Shelby Zurick Beasley, MA, LPC
Director of Clinical Services
Shelby leads the counseling, psychiatric and crisis intervention services departments. The primary goal she has for her team is:
“My goal is to help Provident’s clinical team work together to create new and innovative ways to meet the needs of our ever-changing community. Our clinical departments provide excellent counseling, psychiatric and crisis intervention services daily to the St. Louis area. I’d love to help find ways to extend our reach by creating new programming focused on underserved groups while continuing to ensure that Provident is one of the top places to work for our clinicians who do the life-changing work.”
LaTanya Mackey, LPC
Associate Director of Counseling
LaTanya leads our team of talented clinicians. Her treatment philosophy:
“It’s incredible to watch clients develop confidence in their own ability to manage toxic stress and behavioral health symptoms. The work we do allows them to feel better and live the lives they want. I believe that therapy is a path that leads to peace and healing and each client's treatment plan should be unique to achieve the desired outcome.”
Jai Wilson, M.ED, PLPC, NCC
Associate Director of Crisis Services
Jai leads our Crisis Service team. His treatment philosophy:
“Therapy is for everyone. It’s a space for us to pause for a moment, focus on ourselves, and better understand our thoughts and our needs.”
Downtown Office
2650 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63103 314-371-6500 Click for map
“My approach to therapy begins with seeking to provide a safe place for clients. I believe the foundation of any counseling experience starts with building trust and a supportive relationship. I utilize a wide variety of therapy approaches based on each individual and take a wholistic perspective to explore areas of anxiety, depression, grief, loss and trauma."
Karsee has extensive experience working in another country with people from many cultural backgrounds. She has worked for over 20 years with people from many religious backgrounds as well as those with no religious beliefs.
Karsee attended Truman State University and earned a BA at Covenant Theological Seminary and an MA in Counseling. She also has EMDR Therapy training.
Specialties:
- Women's Issues
- Women of color and from diverse backgrounds
- Religious Trauma
- LGBQTIA+
"I chose a career in psychiatric nursing to improve the lives of people with acute and chronic mental health disorders. My goal is to create awareness around mental health issues and reduce the stigma that accompanies clients who seek care. I am excited to work with an organization that offers a full menu of mental health services."
Jennifer Becker, MSN, PMHNP-BC, works with adolescent, adult, and geriatric service areas. She is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner and will work out of our downtown office, providing in person and telemental health appointments.
Provident Behavioral Health offers outpatient psychiatric evaluation and medication management services at our St. Louis City office and through telehealth for Missouri residents.
- Accepting referrals for children and adolescents
- Treating a variety of problems such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma
- Fees based on a sliding scale
- Youth under age 20 in St. Louis County may be eligible to receive services with no out-of-pocket costs thanks to funding from St. Louis County Children's Services Fund
- Many insurances accepted
- Services available Monday-Friday
- Contact the Psychiatric Services Department
at 314.802.2670.
"The most fulfilling aspect of my work is helping clients live happier and fuller lives. Provident Behavioral Health, exemplifies an agency with a mission, putting the clients and their loved ones first. I am privileged to be a part of this group of client-centered clinicians."
Provident Behavioral Health offers outpatient psychiatric evaluation and medication management services at our St. Louis City office and through telehealth for Missouri residents.
Alexander's videos:
What is the most valuable service you provide?
How do I know when I need psychiatric services?
What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?
Why did I choose this field?
- Accepting referrals for children and adolescents
- Treating a variety of problems such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma
- Fees based on a sliding scale
- Youth under age 20 in St. Louis County may be eligible to receive services with no out-of-pocket costs thanks to funding from St. Louis County Children's Services Fund
- Many insurances accepted
- Services available Monday-Friday
- Contact the Psychiatric Services Department
at 314.802.2670.
“For me, there is no greater gift than to be able to serve others and assist them on their journey to greater mental and physical health. The impact when one is out of balance with the other is incredibly profound and affects not just the individual, but whole families. I could not turn my back on the need I have seen for improved overall quality of life and how I might be able to facilitate that."
