1. Kansas City Center for Anxiety Treatment (KCCAT)
Credentials: Licensed psychologists with volunteer faculty appointments through the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, OCD, panic disorder, phobias.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Populations Served: Children, teens, and adults with anxiety and related disorders.
Background: Designed for active involvement in cutting-edge research, supporting new developments and future leaders in the field. Maintains academic home through volunteer faculty appointments at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Offers variety of group activities including community support and education groups open to public, support/relapse prevention groups, exposure groups, and cost-efficient group CBT courses for those with mild to moderate symptoms.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: Individual therapy, group therapy, exposure groups.
Location: Kansas City, MO
Contact: https://www.kcanxiety.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule. Expert consultation available for professionals, schools, and organizations.
2. Brookside Anxiety and Mental Health
Credentials: Group of independent licensed practitioners specializing in anxiety treatment.
Specialization: Anxiety, OC spectrum conditions, mood disorders.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), evidence-based approaches.
Populations Served: Adults with anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders.
Background: Located in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City. Offers evidence-based care because they want to do what works and believe everyone deserves gold standard of care. CBT approach is structured, active, and collaborative to foster resilience and flexibility. Philosophy: negative emotions, unhelpful thoughts, and difficult situations are unavoidable and “the price of admission to a meaningful life” but can be challenged, accepted, and managed effectively.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: Individual, couple, family, and group therapy formats.
Location: Brookside neighborhood, Kansas City, MO
Contact: https://brooksideanxiety.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule.
3. Thriveworks Kansas City
Credentials: Team includes Hiroko Arikawa, Clinical Psychologist with APA-accredited doctoral degree specializing in cross-cultural and international psychology. Justin Mann, LCSW with 8 years experience, Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University, Phi Alpha Honor Society, certifications in Co-Occurring Disorders and Medication Assisted Recovery.
Specialization: Depression, anxiety, grief, insomnia, life transitions, substance use, trauma, couples counseling, family therapy.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused approaches, evidence-based practices.
Populations Served: Adults and families. Cultural minorities by race, ethnicity, religion, country of origin, language, disability status, and sexual orientation.
Background: Part of national Thriveworks network. Dr. Arikawa educated in Japan and U.S. (Oregon, Washington, California) with specialty in cross-cultural and international psychology. CBT conducted in-person and online. Typically 12-20 sessions.
Insurance Accepted: Accepts most major insurance plans. Self-pay options: $160-$240 intake, $135-$195 follow-up.
Session Format: In-person at 4010 Washington Street, Suite 201, Kansas City. Telehealth available.
Location: 4010 Washington Street, Suite 201, Kansas City, MO 64111
Contact: (816) 722-2967 | https://thriveworks.com/kansas-city-counseling/
Initial Consultation: Book online or call to schedule.
4. Kathryn Grant Counseling
Credentials: Kathryn Grant, Licensed Professional Counselor.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse disorders.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Populations Served: Adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse.
Background: CBT is staple treatment with history dating back to 1960s. Helps identify and change counterproductive thought processes and behaviors. By questioning assumptions before acting on them, reduces severity of psychological problems and empowers clients to live how they want. Can find relief without needing prior diagnosis.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person at Kansas City office. Online therapy throughout Missouri and Kansas.
Location: Kansas City, MO
Contact: https://www.kathryngrantcounseling.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule.
5. Clinical Counseling Associates (Zona Rosa)
Credentials: Team includes Montana Bright PhD, LPC, LCPC, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist with PhD in Clinical Sexology. Teresa, LMSW with master’s from University of Missouri-Kansas City, 20+ years medical field experience. Tiffane, LMSW with master’s from UMKC, trained in EMDR, DBT, CBT.
Specialization: Trauma, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, grief and loss, neurodivergence, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, geriatric care.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play therapy, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy.
Populations Served: Children ages 3 and up, adolescents, adults, seniors, LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, trauma survivors, people in caregiving professions.
Background: Teresa has 20+ years in medical field with past 11 years focused on geriatrics, dementia care, inpatient psychiatric treatment, and hospice care. Montana works with LGBTQIA+ community and those questioning gender identity, with background in domestic violence and sexual trauma. Licensed in both Missouri and Kansas.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person at Zona Rosa location. Individual and group sessions.
Location: Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO
Contact: https://www.clinicalcounselingassociates.org
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule.
Mental Health Industry in Missouri
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in Kansas City range from $100 to $175 per session depending on provider credentials and experience. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) typically charge $90 to $140 per session. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) charge similar rates. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $150 to $225 per session. Thriveworks lists self-pay rates of $160-$240 for intake and $135-$195 for follow-up sessions.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in Missouri, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or Board-approved institution. Candidates must accumulate supervised professional experience including predoctoral internship and postdoctoral supervised hours. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with minimum passing score is required. The Missouri Committee of Psychologists administers licensure. Continuing education requirements apply for license renewal.
Telehealth Regulations
Missouri permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. Missouri is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. Providers must use HIPAA-compliant platforms.
Mental Health Parity Laws
Missouri law requires health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions. The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) applies to group health plans.
Professional Organizations
The Missouri Psychological Association (MOPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
Kansas City has a growing mental health workforce with programs at University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Kansas, and other institutions. Wait times for new patients typically range from one to three weeks.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In Kansas City, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, trauma/PTSD, OCD, and substance use disorders. The area’s military presence contributes to demand for services addressing post-military adjustment and trauma.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
Missouri Department of Mental Health oversees community mental health programs. Community mental health centers provide services throughout the Kansas City metro area. Missouri 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KCCAT affiliated with a university?
Yes, Kansas City Center for Anxiety Treatment (KCCAT) maintains an academic home through volunteer faculty appointments at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. This connection supports their involvement in cutting-edge research and training of future clinicians.
Can I get therapy if I live in Kansas but work in Kansas City, Missouri?
Yes, several Kansas City practices have therapists licensed in both Missouri and Kansas. Clinical Counseling Associates at Zona Rosa specifically notes their therapists are licensed in both states. Kathryn Grant Counseling also offers online therapy throughout both Missouri and Kansas.
What is AASECT certification?
AASECT stands for American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Montana Bright at Clinical Counseling Associates holds AASECT Certified Sex Therapist credential, indicating specialized training in treating sexual concerns and dysfunction.
Are there group therapy options in Kansas City?
Yes, multiple practices offer group therapy. KCCAT provides community support and education groups, exposure groups, and cost-efficient group CBT courses. Brookside Anxiety offers group therapy formats alongside individual treatment.
What insurance plans are commonly accepted in Kansas City?
Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans with co-pays often ranging from $0-$50 per session. Contact individual practices to verify specific coverage for your plan.