Looking for a therapist position in Lee’s Summit or Columbia where you can do meaningful work without the drama? Aspire Counseling offers clinical autonomy, evidence-based practice, and a genuinely supportive team culture that helps you thrive professionally while maintaining work-life balance.
Here's what makes us different: we're not just another therapy practice looking to fill seats. We're a therapist-owned practice built specifically to create the kind of workplace where mental health professionals actually want to work. Every decision we make—from our calm, no-drama culture to our flexible scheduling to our commitment to evidence-based practice—is designed to support both excellent client care and therapist wellbeing.
We work with clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, and OCD using approaches like EMDR, CPT, IFS, and ERP. But we don't micromanage how you practice. You'll have full clinical autonomy within your scope of practice, backed by regular consultation and a team that genuinely supports your professional growth.
If you're tired of corporate therapy mills and ready to practice in a place where your expertise is valued and your boundaries are respected, here's why Columbia-area therapists choose Aspire Counseling.
Why Aspire Counseling is the Best Place for Mental Health Therapists to Work in Missouri
Top Reasons Therapists Choose to work at Aspire Counseling in Lee’s Summit and/or Columbia, MO
1. A Workspace That Actually Feels Good
Our Columbia office is thoughtfully designed to be calming and comfortable for both clients and clinicians. We've invested in tactful décor that creates a genuinely welcoming environment—and yes, we keep snacks stocked that everyone (clients and staff) can enjoy anytime. It's the kind of place where you'll look forward to coming to work.
2. Real Investment in Your Professional Growth
We're serious about evidence-based practice, and we put our money where our mouth is. Full-time therapists receive up to $500 annually for training reimbursement on evidence-based techniques. Want to get certified in EMDR or trained in a new trauma approach? We'll help make it happen.
3. Clients Come to You (Really)
Forget hustling for referrals. We've invested heavily in marketing and have a highly skilled, compassionate client care team who handles all intake calls. They do an excellent job converting inquiries into consultations and matching you with the types of clients you actually want to see. You focus on therapy—we handle getting clients to your door.
4. True Clinical Autonomy
Set your own schedule. Choose your own approach (within evidence-based practice). If a client isn't a good fit, you can always refer them out—no pressure to keep difficult cases just to fill hours. You're the expert, and we treat you like one.
5. A Team That's Actually There for You
Our clinicians are kind, knowledgeable, and always available for consultation on difficult cases. When you hit a challenging situation, you're not alone. You've got experienced colleagues who genuinely want to support your success and your clients' outcomes. We offer monthly consultation groups, a weekly office hours with leadership, a weekly full team check in and quick access to check in 1:1 with other clinicians as needed.
6. Therapist-Owned Means Therapist-Focused
We're owned and operated by therapists who understand what you need to do your best work. Our policies exist to support excellent client care and clinician wellbeing—not to create bureaucratic hoops. We keep red tape to an absolute minimum.
7. Benefits That Actually Matter
6 paid holidays per year
3% IRA match (because we'll all retire someday)
50% health insurance premium coverage
$30 monthly technology stipend
$15 bonus for each new client you see
8. Steady Income, Flexible Life
With our consistent referral flow and excellent client retention, you can count on a steady income stream. Combined with flexible scheduling, you can actually plan your life and finances without the feast-or-famine cycle that plagues many therapy practices.
9. Quality Over Quantity Culture
We're not a therapy mill. We focus on providing excellent care to clients who are ready to do the work, which means more satisfying sessions and better outcomes. You'll leave work feeling like you made a real difference instead of just surviving another day.
10. Room to Grow
Whether you want to specialize further, take on supervision responsibilities, or explore new treatment modalities, we support professional development. Several of our team members have grown into leadership roles, and we're always looking for ways to help our therapists advance their careers.
Where can I find more information about working for Aspire Counseling in Columbia as a Therapist?
Learn About Our Hiring Process
Get details about our application process, what we're looking for in candidates, and how to take the next step toward joining our Columbia team.
Aspire Counseling vs. Better Help
Considering your options? Read why Columbia therapists choose established group practices like Aspire over corporate therapy platforms—better pay, real support, and meaningful work.
Meet Your Future Colleagues
Get to know the talented team of therapists you'd be working alongside. See the different specialties, personalities, and backgrounds that make up our collaborative Columbia practice.
Frequently Asked Questions from LPCs/LCSWs/LMFTs & Psychologists considering a position at Aspire Counseling in Lee’s Summit & Columbia, MO
We know you have questions about what it's really like to work here. Here are some common questions we get from therapists considering joining our Columbia team.
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You're paid a clinical rate for each 45-60 minute session and associated notes, plus a small admin rate for meetings and trainings. We also provide a $30/month technology stipend and $15 bonus for each new client. Full-time therapists (25+ sessions/week) receive additional benefits including health insurance, PTO, and a 3% IRA match.
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Very quickly. Our new therapists typically fill their caseload within weeks, not months. We have a steady stream of 150+ new client inquiries monthly with only a handful of openings, so you won't spend time wondering where your next client is coming from.