Povident Behavioral Health offers outpatient psychiatric evaluation and medication management services at our St. Louis City office and through telehealth for Missouri residents.
Tanja Johnson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to providing psychiatric medication management to children, adolescents, and adults. Tanja is Board Certified in: Family Practice, Emergency Medicine, Psychiatric Mental Health, she has been a Nurse Practitioner since 2014, and a nurse since 1992.
- Accepting referrals for children, adolescents, and adults
- Treating a variety of problems such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma
- Fees based on a sliding scale
- Youth under age 20 in St. Louis County may be eligible to receive services with no out-of-pocket costs thanks to funding from St. Louis County Children's Services Fund
- Many insurances accepted
- Services available Monday-Friday
Contact the Psychiatric Services Department at 314.802.2670.
“I chose this profession because I want to help individuals through
the most challenging times in life. Every day I continue to learn more from those around me, both my fellow clinicians and the people I serve. Together, we discover new ways to overcome my clients’ challenges and get past their limits.”
Dayton has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Saint Louis University and Master’s in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. He has been a part of Provident’s Crisis Services team since 2016 and has experience working with individuals of all ages who struggle with thoughts of suicide, self-injury, depression, and anxiety.
Dayton is passionate about serving those who suffer with mental health issues and using evidence-based treatments to help clients achieve their goals. He has experience in crisis intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).
Specialties:
- Suicide/Crisis Intervention
- Self-Injury
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Grief/Loss
“The most gratifying 
thing about my work is being able to connect with great people who are going through challenging times and providing them with the assistance and individualized care they need to improve their overall quality of life. There is no better feeling than helping someone transition from a low point in their life to a newfound path of happiness."
Courtney is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, providing psychiatric medication management to adults in Provident’s Downtown office. She is also available via Telehealth.
- Accepting referrals for adults
- Treating a variety of problems such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma
- Fees based on a sliding scale
- Many insurances accepted
- Services available Monday-Friday
“I believe that your mental health is top priority to get through your daily routine and to enjoy life. Without understanding how your past affects your present thoughts and behaviors, you can’t operate at your fullest potential. You’re existing instead of truly living. With the history of mistreatment of Black and Brown people by the medical community, it affects so many at a deeper level than any of us recognizes or wants to believe. I want every person (no matter their race or ethnicity) to understand that they deserve to be mentally healthy and happy."
Alexandrea chose counseling because she grew up seeing the disparities within the Black community in regards to mental health. She grew up understanding that it was something taboo, to not be spoken of and ignored. As Alexandrea grew older, she learned that you can’t truly take care of yourself or those you love (children, spouse, family members) if you are ignoring your mental health in any way. She also learned that the history of mistreatment within the medical field contributed to the fear and discomfort that so many Black and Brown people feel and carry with them for generations.
Alexandrea has two years of clinical practice with clients. She holds a MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Webster University and is a Nationally Certified Counselor from NBCC.
Specialties:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger Management
- Family Conflict
- Stress Management
- Trauma
South County Office
"Being a mental health clinician is a privilege, as I am able to witness and support a client’sstrengths and growth towards their desired future. I love working towards changes hopes and dreams into a reality."
Elizabeth holds an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton in Ohio and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Saint Louis University, with a specialization in clinical practice with families. Prior to starting at Provident in the outpatient setting, she has practiced in variety of settings including hospitals, residential, in-home and in-school and is experienced in in CBT, TF-CBT, MI, SFBT, Play Therapy, and DBT. Elizabeth is a Certified Dementia Care Specialist and works with the geriatric population as well. Additionally, Elizabeth is certified to facilitate Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid both in person and virtual or blended formats.
Elizabeth spoke with Eric Schmid on St Louis Public Radio about the steps everyone should take to take care of their own mental health during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to listen to the complete interview.
Elizabeth's videos:
How to tell others about your mental health
Making the most of your therapy appointment
What self care looks like
Specialties:
- Depression
- Crisis Intervention
- Anxiety
- Self-Injury
- Adolescent Issues
- Relationship Improvement
- Community Education
"Therapy is a space where individuals can find a dedicated space and time in their life where they can receive caring and non-judgmental support. Growing and developing new skills to navigate through life can be a difficult process, and therapy provides a safe, calming space to make this growth process easier."
