Meet Our Owners
Melinda Motter LPC
Stephanie Parsons LCSW
Stephanie Parsons LCSW
Melinda is one of the owners of Counseling Associates, LLC and has worked as an individual and family therapist in multiple settings over the last 10+ years. Melinda began her work as a Substance Abuse Counselor and taught Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program class while completing her M.Ed. in Counseling. Melinda has specialized training in Brainspotting
Melinda works with clients 18+ and specializes in life issues affecting college aged females.
Melinda accepts United Healthcare, UMR and private pay.
Stephanie Parsons LCSW
Stephanie Parsons LCSW
Stephanie Parsons LCSW
Stephanie is one of the owners of Counseling Associates, LLC and has worked in the private practice setting since 2007
Stephanie works with clients ages 16+ on issues including anxiety and depression, trauma, life transition issues, couples issues, stress management, and co-parenting support. Additionally, Stephanie completes Fertility Assessments as required by those pursuing fertility treatments. Stephanie uses a client centered approach. She has specialized training utilizing Trauma Focuses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Stephanie accepts United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UMR, and
Private Pay.
Melissa Williams LPC
Stephanie Parsons LCSW
Melissa Williams LPC
Melissa is one of the owners of Counseling Associates LLC and has worked in the private practice setting since 2012.
Melissa primarily works with families, young adults, and couples. Melissa's specialtiy is working with clients who have experienced trauma by utitlizing EMDR and Brainspotting. Additionally, Melissa provides mediation services to those pursuing separation or divorce.
Melissa accepts United Healthcare, UMR, and private pay.
Meet Our Clinical Team
Jessica Beasley LPC
Jessica Beasley LPC
Jessica Beasley LPC
Jessica (she/her) has worked in a number of settings over the course of her counseling career including in a residential facility, group practice, and private practice in a rural community.
Jessica has experience helping clients through: Trauma, Foster Care/Adoption, Depression, Anxiety, Self-Harm, Suicidality, Attachment Disorders, Autism, and Aggressive behaviors. She also has education and experience working with LGBTQIA+ youth.
Jessica has obtained extensive training in Play Therapy and is recognized by the Association for Play Therapy as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. Jessica is also AutPlay certified and trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), and Child Parent Psychotherapy. Firmly believing that each client and client family is unique, Jessica utilizes an eclectic approach to counseling drawing primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Family Systems, and Person-Centered approaches.
Jessica sees clients 3+ for Individual and/or Family Therapy. She accepts United Health Care, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health Care, and Private Pay.
Joshua Cook LCSW
Jessica Beasley LPC
Jessica Beasley LPC
Joshua has been spent the majority of his career in the mental health field working both as a Community Support Specialist as well as an outpatient clinician in a public agency. Joshua also has experience as a Direct Support Specialist, working with individuals with varying intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Joshua has clinical experience working with adolescents to older adults, and has experience addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), grief, substance use, and adjusting to life’s changes. His treatment focus includes models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy. Joshua is also trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), an evidence based practice for treating PTSD. Josh is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Joshua sees clients ages 10+. Joshua accepts United Health Care, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health Care, and Private Pay.
Sierra James LCSW
Jessica Beasley LPC
Sierra James LCSW
Sierra (she/her) has worked in both an inpatient and outpatient setting providing services to adolescents and children.
Sierra has experience working with youth displaying various behaviors (aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, homicidal ideations, etc.) trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, youth who are sexually acting out, victims of sexual assault, those who have been victims of childhood abuse or neglect, persons struggling with anxiety or depressive symptoms, as well as those who have been exposed to drug usage.
Sierra has knowledge of and incorporates aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Crisis Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in her therapy approach. Sierra is trained in EMDR and
certified in DBT.
Sierra works with clients ages 4-25 years old. She accepts United Health Care, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health Care, and Private Pay.
Kristal Allen LPC
Jessica Peterson LCSW
Sierra James LCSW
Kristal is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience across a variety of
clinical settings. Her professional background includes work in maternity care and crisis
pregnancy services, Community Support Rehabilitation with adolescents and adults, end of life services, serving as a liaison to the Moberly Public Schools Interagency Committee to connect underserved children with vital resources, providing on-call psychiatric services to Audrain Medical Center Emergency Room, and facilitating weekly smoking cessation groups.
Kristal holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the
University of Missouri–Columbia (2002) and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology
from Stephens College (2011). She is certified as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist through the
Mayo Clinic and is an American Lung Association Freedom From Smoking Facilitator.
Throughout her career, Kristal has worked with individuals of every age. She utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a BioPsychoSocial framework, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs.
Kristal is committed to creating a therapeutic environment rooted in connection, acceptance, and collaboration, empowering clients to grow, heal, and create meaningful change. Outside of her professional life, Kristal enjoys reading, motorcycle riding, cooking, and spending time at the beach with her family.
Kristal sees tele-health clients and accepts United Health Care, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health Care, and Private Pay.
Jessica Peterson LCSW
Jessica Peterson LCSW
Jessica Peterson LCSW
Jessica (she/her) brings over 15 years of experience in medical social work, with a primary focus on pediatric and adolescent patients and their families. Her background provides a unique foundation for supporting individuals with chronic or complex medical conditions, as well as parents raising children with medical needs.
She works with clients ages 15 and older, utilizing a client-centered, trauma-informed approach. Jessica supports individuals navigating anxiety, depression, suicidality, trauma, life transitions, and stress management. She is committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and empowering therapeutic space grounded in respect and unconditional positive regard.
