Wildwood, MO Local Support & Community Resources

Mary Lakey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) known for her compassionate and caring approach to therapy. She listens empathetically to the stories of her clients, helping individuals deal with a wide array of concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, and anger. Mary is committed to serving diverse populations, including underprivileged groups, LGBTQIA individuals, African Americans, veterans, and those affected by various forms of oppression, including ageism, racism, and sexism. Her goal is to gently assist clients in overcoming their struggles, helping them reclaim confidence and self-esteem to lead fulfilling lives. With an eclectic approach to therapy, she collaborates with clients to identify the most effective treatment methods for their journey toward self-improvement. Mary possesses social agency alongside her compassion and empathy, advocating for what is right for each client’s unique cultural background. She offers low-cost counseling, utilizing a sliding scale based on income to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent access to essential mental health support.

Christina Ann Tisher, PhD, LPC, LCPC, embodies the essence of the Greek word 'paraclete,' which means to come alongside. She views her role as a counselor as supportive and collaborative, journeying alongside individuals as they navigate life's challenges. Whether clients face a crossroads, seek clarity, make important decisions, or wish to improve their relationships with themselves or others, Christina considers it a privilege to accompany them on their path. Her approach emphasizes that clients are in control of their own journeys, with Christina serving as a navigator dedicated to helping them achieve their goals. For those unsure of their direction, Christina offers a safe space to explore these uncertainties together. Understanding that the right fit between a client and counselor is crucial, she provides complimentary 5-10 minute phone consultations, allowing potential clients to feel comfortable and ask any questions before beginning their first session. Christina is licensed to practice in both Missouri and Illinois.

Christine Ottinger is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist who specializes in helping adolescents navigate the challenges of home, school, and peer relationships. With an understanding that mood and behavior can create a turbulent environment for families, she believes in the power of education and encouragement. Christine works diligently to equip teens with the skills necessary to cope with stress, transition effectively through life's changes, and develop into resilient adults. With over 20 years of experience providing individual and family therapy in both acute hospital settings and alternative therapeutic schools, she is dedicated to identifying problems, setting achievable goals, and tailoring treatment plans to meet each family’s unique situation. Her areas of expertise include supporting adolescents with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD/ADD, and Anxiety Disorders. Additionally, Christine offers parent coaching, meeting with parents individually or in joint sessions with their adolescent to enhance the therapeutic process. She is recognized as a trusted provider by the Rockwood School District and is willing to attend school meetings to advocate for her clients' needs.