Daniel has worked for Provident Behavioral Health since 2016. He began working as a crisis intervention specialist with Provident Crisis Services where he focused on suicide prevention. He completed his counseling practicum at the UMSL Child Advocacy Center, where he assessed and treated children with histories of severe abuse and sexual behavior problems. Daniel has received training in both Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Daniel provides a truly genuine and caring therapeutic environment that is tailored to each client’s needs and personalities providing an eclectic and adaptive approach for each individual client. He's worked with clients of all ages with a wide variety of therapeutic needs.
Daniel's videos:
What's the initial intake session like?
How does CBT help children and families?
What kind of therapy do you provide?
Specialties:
- Suicidal ideation
- Trauma
"I am a patient person and my counseling office is a safe space. I know how hard life can be and it is important to be kind to ourselves. I will meet a person where they are in life and collaborate with them to meet their goals."
Cindy has worked in counseling for over four years and says she chose this profession because she used counseling while going through a hard time in her own life. She realized she wouldn't have made it without someone there to listen and provide support. She knows the importance first-hand and wants to provide the same care she depended on during difficult times.
What is your personal philosophy on therapy? Therapy is an awakening of who we are as a person. It happens in the time frame it is supposed to happen. If a client is ready to work on their goals, then I am happy to help them on their journey to who they want to become.
Specialties:
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Vocational Counseling
- Counseling people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (including ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, traumatic brain injury)
- Depression
- Bi-polar disorder
- Anxiety and Grief
-
I have a long history of working with the geriatric population and volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association
“I truly feel everyone should seek counseling when needed, even counselors, to be sure we are tuning in to our own needs for support and overall care. I love the work I do because I feel therapy can be a positive way to help lift my clients and support them until they can feel empowered and have the confidence to address life’s challenges on their own.”
Sarah believes addressing mental health challenges is key to overall self-care and can often be a first defense for healing and addressing emotional needs.
Sarah Paradise has been a dedicated member of the Provident team since 2014. During her time, she has served in both the Crisis and Counseling Departments. She provides compassionate therapy to her clients and has always been one to help her fellow colleagues feel supported and grow in their clinical skills. She enjoys continuing to use her crisis intervention knowledge to help those who struggle with mental health issues, self-injury, grief/loss, and survivors of suicide. She also has a passion of working with clients of all ages to address child/adolescent issues, family/relationship conflict, and LGBT/sexual minority concerns.
Sarah graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Master’s of Education in Counseling.
Specialties:
- Crisis intervention
- Mental health issues
- Personality disorders
- Self-injury
- Grief/loss
- Survivors of suicide
- Family dynamics
- Relationship issues
- Child and adolescent issues
- LGBT/sexual minority concerns
"I like to use creative ways and a sense of humor when working with clients. Therapy can be fun and enjoyable!"
Bridget believes Social Work is the perfect merger of evidence-based and academic theories with empathy, compassion, and advocacy. She earned a BA Loyola University Chicago (Political Science); Norfolk State University (MSW) and says the overall emphasis on social justice, advocating and empowering people whose voices aren’t always heard and whose needs are seldom met, is extremely important to her.
Bridget knows that everyone, regardless of age, income, location, education level, race or ethnicity, experiences difficulties in life. Sometimes those difficulties make it challenging to recognize our own strengths or to ask for help. "I enjoy working with clients to help them recognize their strengths and discover new ways of reaching their goals for an improved quality of life."
"I am a strong advocate that mental health care should be available to everyone. Talking about the importance of mental health and making it accessible and normalizing it as a regular part of overall health care, will continue to reduce the stigma of asking for help."
As a former military spouse, Bridget has had varied and unexpected life experiences. She's met a lot of people and had the opportunity to live in many different places. "I’ve had great experiences and really tough times and had to work to find my own strengths and tools to overcome difficulties. I come to clients with absolutely zero judgment and an open mind. My goal is to create a safe and calming place for clients to talk about their issues and work to find ways to make things better."