Jessica is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Jessica accepts United Health Care, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health Care, and Private Pay.
Ralph Smith LCSW
Jessica Peterson LCSW
Jessica Peterson LCSW
Ralph is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 40 years of experience supporting individuals and couples through life’s most difficult challenges. Ralph has a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and a Master’s in Sociology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Ralph is licensed to practice in Missouri and Illinois. Ralph has extensive experience working with adolescents in the juvenile justice system and female survivors of intimate partner violence and abuse. Ralph also works effectively with those navigating trauma, grief and problematic substance use. Ralph is well grounded in trauma informed care.
Ralph is Level 2 Gottman Method trained and more recently in his career has been passionate about helping couples form stronger, healthier and more satisfying relationships. Ralph believes that trust is earned through curiosity and open authentic connection without judgment. Ralph will establish a safe and trusting environment for you to connect, heal and grow. Ralph is ready if you are ready to take this step.
In addition to his clinical work Ralph is both a license supervisor and mentor for emerging clinicians and case consultant. Ralph has a long history of providing supervision to student interns working on their counseling and social work degrees. Ralph has also guest lectured on topics ranging from domestic violence, couples therapy and clinical diagnosis at 4 major St. Louis universities within their counseling and social work schools.
Ralph currently accepts United Health Care, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health Care, and Private Pay.
Lucinda Levings LPC
Lucinda Levings LPC
Lucinda Levings LPC
Lucinda has over 20 years of helping individuals with their mental health and substance use. She has worked as a Youth Specialist, Community Support Worker, Counselor and Family Counselor in both residential and outpatient settings. She has found her home in private practice providing counseling for children, adolescents, college age students, adults and couples. She is also a Missouri State Approved Clinical Supervisor.
Lucinda is trained in Brainspotting Phase 1, CBT, mindfulness, anxiety disorders, ADHD/ADD, mood disorders, trauma, codependency, SMART Recovery and substance use. She uses a person centered and strengths based approach. Lucinda is very adaptable to people from different settings. Outside of work, Lucinda enjoys spending time with her pets, traveling, concerts, outdoors, movies, needlework and reading
Lucinda sees clients ages 10+. Lucinda accepts United Health Care, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health Care, Cigna and Private Pay.
Terri Milton LPC
Lucinda Levings LPC
Lucinda Levings LPC
Terri is a licensed therapist in the state of Illinois and Missouri. She has extensive experience in Child Therapy and EMDR. Terri has spent five years in the Community Mental Health area and has moved onto Private Practice.
Terri has spent her career learning Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and taught this modality in both group and individual settings. Terri also practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, play therapy, and it certified in Child Play therapy.
Terri has spent most of her career in the Community Behavioral Health setting working with children, teens, adults, couples, and family. She specializes in Child Therapy with a certificate in autism disorder.
Terri sees tele-health clients ages 6 and up with flexible hours to accommodate clients’ schedules. She currently accepts private pay clients.
Shawn Ohlms PLPC
Lucinda Levings LPC
Sydney Meyer, PLPC
Shawn Ohlms, PLPC, is an empathic and collaborative counselor who is passionate about walking alongside clients as they navigate their journey toward emotional, relational, and personal wellness. He believes in creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where individuals can feel heard, understood, and empowered to pursue meaningful change.
He primarily utilizes Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical tools for growth and resilience. His work is grounded in the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives, and he strives to partner with them in identifying strengths, setting goals, and building sustainable strategies for long-term well-being. Shawn earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Missouri Baptist University and is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) in the state of Missouri. He provides virtual counseling services through Counseling Associates, offering accessible and compassionate care to clients across Missouri. Shawn is currently accepting private pay, Healthy Blue, and Home State Health clients.
Sydney Meyer, PLPC
Catherine McNeely PLPC
Sydney Meyer, PLPC
Sydney is a PLPC and has worked in the mental health field for the past six years.
She has worked with clients in community mental health, college students, adolescents and teens, as well as the aging population.
She is passionate about working with clients 13+, college students, and adults diagnosed with ADHD. Sydney uses a client centered approach and draws from an Internal Family Systems Model.
Sydney is passionate about connecting with others and building a therapeutic relationship with clients that allows them to feel validated and safe. Sydney accepts Healthy Blue Medicaid, Home State Health Medicaid, Cigna, and private pay.
Catherine McNeely PLPC
Catherine McNeely PLPC
Catherine McNeely PLPC
With 16 years of experience as a school counselor and a background in academic support roles, Catherine McNeely brings deep dedication to youth mental health. She is currently completing her internship at Counseling Associates as she pursues her LPC licensure.
Catherine supports clients dealing with anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, self-harm, suicidality, and neurodivergence. She uses a strength-based, choice theory/reality therapy approach, empowering clients to lead meaningful, self-directed lives.
While she specializes in working with youth, she welcomes clients of all ages and is currently accepting self-pay clients.
Preston Jones Intern
Catherine McNeely PLPC
Catherine McNeely PLPC
Preston is a clinical intern at Counseling Associates, supervised by Lucinda Levings, LPC. He works with adolescents, adults, and couples, creating a safe, supportive space for clients to navigate life’s challenges.
Drawing from his diverse life and work experiences, Preston brings a grounded, empathetic perspective to therapy. He specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction, using a person-centered, feminist-informed approach. Incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and strengths-based techniques, Preston helps clients build resilience, gain clarity, and move toward positive change.
Preston is currently accepting self-pay clients.