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Counseling Associates

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Columbia, MO
Counseling Associates

Counseling Associates is an all-woman owned private mental health practice in Columbia, MO.

05/12/2026

We’re therapists, of course we’re here for you!
Call 573-874-8818 to schedule today!
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05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from Counseling Associates!

To the moms who are thriving, to the ones just getting through the day, and to everyone in between. You are doing more than you know, and it matters more than words can say. Whether today brings joy, grief, gratitude, or all of the above — you are not alone. To every mother in our community: we honor your strength, your love, and your whole story. Happy Mother’s Day.

05/08/2026

Meet Kristal 🤍 featuring her new office space!

Book lover, beach-goer, and open-road rider
When Kristal isn’t supporting her clients, you’ll likely find her soaking up the sun at Flagler Beach, paddleboarding on the Intracoastal, or enjoying some “wind therapy” cruising down A1A on her motorcycle or in a convertible. She also loves spending quality time with her son, especially by the water, and enjoys slowing down with a good book or cooking something delicious at home.

Kristal brings a wealth of experience from a variety of clinical settings, including maternity and crisis pregnancy services, community support rehabilitation with adolescents and adults, end-of-life care, and on-call psychiatric services in a hospital emergency room. She has also served as a liaison to help connect underserved children with resources and has facilitated smoking cessation groups.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from the Stephens College. Kristal is also certified as a To***co Treatment Specialist through the Mayo Clinic and is an American Lung Association Freedom From Smoking Facilitator.

Kristal uses an integrative therapeutic approach grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a biopsychosocial framework. She is passionate about creating a space rooted in connection, acceptance, and collaboration.

A few things about her:
• Fun fact = she was a tour guide at the Churchill Memorial from ages 15–21 🏛️
• Another fun fact = Her only out-of-the-country trip was to Cuba ✈️
• Self-care = wind therapy on A1A 🌬️
• Hobbies = reading & cooking 📚🍳
• Favorite drink = both—she loves any hot beverage (including hot water)☕
• Something that always makes her smile = her son’s laughter 💛
• Favorite season: Florida only has one, but she loves a Missouri autumn day

📍 Telehealth only
🌱 Accepts United Healthcare, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, and private pay

05/02/2026

Come see Catherine, one of our amazing PLPCs for play therapy, or if you just need someone to talk to! Cathy is currently accepting clients of all ages and definitely has enough fidgets to go around! 🤍😊

05/01/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 🤍

Behind the statistics are real people—friends, family, neighbors, and maybe even you. Mental health struggles are more common than we think, and no one should have to navigate them alone.

Checking in on someone. Sending a text. Going for a walk together. These small moments can make a big difference.

And if you’re the one struggling—this is your reminder that support is here for you, too.

At Counseling Associates, we’re here to walk alongside you with compassion, understanding, and care.

📍 Now accepting new clients
💻 In-person & telehealth available

You don’t have to do this alone 🤍

04/30/2026

✨Clinician Spotlight: Amanda Boyce

Meet Amanda: reader, thrift-store treasure hunter, and proud tea lover 🤍

When Amanda isn’t supporting her clients, you’ll likely find her curled up with a good book, laughing with friends, browsing her favorite thrift stores, or relaxing with her cat. She’s also always down for a road trip—and never says no to music, laughter, or a good true crime or comedy binge to mix things up.

Amanda’s path into the mental health field has been shaped by a diverse background, including experience in law enforcement and continued work in supportive roles with nonprofits and within a sober living community. These experiences have fueled her passion for working with individuals navigating addiction and those impacted by it, while also giving her meaningful insight into the unique pressures faced by first responders.

She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University and is a certified Peer Specialist. Amanda is open to working with individuals from all backgrounds and a wide range of concerns, and is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel supported and comfortable being themselves. Her approach is client-centered, with a strong focus on connection, trust, and meeting each person where they are.

A few things about her:
• Fun fact = lived in Australia for 5 years 🇦🇺
• Favorite snack = Snyder’s Hot Buffalo Wing Pretzels
• Self-care = reading, music, and LOTS of laughter
• Hobbies = photography & road trips
• Zodiac sign = Libra ♎
• Favorite season = summer ☀️

Amanda’s favorite reminder:
“It’s okay to be perfectly imperfect—just be you.”

Amanda’s favorite part of being a therapist is having the opportunity to be a supportive, listening ear for others—just as others have been there for her. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside her clients as they grow, heal, and find their way 🤍

📍 Accepting self-pay clients
🌱 In person or tele-health openings for clients of all ages

04/29/2026

✨Clinician Spotlight: Ralph Smith, LCSW

Meet Ralph: lifelong Tennessee fan, proud cat dad, and someone who truly values real connection 🤍

When Ralph isn’t supporting his clients, you can usually find him catching a game or staying active. He runs every single day, no matter the weather, and somehow still makes himself do crunches (even though he definitely doesn’t enjoy them).

