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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.
I am curious and validating, providing a nurturing environment to talk openly and honestly about your struggles, strengths, weaknesses, needs, likes, and dislikes. I love helping people explore their unique and particular powers as well as how these powers impact their world and their relationships. As a passionate supporter of those who have been through unjust or otherwise traumatic experiences--including those experiencing discrimination based upon race or gender identity or sexual orientation--I am particularly interested in helping people gain skills for dealing with, and making sense of, the remnants of their pasts.
Having completed Bessel Van der Kolk's Trauma Research Foundation's Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies in early 2025, I have a strong foundational understanding of the most cutting edge approaches to treating trauma. I am also comfortable using a combination of approaches, including Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I received an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, a psychodynamically focused program, after which I completed Bryn Mawr's certificate program in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have also completed 1 year of Gestalt Therapy training and the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Immersion Program.
As an LCSW, my training emphasized the role of social environment--from the family to society at large--in how we construct our narratives, enabling me to help you make sense of what in your life is yours to own and what is a product of your environment.
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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.
As a nationally certified, Licensed Professional Counselor who has been practicing for over 16 years in Missouri and 26 years overall in the field of mental health, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. My goal is to provide you with a safe place to feel seen and heard.
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.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience, and I came back to this work because it matters. I've spent most of my career sitting with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, addiction, and the kind of stress that builds quietly over time — the kind most people don't talk about until it becomes unavoidable. I practice telehealth only, which means wherever you are in Missouri, you can access consistent, quality care without rearranging your life. I offer morning, afternoon, and evening appointments — including some Saturdays — because I know life doesn't stop at 5 p.m. My approach is direct and practical. I use evidence-based tools, but I adapt them to what actually works for you specifically. I'm not here just to listen — I'm here to help you move.
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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