Specialties:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Transitional Issues
- Military Member/Families
- Crisis Intervention
"I like using a client-centered approach with my clients, which includes providing a nurturing and supportive environment, free of judgement. I’m here to cheer on my clients as I assist them on their journey.”
Samantha is a graduate of the University of Missouri – St. Louis, with a Master’s of Education in Counseling. She has been working with clients in clinical and school settings since 2017 and has experience in play therapy, caregiver/child interactions, child/adolescent issues, and anxiety.
Samantha strongly believes in the teamwork provided by the client/therapist relationship. She says, "clients are the experts on themselves and I, as the therapist, will offer the professional knowledge and therapeutic tools to help them achieve their goals. I act as a guide to facilitate the client’s journey of self-exploration and awareness."
Samantha's videos:
Helping your child develop a positive body image
How to get the most our of your therapy appointment
How play therapy helps children and adults
Specialties:
- Play Therapy
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Common Life Issues
- Self-esteem
- Family Therapy
“It is immensely rewarding to witness clients heal from painful experiences, explore their emotional lives, and create healthy relationships with themselves and their loved ones.”
Rachel has a Masters of Social Work from Silberman School of Social Work and a Bachelors of Arts in psychology from Hunter College. She has been in practice for over three years in crisis intervention (suicide prevention, rape crisis intervention), and two years field placement (case management with justice-involved adolescents and adults and outpatient psychodynamic therapy).
Rachel's personal philosophy on therapy is, "It's a unique space in which we have time to slow down, process difficult feelings and experiences, and find our power with the support of a non-judgmental, supportive therapist. I use a strengths-based individualized approach that draws out the client’s unique perspective and experiences to create desired personal and relational change while providing supportive feedback and emotional, cognitive, and behavioral skill development."
Specialties:
- Crisis Intervention/Suicidiality
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Life Transitions
- Gender and Sexuality
Creve Coeur Office
A full list of clinicians at this location will be published soon.
“Often times people struggle to communicate their needs to others effectively, resulting in not feeling heard and invalidated. I can be that pathway to empower people to express themselves and have their needs met in a safe and healthy way.”
Megan believes that therapy starts with building rapport, identifying her client's natural strengths and their current coping strategies and then building upon these strengths using a strength based, client centered, and trauma informed treatment model.
Megan has five years of clinical practice with clients and three years working as a home-based family therapist. She holds a Masters in Social Work degree from Saint Louis University and is experienced in CBT, TF-CBT, PCIT, and sensory-based interventions.
Megan's video interviews:
- Click here to see the most common challenge she helps adults face
- Click here to learn about how Parent Child Interaction Therapy can help
- Click here to see how Megan works with children
Specializations
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Trauma
- Abuse/Neglect
- Attachment
- Foster care
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Family dynamics/relationships
Victoria's approach to therapy includes developing a strong therapeutic relationship with the client and ensuring the sessions are individualized to the client with creative interventions and evidence-based strategies that are relevant to their concerns.
"Therapy is a safe space for feeling seen and heard, learning about oneself, and growing through our experiences."
Victoria says she chose this profession because she is passionate about helping people discover their inner strength, build secure relationships, process difficult experiences, and practice self-compassion to heal and thrive. "Everyone has inherent strengths that make them unique and resilient. We can heal through our relationships to others and through improving the relationship we have with ourselves."
She was a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health in 2020. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Before coming to Provident Behavioral Health, Victoria was a social worker at Every Child's Hope for nearly 2 years, where she provided intensive outpatient individual and family therapy. She has worked in the social services, child welfare, and mental health fields for 7 years.
During her undergraduate years from 2012-2014, Victoria worked in psychology research labs on Mizzou’s campus as a research assistant. She also has experience in early childhood education and worked at a preschool after her undergraduate years. From 205-2017, she worked at a transitional living group home for teenagers and from 2016-2018, she was a community support specialist for children and adolescents with severe and persistent mental illness. Victoria began her clinical practicum at Keystone Mental Health with Our Little Haven, where she provided individual therapy to children and completed her foundation practicum at ALIVE, providing services to survivors of intimate partner violence.
