Top Missouri therapists who accept cash payments

Hello! No matter what has brought you to this place, change is possible. You may feel exhausted on the hamster wheel of anxiety or stuck in a pit of depression. You may be grieving a life that you used to know and struggling to find your new footing. You may feel stagnant and in need of a fresh perspective. If therapy is the next right thing for you, I’d be honored to walk alongside you in uncovering the path forward. I have experience providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, the effects of trauma, and other life-stressors. In addition to CBT and EMDR, I utilize motivational interviewing, solution focused techniques, and the occasional podcast quote. It is my hope to create a safe, therapeutic environment that allows you to share your story and explore your thoughts and feelings, for it is in that reflection where you will learn the power that you have to shift your mood using cognitive and behavioral strategies. ** Please note: Starting May 1, 2025 I will be moving locations to 1512 Church Road, Suite AA, Liberty, MO 64068 **

Hello! My name is Chris Mawhinney. I grew up in Columbia, MO, and continue to raise my family here. I enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school and learned many valuable skills during my time in the service. I served for 10 years and have a deep understanding of what our military service members have experienced and the difficulties they face. After the Marines I went on to earn a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Mizzou and then added a certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I started my career in community mental health and later found myself working in prison mental health. I have worked at multiple facilities in the state of Missouri, and was the chief at two different facilities. I enjoy working with groups, teaching workshops, working with couples and individuals and helping people to overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, and many other issues. Open to working with adolescents 15 years and older.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Missouri. I have been working with clients for 17+ years. I have a varied background including working with those that suffer from substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, life adjustment issues such as disability and retirement. I've also worked with many clients over the years that have suffered trauma related to abuse. As a counselor, I believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity. I always find it an honor to walk the path with clients on their journey. Your treatment will always go in the direction that you believe that it should. That doesn't mean I won't make the occasional suggestion but those suggestions will always be based on what you, as the client, say or want to pursue. It definitely takes courage to enter into therapy and address whatever issues are holding you back. If you are ready to take this step, I'm definitely ready to walk with you on your journey.

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.

I am dedicated to helping people improve their lives, achieve a more meaningful life, and realize their inherent potential and highest goals. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Utah, Missouri, and West Virginia. I primarily work with adults and teens who are struggling with depression, anxiety, career issues, relationship and marriage problems, and other life challenges. I also work with a lot of business professionals working with work/life anxiety and balance. I am an empathetic and compassionate counselor that motivates clients to work on their improvement. My general approach is to develop a relaxed, non-threatening, and non-clinical professional relationship with my clients. I believe that the first step to a better life is often the most difficult. I enjoy helping my clients with that first step and the path that follows. Together, my clients and I develop individualized strategies that produce results and lead to a more fulfilling life. Open to working with adolescents ages 13 and older.

I am a client-centered, strengths-based therapist who is ready to assist you in feeling better and/or back to your old self. I provide an open and safe environment for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. Together we can build tools for you to use in your everyday life that will help you be successful. Therapy is a partnership and I'm ready to go down this path with you! I am trained in EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy as well as Short Term Solution Focused Therapy.Coming soon!

I am Dr. Ernest E. Garrett III, Ph.D., an LCSW and Neuropsychotherapist (NPT-C) with nearly 20 years of experience dedicated to driven individuals facing systemic pressure. My clinical work integrates Neuropsychotherapy and Executive Management principles to cultivate cognitive resilience and self-mastery. My foundation includes four advanced degrees, culminating in my doctoral research which focused on systemic complexity and inclusive leadership. I bring extensive experience as a former leader in state government, non-profit, and private sectors. This background allows me to treat vocational stress, anxiety, and burnout with humble competence and real-world relevance. I communicate effectively via voice, video, and American Sign Language (ASL). I am committed to creating affirming, psychologically safe, and accessible spaces for all individuals to thrive. My approach is structured, integrative, and outcome-oriented. I utilize a holistic Neuro-Biopsychosocial-Spiritual (NBPS) framework informed by Neuropsychotherapy. This means I focus on the brain-behavior connection to build the cognitive and emotional skills necessary for self-mastery. I blend CBT, Strength-Based, and Culturally Sensitive strategies to manage stress, enhance emotional regulation, and ensure a sustainable path to healing and high function. Clients can expect a structured session focused on immediate, practical takeaways. I will clarify your goals and map out the brain-behavior connections influencing your performance. You will leave with tangible, evidence-informed strategies to begin managing stress, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing cognitive clarity. Ultimately, my aim is to equip you with the self-leadership and resilience needed to move from self-mastery toward life-mastery across all your spheres of influence.

I have over 30 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked with all ages from preschool age to senior citizens. I do Play therapy, Neurofeedback, EMDR, QNRT and hypnotherapy along with many other treatment modalities. I am experienced in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, job stress, parenting issues, school problems and many more. I am a kind, happy, loving, supportive Therapist who thoroughly enjoys working with people. I have a flexible schedule and works with individuals, couples, and families.

My style is open, honest, warm, and down to earth! I derive from a few theoretical approaches-mostly cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused theories. I exhibit sensitivity and compassion towards your life challenges and strongly believe that there are workable solutions to all circumstances. I am available to assist you with your present lifestyle, set goals, and formulate a workable treatment plan. Along with your motivation and cooperation, we will work together to discover your strengths and abilities and apply those gifts to your everyday life so that you may reach your full potential. With you as an active participant at Serenity Therapy 4U+, we will work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and conflicts so that you will stay motivated for change and success. I am available as your psychotherapist to assist you through difficulties in your life. You will choose your journey. With patience, you will learn ways to cope, leading to living a life of serenity.

My mission is to provide a safe space to share your story and your struggles without judgement. Together we can process what brings you here and begin to work toward your goals. I am here to support you and provide direction - whether that is through providing perspective, setting healthy boundaries, managing anger, or more. We all deserve to be happy and have balance!