Book a therapist or psychiatrist in O'Fallon, MO covered by United Healthcare

H, I'm Dr. Michelle Echols and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's and Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and more than a decade of experience helping people untangle some of life's most complicated moments — relationship struggles, family tension, substance use, and the rollercoaster that comes with being a teenager.

My sweet spots are teens, couples, and families. I genuinely love this work, and I especially love watching people who felt stuck start to move again.

Hi there! Just a little bit about me; I am a wife, a mom of twins, a lover of books, an Eight on the Enneagram & I love the work that I am blessed to do every day. I have my MS in Counseling as well as my certificate in Life Coaching. I am licensed clinically in KS & MO, and I am a Supervisor in both states. I specialize in treating eating disorders. I also enjoy working with anxiety & mood disorders, perfectionism and other co-occurring disorders.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and compassionate, recognizing that healing looks different for everyone. I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and culturally sensitive approaches to create a space that honors each person’s unique story and identity. I have worked in the mental health field for more than ten years, supporting adolescents, adults, and families through challenges related to mental health, challenging family dynamics, life changes, and substance use.

I work with individuals and families facing depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, identity issues, personality disorders, family conflict, and experiences related to immigration and adjustment. I also have experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community and those exploring questions of belonging and self-acceptance.

I believe everyone deserves a therapeutic relationship where they are seen, heard, accepted, and celebrated—a space where they can feel supported in making the changes that matter most to them. My goal is to offer a safe and empowering environment that helps clients reconnect with their strengths and move toward meaningful change.

With over 12 years of experience in mental health counseling, workplace wellness, and integrated primary care behavioral health, my life’s purpose is to help people find wholeness. I’m passionate about offering compassionate support to individuals and couples as they navigate life’s challenges, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of settings—including hospitals, outpatient programs, and corporate environments—where I’ve built meaningful relationships with clients while managing high caseloads. Whether providing short-term counseling, coaching clients through transitions, or supporting employees in enhancing their well-being, I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where individuals can address their challenges with understanding and care.

A particular area of focus for me is helping couples strengthen their relationships. I find great fulfillment in guiding them through communication issues, conflicts, and life stressors. I believe strong, healthy relationships are key to overall well-being, and I’m passionate about helping couples build lasting, supportive connections.

I also work with individuals dealing with a range of issues like depression, anxiety, family challenges, and work-related stress, always aiming to help them find balance and self-discovery. Additionally, I have contributed to wellness programs and telehealth services, equipping individuals and leaders with tools to thrive both personally and professionally.

I am dedicated to continuous growth, which is why I’ve pursued additional training in areas like Primary Care Behavioral Health and telehealth technology. This allows me to stay adaptable and ensure the care I provide remains effective and relevant.

In every aspect of my career, I strive to create a safe, open, and understanding space for people to explore their challenges and feel supported on their journey toward wholeness.

Welcome! First and foremost, I am honoring you for taking this step. You're ready for a change. There's a craving for deep healing on your journey towards wellness. You want to gain understanding and insight, resolve inner conflicts, improve relationships, explore unconscious patterns, and transform into the most empowered version of yourself. You may be looking for tools for self-regulation, as well as ways to integrate your mind, body, and heart. If you've been grappling with larger questions about yourself or your life and are ready to take the next step, you've come to the right place.

I provide counseling therapy to individuals with an Open Bible, offering therapeutic insight from a Christian perspective. I am a trained, licensed therapist who understands God's role in healing and integrates Biblical principles into therapeutic conversations to guide you toward better mental health. GOD is Good! My goal is to help you see this through Scripture, which provides guidance and navigation through the toughest times in life. Your emotional pain is more than a physical or mental struggle – it’s a spiritual response to suffering. I’ll walk beside you as we examine what is true, worthy, honest, and right.