what products do you offer?

Individual Therapy, EMDR, DBT, TF-CBT

what is your business address?

302 Campusview Dr Ste 201, Columbia, MO 65201, US

what payments do you accept?

Cash, credit card, health savings account - We are "out of network" with insurance providers but can provide a superbill you can use to try to get reimbursed for part of your expense.

What do you know about my business?

Aspire Counseling offers individual counseling for preteens, teenagers & adults through retirement. Our therapists specialize in trauma therapy, anxiety treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy & grief counseling. We are LGBTQ+ affirming and work with clients of diverse gender, sexual orientation, culture, race & life experiences.

Do you accept reservations/appointments?

All counseling & therapy sessions are by appointment only.

How many employees work with your company?

We currently have 7 therapists at Aspire Counseling

What is Unique about your business?

We focus on providing high quality evidence based mental health services, because we believe you deserve counseling services that work so you can live life in a way that feels authentic to who you are as an individual.

What holidays are you opened for?

Each therapist decides their own hours and decides which days they will work. Therefore, while some therapists may see clients some holidays others may choose not to.

What insurance do you accept?

We are out of network for all health insurance plans but can provide a superbill upon request.

Are you taking new patients?

Yes! We have limited openings with some therapists right now. Please call our client care team at 573-328-2288 to find out if we have an opening with a therapist who might be a match for you.

Do you see patients on weekends?

We have very limited openings on weekends.

Is there a unisex restroom?

Unfortunately, there are only "male" and "female" bathrooms in our building. That said, we support you using whichever restroom you are most comfortable using.

Hello! At Aspire Counseling, we believe you deserve counseling that truly works. You can ask about what is unique about our business, our hours, what type of payments we accept, parking and more!

We're happy to answer all of your questions and help you figure out if Aspire Counseling is a good fit for your needs. Please call us at 573-328-2288 with any questions you aren't finding an answer to right away. Otherwise, you can ask our address, if we accept insurance, and other basic questions on here.

I'm sorry, but we haven't programmed an answer for that question. Please call us to get a quick answer.

Don't forget to check out our blog and social media for regular mental health tips and information!

Do you have any Deal/Coupons/Offers available?

We offer a very limited number of sliding scale appointment slots.

Do you have a wheelchair accessible restroom?

Our restroom is considered wheelchair accessible but does not have a push button to make opening the door easier.

Is your establishment kid-friendly?

While our business was originally designed to see kids 10 and older we now see a limited number of younger children, particularly if the main concern is anxiety or trauma.

Is your business pet friendly?

Generally no. However, clients have brought their pets in rare situations when it's relevant to the work being done in counseling sessions. We do have a dog that visits the office about once a week and of course welcome all service animals.

Do you offer free wi-fi?

We do not currently offer wi-fi for visitors.

Asking For Help: Why Stigma Keeps Us from Seeking Professional Mental Health Help

In today's world, where mental health awareness is on the rise, seeking professional help for emotional or psychological struggles is increasingly encouraged and normalized. However, the stigma surrounding mental health issues still persists, preventing many individuals from taking that crucial step towards seeking help. At Aspire Counseling, our Missouri therapists understand the impact of this stigma and aim to shed light on why it persists and how it hinders individuals from getting the support they need.

The Weight of Mental Health Stigma

Stigma surrounding mental health and therapy is a pervasive problem, deeply ingrained in our culture. It's like a heavy cloud that hangs over individuals, making them feel embarrassed, weak, or ashamed if they consider seeking professional help. This stigma often stems from misconceptions, stereotypes, and societal judgments.

Bigstock cartoon type image of a male figure looking frustrated with a line drawing above his head representing someone with anxious thoughts who would benefit from working with a Missouri anxiety therapist.

The Fear of Being Judged for Mental Health Struggles

One of the primary reasons individuals avoid therapy is the fear of being judged. Society sometimes portrays therapy-seekers as unstable or "crazy," which couldn't be farther from the truth. At Aspire Counseling, our counselors understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our therapists are compassionate, non-judgmental professionals dedicated to helping you navigate life's challenges.

Cultural and Gender Barriers

Cultural norms and gender expectations can also play a significant role in discouraging people from seeking therapy. Some cultures view mental health struggles as a sign of personal failure or weakness, and gender stereotypes may suggest that certain emotional expressions are not acceptable. At Aspire Counseling, we respect and honor diverse backgrounds and identities, providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

The Myth of Self-Reliance

Many people believe in the myth of self-reliance, thinking that they should be able to handle their problems independently. While independence is admirable, it's crucial to remember that reaching out for support is not a sign of failure. Seeking help when needed is a testament to your determination to lead a healthier and happier life.

Breaking the Stigma: How Therapy Helps

Understanding that therapy is not a sign of weakness but rather a path towards empowerment can be a powerful motivator. At Aspire Counseling, we offer evidence-based therapies that are effective in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns.

Individualized Care

Our therapists provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs and goals. We understand that no two individuals are the same, and your therapy journey should reflect your specific challenges and strengths.

Supportive Environment

Our welcoming and non-judgmental environment is designed to help you feel safe and comfortable. We believe that the therapy process is a collaborative effort between you and your therapist, and we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Effective Therapeutic Approaches

At Aspire Counseling, we offer a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and more. Our skilled, compassionate Missouri therapists work with you to determine which approach aligns best with your needs and preferences.

We believe you truly deserve counseling that works. We call this approach evidence based counseling. It means taking these research based approaches to mental health treatment like those I just mentioned above and combining that with the unique experience of each of our caring counselors and then meeting you where you’re at as a person.

Taking the First Step to Begin Therapy & Getting the Support you Need & Deserve

Overcoming the stigma and seeking professional help can be a transformative experience. It takes courage to acknowledge that you may need support, and taking that first step is a powerful act of self-compassion. Remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a testament to your resilience and determination to live a fulfilled life.

Photo of the Aspire Counseling waiting room representing how our counseling offices in Columbia and Lee's Summit (near Blue Springs MO) are welcoming and inviting for those who are starting their mental health journey.

Supportive, Confidential, Effective Counseling in Missouri

At Aspire Counseling, as a Missouri mental health practice, our mission is to break down the barriers of stigma surrounding mental health and therapy. Our therapists wholeheartedly believe that everyone deserves access to professional support when navigating life's challenges. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your strength and determination to lead a fulfilling life.

Our dedicated team of therapists and counselors provide a supportive, confidential, and effective counseling experience tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're searching for counseling near Blue Springs, MO, or seeking therapy in the heart of mid Missouri in Columbia, our in-person counseling offices are ready to welcome you. We have taken great care to make our counseling offices in both Columbia and Lee’s Summit welcoming spaces where you’ll feel comfortable and welcomed.

We also understand that life's demands can make it challenging to attend sessions in person. That's why we offer convenient online therapy for teens as well as online counseling for adults. With Aspire Counseling, you can access the help you need in a way that suits your lifestyle.

Don't let stigma hold you back from reaching your full potential. Take that courageous first step towards a happier, healthier you. Contact us today by calling 573-328-2288 or filling out our online contact form, and let's embark on this journey of growth and healing together.