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.

What not to Say to someone with Depression

When someone you know is struggling with depression, it's important to be supportive and compassionate. However, sometimes well-intentioned comments can be harmful or minimizes their experience. Here are some things that you should avoid saying to someone who has depression.

Photo by Gadiel Lazcano on Unsplash downloaded 8/15/23

"Just snap out of it."

Depression is a real and complex mental health condition, not something that can be overcome through willpower. Depression isn’t something that can just turn off like a light switch.

"Everyone feels sad sometimes."

While this is true, depression is different from general sadness and can be much more debilitating. At one point everyone feels sad, but there is a difference between feeling sad, and being depressed, while they can be linked, they are still different. Sadness is often an emotion that people can experience, and while it can last a long period, like after the death of a loved one, it’s different than depression.

"You don’t look depressed."

Depression doesn’t have a specific look and assuming it does invalidates the person's internal experience.

Photo by Paola Aguilar on Unsplash downloaded 8/15/23

"It’s all in your head."

This implies that the depression isn’t real or is imagined, which is not true.

"Think about all the things you have to be happy about."

This can make a person feel guilty for being depressed and doesn’t acknowledge the fact that depression can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances.

"You just need to be more positive."

Telling someone to think positively oversimplifies the condition and ignores the fact that depression can affect a person's ability to think positively.

"What do you have to be depressed about?"

This suggests that a person needs a reason to be depressed, which is not the case.

"There are people who have it much worse."

Comparing struggles is not helpful and can make someone feel like their pain is being minimized.

"You’re just doing this for attention."

This is invalidating and dismissive, suggesting that the person is not truly suffering.

"You just need to keep busy." or "Have you tried...?"

Offering unsolicited advice or simple solutions like a change in diet or exercise can make the person feel like you think their depression is easily fixable, which it often isn’t.

While staying active can sometimes help manage symptoms, it’s not a cure and this comment can feel dismissive, and upsetting. When people are having trouble with depression, they probably have tried various things, such as going for walks, or trying something new to help. By saying these comments, they can feel dismissive, and make the person not feel heard.

"This is just a phase."

Depressive episodes may come and go, but labeling it as just a phase may minimize the person's experience.

Instead of saying the things listed above, consider doing the following:

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash downloaded 8/15/23

Listen actively and validate their feelings.
Express concern and let them know you care.
Avoid trying to “fix” their depression, and instead offer support in seeking professional help.
Encourage them gently, without making demands or setting expectations.
Let them know that you are there for them, without judgment.

Remember, the goal is to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment for the person who is dealing with depression.

Depression Counseling in Missouri

At Aspire Counseling we have several clinicians that are trained to work with depression. Our clinicians also work with those experiencing OCD, disordered eating, trauma, anxiety and much more. Along with offering services at our Lee’s Summit, Missouri location, and our Columbia, Missouri location, we also offer virtual therapy to anyone within the State of Missouri.

Our clinicians also offer a free 30 minute consultation, you can fill out our online form, and one of our amazing Client Care staff will reach out, and get you best matched up with one of our fabulous clinicians for the free consultation! Reach out today to begin your therapy journey with Aspire Counseling!