationships, anxiety that won't quit, or the weight of something you've been carrying for longer than you should have to. Maybe you've been leaning on substances to get through and know something needs to change.

I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors across Missouri through telehealth, and I specialize

in the kinds of struggles that don't fit neatly into one category: mood disorders, trauma, anxiety

borderline personality, substance use, and relationships under strain.