Specializations
- Adults and Older Adults
- Abuse/Neglect
- Foster Care
- Adoption
- LGBTQ+ Issues
- Families
- Self-Injury
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
Emory says she chose this 
profession because she wants to give back to her community and help others.
"As people we all have unique strengths, needs, goals, and abilities. Therapy offers a space for individuals to display those strengths, better understand their needs, and work toward their goals. I want to help others on that journey and provide a safe space to do so."
Emory is a recent graduate of the Brown School of Washington University in St Louis where she graduated with her Master's degree in Social Work with a concentration in clinical mental health. Her undergraduate degree is from Mississippi State University with a BA of Sociology.
Before coming to Provident Behavioral Health, Emory worked in an elementary school for a year before completing her Master's degree. During her Master's studies she also worked as a graduate research assistant and completed a practicum at a local non-profit serving individuals living with disabilities through art modalities. Emory also completed a practicum at Provident’s Access Center serving a range of clients with many different life experiences.
Emory also has additional experience in cognitive behavioral therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and art therapy.
Specializations
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-esteem
- LGBTQIA+ concerns
- Trauma
- Artistic Expression Methods
"My goal as a counselor is to foster a
safe and nonjudgmental space in which people have the freedom to explore their inner selves, their source of pain, and the path towards growth. I value this therapeutic process and strive to ensure this level of care with each individual. It’s a great honor to witness someone embrace vulnerability and work towards change."
Gabby holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Childhood Studies from Stockton University. She graduated from Webster University with a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and has been working with adults in a therapeutic capacity since 2018. Gabby often utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a therapeutic framework to explore the interconnectedness of one’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Gabby is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which uses bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic events into more adaptive memory networks and promote healing.
Specializations
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-Esteem
- Identity
- LBGTQ+ Concerns
- Trauma
“My goal in therapy is to provide a safe environment for individuals to explore their feelings and identify their needs while connecting with themselves."
Brooke has a Masters Degree in Social Work from Washington University.
She enjoys weaving family systems, CBT, client-centered and mindfulness-based methods into therapy sessions. She has been working in the mental health field for 25 years gaining experience with adults and teens with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, relationship stress, body image and eating issues and perinatal mood struggles.
Brooke's specialty is working with women of all ages as they navigate through life stages such as the transition to college/work/motherhood. She says these times often bring challenges with identity, life purpose, mood, body image, and weight issues.
Specializations
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Grief/loss
- Relationship stress
- Body image and eating issues
- Perinatal mood struggles
“Most often, the hurt we experience is within relational spaces. It is within relational spaces that repair and healing occur as well. It becomes ‘therapeutic’ when one feels safe, seen and heard."
Jaskirat earned a BA and Masters in Psychology in Delhi, India. She attended UMSL and Lindenwood University for additional coursework in counseling as well as St Louis's Psychoanalytic Institute for Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy training. She has been working in the field for nine years and joined our Creve Coeur office in 2023.
Jaskirat says she chose this profession because she is innately curious about human nature and her natural inclination to be of service to others has led her to this role. "I have witnessed and experienced the significance of the therapy process firsthand that continues to fuel my motivation to engage with others in a deep and meaningful way. It is a sacred honor and privilege to be able to able to do this work."
"As a psychotherapist, I hold space for healing and personal growth for each individual who chooses to pursue this journey. When one is self-aware and at ease with themselves, it not only allows them to live their life with choice and freedom, it also helps them show up in the world as a kind and compassionate presence. Each person counts towards creating a safer and a just world where differences (thoughts, opinions, cultures, people) can co-exist in harmony."
What should you expect from therapy with Jaskirat?
"For some, the process is geared toward relieving symptoms in the short-term by learning coping skills while others may look to bring about change in entrenched, long-standing patterns in overall functioning. We will work together to create a shared understanding of your needs by identifying your characteristic ways coping alongside exploring underlying reasons for repeatedly becoming vulnerable to certain kinds of suffering to find focus in treatment.
My therapeutic approach is informed by my professional training in psychodynamic psychotherapy that aims to create an understanding not only of the problem that brings one to mental health treatment, but of the personality dynamics within which the problem exists. It is working with one’s personhood and utilizing the therapeutic relationship as a means to work through emotional pain that change is brought about in a lasting and meaningful way. Additionally, I also utilize mindfulness, with emphasis on communication skills especially in context of relational concerns along with combining principles of cognitive behavior therapy as needed."
