Grief counselors and therapists in Missoula, MT

It isn't easy navigating our complex our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, especially in our chaotic world. Whether it be anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses; life transitions; chronic illness; caring for a terminally ill loved one; or other issue affecting your life, I am here to help. My name is Barbara. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Helena. I have spent the last 25 years supporting children, adults, the elderly, couples, and families through therapy, care coordination, and counseling to meet their treatment goals. So, let's get started and contact me for a 15-minute consult or to schedule an appointment.

Some pain doesn't get easier with time. It just gets more familiar.

I work with people who have been carrying something heavy for a long time: survivors of childhood neglect and trauma, people navigating the aftermath of sexual, physical, emotional, or religious violence, and those whose sense of self has been fractured by relational or spiritual betrayal. I also work with Veterans living with PTSD, depression, and substance use, and with thoughtful professionals seeking deep, ongoing therapy to work through disrupted beliefs or a life that has lost its meaning. My practice is open to people across the full lifespan, including children and adolescents.

My patients can expect me to be warm, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their story. I take time to understand not just current struggles, but also personal history and experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life. I work with all patients and conditions, and I always meet people where they are. If someone isn’t ready for medications, I fully support their choice and will be there to provide guidance, education, and care until the time feels right for them. Above all, I listen, I value each person’s perspective, and I aim to create a safe space where patients feel truly heard.

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.

I am a depth-oriented clinical psychologist who treats clinical symptoms through traditional talk therapy. I treat depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and mind-body symptoms without a clear medical origin (psychosomatics). I specialize in spiritual, religious, and existential issues. I earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, a leading school for depth psychology in the world.

Whether you're navigating a difficult season or seeking long-term support, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, insight, and unwavering care.

As a mother of five, I understand the complexities of life, relationships, and emotional resilience. I became a therapist to help others feel less alone and to guide those struggling with mental illness toward hope and healing. I’m passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and helping people reclaim their voice, strength, and sense of self. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, teens, and adults across a wide range of challenges — including anxiety, trauma, and depression.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana, with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my goal is simple: to provide compassionate care and help build a life that feels more like you.

As a board certified psychotherapist, I have worked with adults, children, families and couples.

With over twenty years of clinical experience, I believe your mental health is just as important if not more important than your physical health.

I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

You have probably been managing this longer than you let on, to yourself or to the people around you.

I work with people across every stage of life, from children and teenagers to adults and seniors, and I have been doing this work long enough to know that no two people carry things the same way. Whether you are navigating anxiety, processing something painful from your past, managing shifts in mood, or simply trying to figure out who you want to become, I want to help you get there. My goal is to help you find the version of yourself that you actually want to be.

Sometimes life is hard...and sometimes, the word “hard” doesn't begin to cover it.

You may feel stuck, overwhelmed, lost, or simply tired of feeling the way you do. Maybe you know that experiences from your past are still affecting you today, or you find yourself repeating patterns you understand but can't seem to change. Other times, you may not know exactly what's wrong...you just know that something isn't working anymore.

Over the years, I've helped adults heal unresolved wounds from childhood, develop greater self-awareness and self-esteem, improve relationships, and make life-enhancing changes that allow them to feel more connected to themselves and the lives they want to live. I work with people navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and the everyday challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed.

I believe we all have the ability to grow and make meaningful changes in our lives. Sometimes we just need some help finding our strengths and figuring out what we need now.

Each of us has our own unique story and experiences. It's a privilege when someone chooses to share their story with me, and I'll meet you wherever you are in yours.

**Please note: I may have availability beyond what is currently shown on my calendar. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly to schedule a consultation call: [email protected] :)