With over 40 years of experience, Ralph has worked with just about everything life can throw at a person. From supporting adolescents in the juvenile justice system to helping survivors of intimate partner violence, he brings both depth and perspective to his work. He’s especially skilled in helping clients navigate trauma, grief, and substance use, always through a compassionate, trauma-informed lens.

A few things about him:
• Fun fact: Ralph hasn’t eaten meat since high school
• Another fun fact: He’s been to every Tennessee vs. Missouri football and basketball game (men’s and women’s), except during COVID when fans weren’t allowed. You may spot him at a game, but he’ll be in orange (not black and gold).
• Self-care: Ralph takes care of both his mind and body by running along the Meramec River, usually after attending his own therapy
• Lately: He’s been trying his hand at photography, capturing shots of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Meramec Rivers. He has even been considering taking a photography class
When asked what his favorite part of being a therapist is, Ralph shared:

“It’s hard for me to put into words what the best thing about being a therapist is for me—it’s emotional and intuitive. It goes back to my very first client at a girls’ juvenile detention center in Davenport, Iowa. The fact that she trusted me enough to share her trauma ignited something in me that I still feel today whenever I have a session that goes well. My thought back then was: if you put your trust in me, you’re going to get my very best. I also deeply value the relationships I’ve built over the years—many of my closest friends are former colleagues or mentors.”

Ralph believes that trust is earned through curiosity and open, authentic connection without judgment. He strives to establish a safe and trusting environment where clients can connect, heal, and grow. Ralph doesn’t claim to have a favorite quote, but one of the people he admires most is Pat Summitt from his alma mater, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Even though she has passed, he still hears her voice when he’s feeling tired or unmotivated, and it keeps him going.

📍 Ralph accepts United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, Missouri Medicaid, and private pay
🌱 Ralph has openings in person in Columbia or via telehealth across Missouri

04/24/2026

Happy Counseling Associates Admin Appreciation Day to the four ladies that keep our office together. We appreciate your hard work,patience and humor.

04/23/2026

At Counseling Associates we’re here for you 🤍 Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/7axueEqLc5wRnCMT6 or call 573-874-8818 to get scheduled today!
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04/21/2026

✨Clinician Spotlight: Catherine McNeely, PLPC

Meet Catherine McNeely (you may also know her as Bob) 🤍

Therapist, K-drama enthusiast, and unapologetic Aquarius ♒

When Catherine isn’t supporting her clients, you’ll likely find her in her room—either deep into a K-drama, watching BTS, or just staring at the wall (we all need those moments). With 16 years of experience as a school counselor, she brings a strong background in academic support and a deep passion for youth mental health.

Her approach is strengths-based and rooted in Choice Theory/Reality Therapy—helping clients recognize their power, build resilience, and create meaningful, self-directed lives. While she has a special heart for working with youth, she welcomes clients of all ages.

A few things about her:
• Fun fact: she eats spicy food to cool down
• She is a self-proclaimed couch potato on the weekends
• Hobbies: diamond art, cooking, and playing with cats
• Favorite season: fall

Catherine loves helping clients see their strengths in a way that feels natural and empowering—never forced. And if she introduces herself as “Bob”… just roll with it (some clients already do 😄). She’s always finding new ways to bring smiles to our faces!

A couple of her favorite sayings:
“What doesn’t kill you gives you trauma.”
“Everything is figureoutable.”

📍Catherine has openings for clients 6+ (in person or virtual)
🌱 Catherine takes self-pay clients and will soon accept Medicaid

04/14/2026

✨Clinician Spotlight: Shawn Ohlms, PLPC

Meet Shawn: Dad of three and a regular on the soccer sidelines. ⭐️

When he’s not at work or church, you’ll probably find him spending time with his wife and kids—usually at his son’s games or cheering on St. Louis City SC ⚽

Shawn’s approach to therapy is all about meeting people where they are. He creates a space that feels safe, supportive, and real. He loves getting to walk alongside people in their journey toward healing and growth, and sees that as both a privilege and one of the best parts of what he does.

He uses a mix of person-centered therapy and CBT to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while building practical tools for growth and resilience.

A few things about him:
• Self-care = waiting for bedtime and sneaking out to the hot tub (don’t tell the kids 🤫)
• Big fan of golf and disc golf as a way to unplug
• Spring is his favorite (but Christmas season is a close second)

Shawn shared that his favorite quote is actually a Bible verse that’s close to his heart:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9

We love having Shawn on our Counseling Associates team!

📍 Offers Telehealth across Missouri
🌱 Accepting: Private Pay, Healthy Blue, Home State Health

Address

3005 A Chinaberry Drive
Columbia, MO
65201

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15738748818

Website

http://comocounselingassociates.com/

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