Specializations
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Identity
- Self-esteem
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Mindful communication
- Grief/loss
- Life Transitions
"I think it’s important to help people determine what they have been conditioned to believe about themselves, and help them discover to what they know, or want, to be true of themselves."
Emily is a recent graduate of Lindenwood University where she received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to obtaining her Master's degree she got her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Missouri State University. Emily's modalities are combinations of CBT, Experiential, and Narrative therapies.
Emily chose to go into counseling because she firmly believes that nobody should have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Whether that is recognizing a problem, desiring growth and change, or needing support, she thinks everyone deserves to have someone walk with them on that journey. Emily says, "It is an honor and a privilege to witness people step into their full power, and we achieve this together by collaborating in a safe and supportive space."
Specialties:
- LGBTQIA+
- Gender and Sexuality
- Eating Disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief/Loss, Trauma
Jefferson County
"I believe every person has the strength and capability to overcome challenges and become the happiest and healthiest version of themselves."
Brittany Casnar has a Master's in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University. She uses an integrated approach to provide individualized therapy to clients of all ages; assisting them in gaining personal insight, learning new ways to cope with everyday life, and processing difficult life experiences in a safe and judgement-free space.
Ms. Casnar works with clients of all ages in an individual or family setting.
Specialties:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Self-esteem
- Mood disorders
- Trauma
- Grief/Loss
- Relationship Improvement
- Common Life Stressors (work, interpersonal relationships, etc.)
- Child and Adolescent Issues
- Life Transitions (change of employment, divorce, retirement, etc.)
- Suicide/Self-harm
- Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Remote Clinical Team
“I want any prospective client to know that every individual has the capacity to overcome challenges. My goal is to help them to discover their inner strengths and to build from there.”
Angela has a Masters of Education in Counseling from University of Missouri-St. Louis. She uses an integrated approach when working with clients to ensure their treatment is individualized to meet their needs. Angela believes that therapy is a path to self-discovery and improved well-being. This path begins with a safe and non-judgmental environment and building rapport between client and counselor. Angela incorporates the practice of self-compassion and mindfulness into her practice.
Specialties:
- Crisis/suicide intervention and prevention
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-esteem
- LGBT/ issues
"My work allows for individuals to step outside the darkness that they have found themselves in. I believe, through therapy, individuals are more readily able to handle every day stressors, as well as being fully present and able to see the beauty in daily life."
Karolyn has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Columbia College and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University. She has four years in practice and says she chose this profession because she enjoys learning about and working with individuals that are resilient. She loves seeing her clients overcoming personal obstacles to become the best versions of themselves.
Karolyn is a huge advocate for everyone going to therapy. "I think everyone can benefit from having someone in their corner at all times. Someone to vent too, celebrate with and do the difficult work with as well."
Specialties:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- LGBTQIA+
- Postpartum Depression and Gender Affirmation
Mary Ryder Home
4361 Olive St.
St Louis, MO 63108 314-531-2981
"Mental health is finally starting to get the recognition and understanding that it deserves, and I’m proud to be an advocate and a voice for those who didn’t get the opportunity or safe space to be heard in a time when those issues were not discussed or “swept under the rug.”"
Rachel obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology to learn more about the human body with the ultimate goal to become a doctor, she then decided to shift her focus to learning more about how to help others struggling with mental health issues. She continued her education to obtain her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Maryville University and Doctorate in Psychology from California Southern University. "I’ve always been the one others turned to for help or assistance growing up, so it felt like a natural choice for me to continue on the path of helping others. I also had the opportunity to watch my mother do this type of work in our community during my teenage years, so I began fundraising and leading others to provide help from a very young age."
Rachel feels it's important for her to help in providing an education to the future mental health providers, which she's been given the opportunity to do through being an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department at St. Louis University this year, as well as the amazing opportunity to lead current mental health providers at Mary Ryder Home as the Clinical Supervisor.