COUNSELING

WHEN TO CONSIDER COUNSELING

The counseling services offered at Evangel are tools the church uses to walk individuals and families to a place of spiritual and mental health.

Asking for help can be difficult, but there are times when life can seem overwhelming. You may have tried all you know to do, but nothing seems to help. Sometimes the issue is personal, or you may be afraid or embarrassed to discuss it with anybody. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to in order to gain perspective.

Seeking help does not mean that you are “crazy” or abnormal. It just means you are stuck and fed up with letting whatever is bothering you continue to control your life. If you want to take steps toward the joy God intends us to share, let’s talk about it!

Interested in Counseling

FAQs

How much does it cost?
To increase commitment to treatment, we believe it is beneficial to charge all clients a fee. Fees can be paid by cash, check, or debit/credit card.

Standard 50-minute Session Fee:

Graduate Intern Counselor – $50 individuals; $60 couples

Licensed Counselor – $100-$125 individuals; $125-$150 couples/families

The rate you will pay is determined during phone or email consultation. Payment is due at time of service.

How do I make an appointment?
Contact our counseling staff at 816.942.1414 ext. 130 or email to inquire about counseling or to schedule an appointment. Daytime and evening appointments are available.

Do you accept insurance?
Evangel’s counselors are not on insurance panels; however, clients can use Health Savings Accounts or flexible spending medical accounts to pay for counseling.

Do I have to attend Evangel to receive counseling?
No. Evangel counselors see clients from outside the church as schedules allow.

MEET OUR COUNSELORS

Gaitha Pennington

Gaitha Pennington is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwestern Assemblies of God University and a Master of Arts in Marriage Couples and Family Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University. She is also a National Certified Counselor and a trained Prepare-Enrich marital and pre-marital facilitator and trainer. Gaitha takes an empathetic, holistic, and trauma-informed approach to counseling, and collaborates with her clients based on their unique needs and goals. She strives to create an atmosphere where her clients feel safe, seen, and understood. She loves helping others navigate and make meaning out of their pain. Her specific areas of interest in counseling include marital and pre-marital counseling, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, attachment issues, and life transitions.

Contact Gaitha

Pamela Harms

Pamela Harms is a Licensed Professional Counselor (MO) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (KS) with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University and an undergraduate degree in music and theology from Southwestern A/G University. Pamela believes her role is to support, encourage and challenge clients in their process of growth and healing, building upon a foundation of trust and empathy. She embraces a holistic approach addressing body, soul, and spirit. Pamela is passionate about helping individuals overcome obstacles in their lives so that they may experience the fullness of what God has for them. Pamela is a certified EMDR therapist (specializing in trauma), certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, certified Synergetic Play Therapist, level 2 trained Gottman couples counselor, certified Prepare Enrich facilitator, and level 1 trained IFS (parts work) practitioner.

Contact Pamela

Veronica Meeks

Veronica Meeks is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has also earned her certification in Play Therapy and certification as a Sexual Addiction Treatment Provider (SATP). Experience as a Children’s Pastor and an oncology nurse deepened her compassion for the hurting. Her desire is to see individuals become healthier and whole, and she sees counseling as a way to be of help.

Contact Veronica

Kevin Jean-Paul

Kevin Jean-Paul is a Licensed Social Worker (MO) with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a bachelor’s degree in advanced biblical and intercultural studies from Calvary University. His specific areas of interest in counseling include anxiety, depression, trauma, faith-based issues, and life transitions. Kevin takes a strength-based and trauma-informed approach to counseling, empowering clients to address their root issues and flourish. Before becoming a social worker, Kevin worked as a life skills coach around identity formation and professional development with adolescents and emerging adults. Connecting adolescents with their purpose, Kevin has learned how to do the essential ‘self-work’ that fuels his passion for working with youth and emerging adults. Kevin’s Motto is: "You take you wherever you go, so let's learn how to travel better.”

Contact Kevin

Yulaunda Starks

Currently, a graduate student at MidAmerica Nazarene University specializing in Married, Couples, and Family Counseling, Yulaunda Starks also holds a Master’s in Healthcare Administration but is passionate about seeing people experience freedom in a way that allows her clients to have greater joy and fulfillment in their current relationships. Her goal is to reveal and bring issues to the surface so that healing can occur, and one can understand oneself. Her approach to counseling is holistic, with attention given to each client's emotional, social, spiritual, and physical well-being.

Contact Yulaunda

We are looking for Counseling Interns!

Are you a counseling student seeking a faith-based and clinically informed internship opportunity?

The Evangel Counseling internship program is designed for students pursuing a master's degree in counseling. The program allows students to receive the internship experience required to obtain Missouri state licensure while learning from a Gospel-centered and clinically informed worldview.

Intern Information