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.

How to Combat Depression in the Fall

The Fall is a time of year that seems to bring out the worst in many people. The days get shorter, and it becomes harder for some people to cope with the lower levels of light. This can lead to feelings of depression, which can be tough to shake off.

Luckily there are things you can do like taking short breaks or opportunities throughout the day to get outside even if it's only for a few minutes, using a sun lamp around mid-day or prioritizing reconnecting with friends.

The Start of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

If you're one of the many people who notice a gentle dip in your mood as we move through the Fall season, you may be experiencing the start of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder that affects many people who live in climates with extended periods of sunlight. The most common symptoms are depression, lethargy, and sleep disturbances. It is believed to be caused by changes in circadian rhythms due to lack of exposure to light. If you think you might have Seasonal Affective Disorder or if someone close to you does, there are ways to help manage the condition.

Woman sitting on the ground that is covered in leaves . Representing self-care therapy and counselor for women as tools for fighting depression.

Tips for Coping with The Start of Seasonal Affective Disorder

1. Get outside every day

Everyone knows that getting outside every day is a great way to stay healthy and fit, but did you know it's also a great way to combat depression? Not only does being outside in nature have positive effects on your physical health, but it can also increase your serotonin levels. In fact, studies have shown that spending time outdoors has the same effect as antidepressants! So try going for a walk or hike this weekend and see if you feel happier afterwards.

Photo of woman cutting vegetables on a cutting board to represent how eating healthy helps with self-care and mental heath.

2. Eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods and drink water throughout the day

It could really be the case that nutrient-dense foods are beneficial for mental health, but more research is needed to say definitively. Think about your diet as one important piece of the puzzle - it won't provide all the answers to why our lives can feel bleak. However, there does appear to be some link between eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, which contain healthy phytonutrients so it may help with neurotransmitters like serotonin.

3. Exercise regularly for at least 20 minutes per day

Exercise is a natural mood booster and has been shown to improve your mood & overall mental state. Exercise increases feel-good chemicals called endorphins while decreasing stress. I know-sometimes it’s harder to get exercise when it’s already dark by the time you get off work. So, consider getting a bit creative. How you exercised in the summer months might just not be practical right now. But can you bundle up and go for a walk on your lunch break? Is it time to put that old treadmill in your basement to work? Or maybe you can follow along to a yoga video on your computer after work?

4.Prioritize socializing with friends in the colder months

Group of 5 people in a line facing away with their arms around each other to represent how friendship helps mental health and depression symptoms.

Socializing may help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and also lift your mood in general, especially if you usually spend a lot of time feeling isolated in the winter.

Honestly, it can be easier to get together with friends in the summer. There are often more community gatherings or you may naturally gather to participate in sports, go to the pool, etc. However, in the Fall & Winter (particularly after the holidays are over) you may have to put in more effort to socialize. Having company over for gathering such as dinner parties, outings, or an invitation to go shopping or to see a movie can also help to level off feelings of sadness.

5. Get Sunlight….however you can

Sometimes, it isn’t practical for you to get outside as often as you’d like this time of year. But how else can you get sunlight? Is it possible to move your desk closer to a window? Can you move to a better lit part of the building during your breaks at work? Or maybe you want to purchase the sunlamp to turn on for 20 minutes each morning. The point being, your mind responds well to light so make sure to get a little light each day.

More Support for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that many people experience as the days get shorter and colder. The tips we’ve provided should help you cope with this depressive state, but if your sadness continues after following these steps, it may be time to talk to a professional about what additional support can do for you. If you live anywhere in Missouri (we have clients throughout the state including the Kansas City area, Springfield, Jefferson City & other parts of the state), the Aspire Counseling therapists are ready and waiting to meet with you so they can provide support and help you make the most of the winter months.