Top children therapists in Missouri who accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

I am a Social Worker with 27 years of experience and hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. For the past 24 years, I have been employed with the Department of Children and Family Services, serving in various capacities including Child Protection Investigator, Foster Care Worker, Adoptions Worker, Supervisor of all Field Programs, Child Welfare Manager, and Statewide Child Welfare Trainer. In addition to my primary role, I have worked PRN in hospitals, mental health, and substance abuse facilities for over six years, and briefly served as a school-based social worker. I am a TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner, Adoption Competent, and a U.S. Department of Transportation Certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). As a therapist, I bring a well-rounded perspective informed by extensive experience across many domains. I understand how life events can shape our paths and impact our well-being. In our work together, we will identify your personal goals and map out steps to support you in making decisions that are best for you. You are the expert of your own life. Therapy is not about someone fixing you—it’s about building a partnership for healing, where your voice leads the journey.

Marlena Glenn is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of marriage experience and a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and couples face while balancing family, relationships, and demanding careers. As a full-time working parent raising children while pursuing her professional calling, Marlena brings both clinical expertise and real-life insight to the counseling process. Marlena specializes in treating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and provides comprehensive premarital, marriage, and relationship counseling. With a compassionate, client-centered approach, she integrates evidence-based techniques—including Gottman, Prepare and Enrich, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relational therapy—to help clients build emotional resilience, strengthen communication, and create meaningful change. Passionate about supporting couples at every stage, Marlena works with partners preparing for marriage, navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, or seeking deeper intimacy and connection. She also helps individuals process loss, manage stress, and overcome emotional barriers that impact daily life. Known for her warm, grounded, and practical style, Marlena creates a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, encouraged, and empowered to grow.

My name is Toni Vaughn, and I am a licensed therapist dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life’s hardships and transitions. With years of experience in outpatient settings, I specialize in guiding clients toward healing and growth by creating a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and change. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, empathy, and grace! I’m down-to-earth, flexible, and deeply compassionate in my work, ensuring my clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. My care philosophy centers on meeting you where you are while helping you uncover strengths, develop healthier perspectives, and build tools to navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re facing personal struggles, family conflicts, or life transitions, my goal is to support you with the kindness and expertise you deserve.

*I do not complete leave of absence or any other paperwork. I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed mental health counselor with more than 10 years of experience in the mental health and social services arena. I have vast experience with adults and families that come from diverse cultures and backgrounds. I have extensive experience treating clients with depression, trauma, anxiety, multicultural and acculturation issues, stress management, transitions and adjustments, sleep, parenting skills and family issues. I take pride in my ability to be flexible and adaptable to my client’s personalities, culture and communication styles as well as having a non-judgmental, empathetic, and “down-to-earth” approach along with a good sense of humor. I use an eclectic approach but mostly cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoanalysis but tailor our sessions to meet your unique and specific needs. It will be my pleasure and honor to help you in your wellness journey and find the peace, joy and fulfilling life that you deserve.

I have been in a counselor for over 12 years. Before that I grew up in a very small town in Kentucky, rode horses, obtained a degree in agriculture, and raised 4 boys. How can that help me you asked? Well maybe it can't, but along the way I went back to school studied psychology and professional counseling. I have been told I am a clam, empathetic and caring counselor. I agree. I help clients manage their depression, anxiety, and trauma. I use a combination of therapies. My favorites are mindfulness, CBT and Person Centered. This simply means I focus on you, the client. My desire as a counselor is to provide clients with the skills to cope with adversity. While learning to create a life which is unique and manageable. To be honest, the most important thing I learned through my varied experiences is that we already have many of the skills we need. We simply need the guidance and encouragement to combine new skills while accessing and managing the skills we already know.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in working with anxiety, emotional regulation, avoidance behaviors, and life transitions, helping clients build insight and develop practical tools for lasting change. My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I draw from evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based strategies. I focus on helping clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while building effective coping skills in a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, I emphasize collaboration, open communication, and trust. I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered, while recognizing the impact that past experiences and trauma can have on present functioning. I am passionate about helping individuals increase self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and make meaningful, sustainable changes in their lives.

I have over 15 years experience working in the mental health field with individuals and groups. I have worked in clinical settings including supervising programs and departments offering mental health and substance use disorder treatment. I now work solely with individual adults in private practice. My approach to therapy starts with a commitment to get to know and understand you, your goals, and life experiences in order to develop a genuine connection and to meet your needs. I encourage the importance of self-compassion and understanding for yourself in order to nurture a healing approach. I have experience in addressing life challenges, stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, and addictions. I offer approaches that include talk therapy, parts work, mindfulness, self-introspection and varying approaches to spiritual psychotherapy as well as identifying and dealing with unhealthy relationships and environments.

I am a nationally recognized Christian counselor and writer who uses Scripture and Biblical truths along with the Post Institute Stress Model to put love into action and heal relationships. I am available to provide counseling for families, adults, adolescents, and children 5 years and older. I have helped people for over 30 years to heal from their emotional struggles with: Reactive Attachment Disorder and adults with attachment challenges; sexual, physical and emotional abuse; mood disorders; ADHD and other behavioral disorders; marital problems; and alcohol and drug addiction. I am a certified BCI parent trainer. My book is Christian Parent Wisdom, a daily scripture-based meditation book for parenting children with challenging behaviors. Visit my website: kenthomcounseling.com and review monthly newsletters and articles on love-based parenting. Open to working with children/adolescents 6 years and older. I do not keep very many open appointments on the portal because of a waiting list and if you want to schedule, please contact me (kenthom65@gmail.com or 660.562.2531) and I will get you scheduled within the next 2 to 3 weeks.

My name is Aimee Johnson, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW, CCTP-II, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of A Balanced Mind, LLC in Harrisonville, Missouri. I have a license to practice in the state of Missouri and Kansas as a Clinical Social Worker. I also am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II with over 14 years of clinical experience. I support individuals, couples, and families through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, stress, relationship issues, and major life transitions. My therapeutic style is direct, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based modalities that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Energy Psychology. I focus on approaches that support mind-body connection and nervous system regulation. I am currently working toward certification in sex therapy, expanding my clinical scope to help clients navigate issues related to intimacy, sexual health, and relational wellness. My practice is inclusive of clients with traditional and non-traditional relationship structures. I am known for my commitment to helping clients reclaim emotional resilience, disrupt unhealthy patterns, and build grounded, empowered lives.

I’m Shaleese Rockett, but people often call me Rockett. After working as a Social Worker for several years I’ve developed a unique, holistic approach to therapy that integrates mind, body, and environment. My sessions often blend evidence-based techniques with creativity and humor, ensuring that we address your needs I try my best to understand the unique challenges faced by so many . My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and regain a sense of control and purpose. Together, we can work towards healing and growth, allowing you to continue your vital work with renewed energy and resilience. I look forward to discovering new tools to aid in conquering and facing the various twists and turns life throws your way.