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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Kansas City, MO


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Kansas City, MO
Whether you're navigating early recovery or managing triggers and cravings, Headway's Kansas City-based providers deliver talk therapy and medication management for Substance Use Disorder. Many clients save up to 75% on sessions through insurance coverage.
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.
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.
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.
Life can be challenging from time to time, rather than continuing to struggle reach out and I can help you obtain the necessary skills to be confident in the decisions you make.
My name is Vanessa Cox. I'm the Founder and CEO of Extensive Prevention Intervention Counseling Services (EPICS) LLC, a professional counseling practice, and the Founder and Board Secretary of EPICS J. R. Foundation. The driving force behind my lifework has been a personal mission to live with integrity and make a difference in the lives of others. With over 30 years of clinical and administrative experience,
I am Lisa Travis Johnson, a licensed professional therapist in Missouri with a master’s degree in education and an emphasis in community counseling. I work with clients facing addiction, trauma and abuse, low motivation, self esteem and confidence challenges, anxiety, depression, and gender sensitive concerns, and I strive to meet you exactly where you are with care and respect.
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use in Kansas City, MO



- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 98%Anxiety
- 95%Depression
- 87%Stress management
- 87%Trauma

- 100%Aetna
- 94%Cigna
- 87%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 68%Ascension

- 99%English
- 3%Spanish
- 1%Portuguese

- 79%Online only
- 20%In-person or online

- 71%Woman
- 29%Man

- 57%Licensed Professional Counselor
- 30%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 5%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 5%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 1%Licensed Psychologist

- 99%Individual therapy
- 38%Family therapy
- 34%Couples therapy
- 18%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in Kansas City
Finding addiction therapists in Kansas City starts with looking for care that matches the specific concern you want support for. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, drug use, gambling, compulsive behaviors, cravings, and relapse prevention. Many therapists list experience with approaches like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction, or coordination with medication-assisted care. Some people also choose to work with a prescriber as part of their care team, so reading each therapist’s specialties and approach can help you identify the right fit.
Kansas City offers a range of local options, from in-person appointments near central neighborhoods to virtual therapy across Missouri. Virtual care can also expand access if you want a therapist with specific addiction experience, alcohol support services, or a background that aligns with your preferences. As you compare therapists, look at appointment availability, whether they offer a free phone consultation, and how they describe their communication style. Recovery can involve changes over time, so a non-judgmental therapist with experience in harm reduction or substance use support may be an important factor in your search.
Therapy in Kansas City can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing care easier to plan for. Headway helps you find addiction therapists, many of whom accept insurance, are accepting new patients, and offer upfront cost estimates before you book. You can browse profiles, compare specialties, and schedule directly when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
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