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 specialty is working with clients who have experienced trauma by utilizing 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, a 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 (TF-CBT) and Child-Parent Psychotherapy. Firmly believing that each client and 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 ages 3+ for individual and/or family therapy. She accepts United Healthcare, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, and private pay.
Joshua Cook LCSW
Jessica Beasley LPC
Jessica Beasley LPC
Joshua has spent the majority of his career in the mental health field, working both as a Community Support Specialist and as an outpatient clinician in a public agency. He also has experience as a Direct Support Specialist, working with individuals with varying intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Joshua has clinical experience working with adolescents through older adults and has addressed concerns such as depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), grief, substance use, and adjustment to life’s changes. His treatment approach includes evidence-based models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy. Joshua is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based practice for treating PTSD. Josh is additionally certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Joshua sees clients ages 10 and up. He accepts United Healthcare, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, and private pay.
Sierra James LCSW
Jessica Beasley LPC
Sierra James LCSW
Sierra (she/her) has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing services to adolescents and children.
Sierra has experience working with youth displaying a variety of behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and homicidal ideation. She also has experience supporting clients with trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, sexually reactive behaviors in youth, and those who have experienced sexual assault, childhood abuse, or neglect. Additionally, she works with individuals struggling with anxiety, depressive symptoms, and exposure to substance use.
Sierra has knowledge of and incorporates aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Crisis Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her therapeutic approach. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is certified in DBT.
Sierra works with clients ages 4–25. She accepts United Healthcare, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, 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 the 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 all ages. 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 telehealth clients and accepts United Healthcare, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, 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 Healthcare, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, 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. He holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis and a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Tennessee, 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. He also works effectively with individuals navigating trauma, grief, and problematic substance use. Ralph is well grounded in trauma-informed care.
Ralph is Level 2 trained in the Gottman Method and, more recently in his career, has become passionate about helping couples build stronger, healthier, and more satisfying relationships. He believes that trust is earned through curiosity and open, authentic connection without judgment. Ralph strives to establish a safe and trusting environment where clients can connect, heal, and grow.
In addition to his clinical work, Ralph is both a licensed supervisor and mentor for emerging clinicians, as well as a case consultant. Ralph has also guest lectured on topics ranging from domestic violence and couples therapy to clinical diagnosis at four major St. Louis universities within their counseling and social work programs.
Ralph currently accepts United Healthcare, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, and private pay.
Lucinda Levings LPC
Lucinda Levings LPC
Lucinda Levings LPC
Lucinda has over 20 years of experience 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, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, anxiety disorders, ADHD/ADD, mood disorders, trauma, codependency, SMART Recovery, and substance use treatment. She uses a person-centered and strengths-based approach and is highly adaptable to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and settings. Outside of work, Lucinda enjoys spending time with her pets, traveling, attending concerts, being outdoors, watching movies, doing needlework, and reading.
Lucinda sees clients ages 10 and up. She accepts United Healthcare, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, Cigna, and private pay.
Terri Milton LPC
Lucinda Levings LPC
Lucinda Levings LPC
Terri is a licensed therapist in the states of Illinois and Missouri. She has extensive experience in child therapy and EMDR. Terri spent five years working in community mental health before transitioning into private practice.
Terri has spent her career developing expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and has taught this modality in both group and individual settings. She also utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and play therapy and is certified in child play therapy.
Terri has worked extensively in community behavioral health settings with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. She specializes in child therapy and holds a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Terri sees telehealth clients ages 6 and up and offers flexible hours to accommodate clients’ schedules.
Terri 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.
Shawn 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 experience working with clients in community mental health, including college students, adolescents and teens, as well as the aging population.
Sydney is passionate about working with clients ages 13 and up, including college students and adults diagnosed with ADHD. Sydney uses a client-centered approach and draws from the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model.
Sydney is passionate about connecting with others and building therapeutic relationships that allow clients 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 a deep dedication to youth mental health. She is currently completing her internship at Counseling Associates as she pursues LPC licensure.
Catherine supports clients dealing with anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, self-harm, suicidality, and neurodivergence. She uses a strengths-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 (CBT), 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.