Meet Our Owners

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 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 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. 

Kristal is a telehealth therapist and has a variety of professexperiencesional  that she brings with her to Counseling Associates. She has worked in community settings working with pregnant women as well as has experience as a community support specialist working with adolescents and children. 

Kristal has completed her certification as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist with the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center, and the facilitator certification with the American Lung Association Freedom From Smoking Program. Kristal has experience leading weekly nicotine dependence groups and smoking cessation education. 

Kristal employs a myriad of theories and techniques, including Cognitive Behavior Theory and BioPsychoSocial ideology. Kristal is beginning her certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Kristal accepts Medcaid and Private Pay. Kristal sees clients via Telehealth exclusively.

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  Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthlink, Medicaid, UMR, and Private Pay.

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 Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Private Pay.

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. Sierra accepts United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Private pay.

Kyla has extensive experience working in  social services including work in case management as well as work as an outpatient therapist in a variety of settings. 

Kyla has experience working with clients of all ages, however; her passion is working with children, adolescents, and families. She has experience working with clients diagnosed with personality, mood or conduct disorders, autism, intellectual delays and trauma specifically from Child Abuse and/or Neglect. She has also provided services in family court due to parental alienation and custody modifications.

Kyla sees clients ages 10+. Kyla accepts Medicaid, Cigna and Private Pay

Lucinda has worked in the mental health field for over twenty years and has a range of experience. 

 Lucinda's area of expertise includes work with Substance Abuse Disorder, anxiety and depression. Lucinda also works with couples and families. 

Lucinda uses CBT, mindfulness, family systems theory, person centered, as well as strengths based therapy. 

Lucinda sees clients ages 13+. Lucinda accepts United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield  and Private Pay. 

Stephanie is a Counselor in Training. 

With experience in both private practice and inpatient psychiatric settings, Stephanie is passionate about providing compassionate and effective care to individuals of all ages. She specializes in working with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, sexuality issues, adjustment challenges, and personality disorders. Her approach is rooted in person-centered therapy, ensuring that each client feels heard and supported. She also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients develop practical skills for managing their mental health and improving their overall well-being. Her goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions while working toward lasting change. 

Stephanie works with clients of all ages with specific interest in adolescents, adults, and the LGBTQIA+ population. 

Stephanie accepts private pay.

Sydney is a PLPC. During her career, Sydney has worked in various roles within the field of mental health.  

Sydney has experience providing services to those who experience anxiety, depression, those who are experiencing difficulties with major life changes, as well as assisting clients with establishing healthy boundaries in relationships.

Sydney prefers to use a client centered approach and draws from an Internal Family Systems Model. Sydney works with clients of all ages with specific interest in  adolescents, adults, and the aging population. 

Sydney accepts private pay.

Jessica (she/her) spent the first 15 years of her career working in medical social work with the majority of her career devoted to pediatric and adolescent patients. 

Jessica has experience providing crisis intervention to families experiencing a number of challenges. as well as clients with anxiety, depression and suicidality. Additionally, Jessica has experience working with clients who have disordered eating behaviors. 

Jessica is educated in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). She is pursuing additional training and education in different therapeutic approaches including those specific to eating disorders and trauma. Jessica works with clients of all ages with specific interest in children, adolescents and young adults.

Jessica accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare and private pay.

Ralph has an educational background in social work and sociology. Ralph completed a Master’s of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Masters in Sociology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in the States of Missouri and Illinois. He has worked in the capacity of an LCSW for over forty years, including supervising those pursuing a license in clinical social work. 

Through his career, Ralph worked for over twenty years in a domestic violence shelter for women and children. Additionally, Ralph has extensive experience working with teens in the juvenile justice system. The passion and energy Ralph has for connecting with and helping people who are struggling with life's challenges has allowed him to be successful in his field. He is especially skilled in working with those struggling with relationships and family based trauma. He is currently level 2 trained as a Gottman Method couples therapist. In addition to his work with couples, Ralph has experience working with those who are experiencing difficulties within their careers as well as those experiencing difficulties with substance abuse, grief and loss. 

Ralph currently accepts Private Pay. He is in the credentialing process for United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

Preston is a clinical intern completing his Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Central Methodist University. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Western Governors University, a foundation that has informed his analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preston's clinical interests include working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma (childhood/religious), as well as exploring the role of spirituality in mental health. His approach to counseling is informed by his belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for healing through a holistic and empathetic approach.

Preston is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate their mental health challenges and is dedicated to supporting them on their journey toward healing and personal growth.

Preston accepts Private Pay