
Rhonda Piazza
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Missouri with over 20years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including addiction/substance abuse, depression, stress management, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and life transitions. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. The central idea in my approach is that people are not “broken”. Everyone makes the best choices they can, based on their experiences and life situation. However, over time those choices and the resulting coping mechanisms may hold you back from growing and reaching your goals. I am here to help clients reach the goals they set for themselves. My job is to help clients identify new choices that match their values. Together we will work to create movement in your life towards your stated values and goals. My theoretical approach is eclectic. I am most strongly influenced by the work of Carl Rogers and his Person-Centered approach to therapy. I use a lot of mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Since I do not adhere to a single theoretical approach, I use a variety of techniques that I think will benefit individual clients. I do not have a “one size fits all” mentality when it comes to counseling. If you are interested in addressing career issues, I can administer career assessments including the MBTI, Skill Scan, and the Self-Directed Search. It takes courage to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Kay Adkins
My name is Kay Adkins and I am a Professional Licensed Counselor (LPC). I started my education at College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, Missouri where I received my Bachelor of Science in Philosophy/Religion and Psychology. I went on to complete my Master's in Science in Counseling from Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri. I am trained primarily in Person-Centered Therapy, a client centered approach that allows the client to lead the session. I have over seven years of experience providing individual, group, and family therapy using Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), rational perspective, and Solution Focused therapy. I am also finishing up a certificate course in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). I have experience working in a variety of settings including office and in-home private practice, residential care for adolescents, 7 Day Follow-up, and intensive outpatient within a medical facility. I have worked with a diverse population including children, adults, geriatrics, foster care, low socioeconomic levels, and supporting others with varying disabilities. I have experience working with a wide range of disorders and concerns, including depression, anxiety, life adjustment, daily stress management, childhood trauma, Gay-Lesbian, and self-esteem related concerns. I trust in my clients and believe that that they can make effective decisions regarding their personal counseling goals and treatment. And I believe that it is up to the client to determine his or her own personal progress and growth according to what is best for the individual. I believe each one of us has the ability to make choices and face challenges, but at times we need a word of encouragement or even a strong nudge to get started. Sometimes we just need one other person to validate, hear, and believe in us. I hope that together we will be able to find the healing, support, and growth you are searching for through counseling.

Jeffrey Ayers
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 6 years of experience in the field of mental health. After a 7 year stint working for the United States Postal Service, I decided to go back to school to help people with their problems. I have an Associate of Science degree from Brazosport College. I have an Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Columbia College. I have my Master of Education degree in Counseling, a Graduate Certificate in College Student Mental Health, and my Education Specialist degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a school psychological examiner and a Kindergarten through 12th grade School Counselor. I completed all my provisional license hours at Lincoln University in their counseling center providing pro bono counseling to the community and college students. My counseling style is warm and receptive, I feel establishing the client/counselor relationship is paramount to success during the therapeutic process. I feel we are all unique individuals and counseling must be tailored to each specific client. I am well experienced in career counseling and traditional counseling using mindfulness based-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I use an integrated approach to find out what will work best with each client I am working with. There are many stigmas associated with seeing a counselor, one of the most harmful being that someone who seeks help is weak, it is my goal to shatter that stereotype and help my clients find their path in life that they can accomplish all they wish to and more.

Lisa Waltrip
Lisa has worked in the Mental Health field for over 6 years in various positions in the community as an Integrated Health Specialist assisting clients in reaching their goals and providing therapeutic intervention to progress through their personal struggles. While a Clubhouse Unit Leader, Lisa supported clients in managing their mental health while learning life-skills to return to the work-force or pursue post-secondary education. Finally, as a clinical based therapist, Lisa utilized her innate compassion to work with children and adults of all ages who struggle from a wide variety of issues, with a focus on play therapy techniques and trauma therapy. Lisa has completed extensive trainings including course work in play therapy, Zero Suicide, Trauma Informed Care and Grief Counseling, and has experience in working with individuals covering a wide range of ages, socioeconomic, gender, racial, cultural, spiritual, educational, sexual orientation, as well as individuals with cognitive impairment or mental health diagnosis. She believes in a client-driven, strength-based approach which takes into account the role of family dynamics, available supports and unresolved past trauma, in a solution focused therapy setting. My goal is to support clients of all ages with their journey of healing and finding inner peace so that one may choose to live and experience their best life. My logo of a sea turtle captures the very essence of who I am personally and what I want Inner Peace Health Center to represent. The sea turtle symbolizes longevity, peace, grounding, ancient wisdom, and emotional strength. At times it can feel like an emotional tsunami as you navigate through the deep waters of the world’s emotions. Self-awareness will bring confidence and calm to your emotional state, as well as peace and acceptance to your unique path. - Lisa Renee Waltrip, MED, LPC Specialties Anxiety and Depression Cultural/Ethnic Issues Emotional Wellness/Mindfulness Divorce/Blended Family Issues End of Life Issues Gay/Lesbian Issues Grief and Loss Postpartum Disorders PTSD and Trauma Self-Esteem /Self-Image Sexual Abuse I typically work Monday through Friday from 7 to 5. Please allow 24 hours for a response and all messages sent Friday afternoon through Monday morning with be returned the following work day.