That said you’ll fill your caseload faster if you:
Get us photos & a description for your “about page” as soon as you’ve signed an offer letter
Create a short introduction video for your “about” page within a week of starting
Help us market your services by writing blog posts and/or creating quick videos for social media
Work quickly through our onboarding course and follow all recommendations related to consultation sessions, discussing rates with clients, etc.
Communicate well with our Client Care staff
Are willing to see more new clients each week (you decide how many consults you have maximum)
Are willing to work some high demand hours such as weekends, early mornings or evenings (clients LOVE evening slots so those fill fast)
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You can always refer them out—no pressure to keep difficult cases just to fill hours. We believe therapists do their best work with clients they genuinely want to help, so we fully support appropriate referrals.
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You'll have access to regular consultation with experienced colleagues, weekly optional group consultation, and our Senior Clinical Team Lead, Kristi, who provides supervision and support. Plus, full-time therapists get up to $500 annually for evidence-based training reimbursement.
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We have a LOT of clients requesting in person counseling sessions in our Columbia location. Therefore, we ask that you are primarily in office. However, if you’d prefer to have one day per week where you do telehealth from home that is ok. We know some therapists love having this as an option.
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Part-time therapists see 12-20 clients per week. Full-time is just 10 sessions per month (about 25 clients per week) to qualify for benefits.
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Licensed Therapist - Columbia, MO Office
Aspire Counseling LLC
Aspire Counseling is a therapist-owned, evidence-based group practice specializing in trauma and anxiety treatment across Missouri. We're known for our calm, collaborative culture where clinical excellence meets genuine flexibility. Our Columbia and Lee's Summit locations serve clients seeking trauma-informed care through modalities like EMDR, TF-CBT, CPT, IFS, and ERP.
We believe that taking excellent care of our team directly translates to exceptional client outcomes. If you're a licensed therapist who values clinical autonomy, ongoing consultation, and working in a supportive environment free from workplace drama, we'd love to meet you.
What You'll Do
Clinical Responsibilities:
Provide evidence-based therapy to a full caseload of 100+ clients per month (paid sessions)
Deliver trauma-informed, measurement-based care that meets clients where they are
Participate in monthly consultation teams focused on CPT or ERP with fellow clinicians for at least the first 6 months
Complete comprehensive clinical documentation using our EHR system
Maintain active engagement in ongoing clinical development and best practices
Schedule & Structure:
Set your own schedule within reason—we prioritize work-life balance and flexibility
Attend brief weekly check-ins (30 minutes on Mondays) with the clinical team
Participate in monthly team meetings (replaces one weekly check-in per month)
Optional weekly office hours available with clinical leadership for additional support
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications:
Current Missouri licensure as an LPC, LCSW, or LMFT
Experience providing outpatient psychotherapy
Commitment to evidence-based treatment approaches
Strong clinical documentation and organizational skills
Preferred Experience:
Training in TF-CBT, EMDR, ACT, CPT, or ERP
Experience treating trauma, anxiety, and related conditions
Familiarity with measurement-based care principles
Essential Qualities:
No-drama approach: You thrive in calm, professional environments and communicate directly
Clinical excellence: You're committed to providing high-quality care and ongoing improvement
Adaptability: You can meet diverse client needs and adjust treatment approaches accordingly
Growth mindset: You value consultation, feedback, and continuous learning
Collaborative spirit: You work well with a team while maintaining clinical autonomy
What We Offer
Professional Development:
Comprehensive CPT training provided within 60 days if not already certified in CPT, EMDR, or TF-CBT
Up to $500 annual continuing education reimbursement for approved training events
Ongoing clinical consultation and supervision opportunities
Access to additional evidence-based treatment trainings over time
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
Health insurance (Aspire covers 50% of your premium + 10% of spouse's premium)
IRA retirement plan with up to 3% company match
PTO that accrues with each client session (0.05 hours per paid session)
6 paid holidays: 4 core holidays + 2 floating holidays of your choice
Bereavement leave (3 days immediate family, 2 days extended family)
$30 monthly technology stipend
Professional liability insurance coverage
Work Environment:
Clinical autonomy with supportive team structure
Flexible scheduling to fit your life
Modern office space with all necessary amenities
Option to work from home using HIPAA-compliant technology
Snacks, beverages, and a welcoming office environment
Ready to Join Our Team?
If you're a licensed therapist who values excellence, collaboration, and authentic work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you. At Aspire, you'll have the clinical freedom to do your best work while being supported by a team that truly cares about your professional growth and personal well-being.
To apply, please submit:
Your resume and cover letter
Current CV with training/certification details
Brief statement about your approach to evidence-based trauma treatment
Aspire Counseling is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.
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We think it’s pretty special! We have a genuinely collaborative and drama-free team. We help each other with difficult cases, celebrate one another’s successes, leadership listens and responds quickly. We believe it’s an honor to sit with people through their most stressful moments, but it’s also heavy work. Therefore, we’re serious about maintaining an empowering, calm & supportive environment where you can do your absolute best work.
Get in touch.
We’re excited that you’re considering Aspire Counseling as the next step in your career. To apply, simply upload your cover letter & resume to submit. For more details about our practice culture, open positions, and what we look for in new clinicians, visit our Now Hiring page.