Julie Burr
My name is Julie and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Missouri and I’d love to partner with you to feel well and be well! Let's nourish your soul and find healing with the practices I’ve implemented from the wealth of wisdom I’ve gleaned from decades of challenges related to health, relationships, and loss. From the unexpected loss of numerous loved ones, the end of intimate relationships, unmet expectations and chronic illness we can go from misery to mastery, bitter to better, and find some nuggets of joy in the journey. It's not easy but YOU are worth investing in! It takes time but let’s find peace, balance and contentment *in the midst of* crazy times. Life can really be tough and there's not a lot of easy answers to many challenges. While I find DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), mindfulness and faith in general to be very useful for many people I'm honored to help find the best approach for YOU in coping with life's curveballs, managing long seasons of hardship, and finding hope in the most difficult issues we may face. Particular interests of mine include travel, nutrition, movement, parenting struggling children, caregiving, social and environmental justice, race relations and finding the aspects of faith that are helpful while discerning what doesn't serve you well.

Melissa Loudon
How’s your stress level? If you’re anything like the millions of other people adjusting to significant changes over the last few years, it’s likely your stress has crept up over this time. With change and uncertainty as one of our only constants as of late, it makes sense that life might feel heavier now than it once did. I’m a Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Missouri (LCSW) and Kansas (LSCSW). I am active in the greater Kansas City area with over 18 years of experience in the field of human services. The people I have had the privilege of serving come from all walks of life and have encountered a myriad of personal and professional challenges. Over the course of my career, I have served adjudicated youth, children and families within the child welfare system, adults with identified substance use issues, and individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Most recently, I have worked with adults to develop employment goals as well as strategies to achieve them. I have recently transitioned to providing therapy on a full-time basis and I work exclusively using telehealth/virtual sessions. I am eager to support adults experiencing job satisfaction concerns, self-esteem or confidence issues, depression, anxiety, unpacking past trauma, communication and relationship issues, family dynamics, grief and loss, and individuals in the LGBTQ+ population. My approach is warm and supportive as I believe in the dignity and worth of every person. I most often utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing techniques, and acceptance and commitment therapy, but am happy to tailor your treatment plan to your unique needs. Verbally processing the challenging things in life can make them significantly more manageable. Seeking therapy is such a vulnerable and brave thing to do and I'm inspired by that courage! Years ago as a young adult, I was drawn to the social work field out of a desire to help others. To me, nothing was more interesting in college than learning about people. One of my greatest joys is watching clients grow and evolve out of struggle. We all experience obstacles in life, and it is my honor to help you find new approaches to the many and varied problems that pop up. My commitment to you as a helping professional is to keep you and your values front and center and to leave judgment at the door. I believe therapy is a partnership and I’m so eager to partner with you! So, are you ready for this? I’m excited to meet you and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside you on your journey. I hope you’ll reach out so we can get something scheduled today!

James Schrader
I am a Licensed Psychologist in Missouri with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, mood self-regulation challenges, interpersonal communication issues and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe counseling environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to fully support and guide you in that process.

Tracy Vacca
I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Kimberly Backfisch
I am licensed in Missouri with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Dr. Aneita Cooper
I am faith-based Professional Counselor licensed in the states of Arkansas and Missouri with 15 years of professional work experience. I have had the honor in supporting individuals through issues in life such as stress and anxiety, intimacy related issues, identity growth, parenting issues and more. I have experience working with clients to maneuver through the changes life brings and the impacts to day to day functioning. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you while moving toward the purpose you were created to experience. While I am a Christian-based therapist I am open to clients of every faith or non-faith background. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts, feelings, and topics of faith can be shared without fear of judgment. No matter what your struggle is, you will find help through effective, individualized, psychological care. I believe in a bio-psycho-social model of counseling that includes the body, mind, and spirit achieving balance for wellness and healing.
Find a therapist serving clients in Missouri
Types of therapists available to clients in Chilhowee
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Chilhowee that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Chilhowee available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Chilhowee therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Chilhowee therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Chilhowee region and in the state of Missouri.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Chilhowee can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Chilhowee may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.