I guess I expected more from the biggest mental health agency in southeast Missouri. This isn't…read morenecessarily a bad review, just my experience in case it helps others. I have struggled to find counseling that I can afford and I was excited to learn that Burrell would take my insurance (Ambetter) and it would be basically free. They got me in for intake pretty much right away. The building is kinda confusing, but everyone was helpful giving me directions. They took my information and told me they would schedule an intake session but left me waiting for a while before telling me that they actually were going to call to schedule. Then it was about two weeks before I was scheduled for intake. That intake was rescheduled a few times. I loved the girl I did the intake with. I heard nothing after the intake. I called about a month after and they said they would call me when I could meet with someone. I didn't hear anything for 3 months. Finally started meeting with a therapist. I'd met with intern counselors in the past, so I was excited to be with a licensed therapist. She was fine, I guess. I didn't dislike her. I will say that I thought meeting in her office was weird and impersonal. Her office felt kinda chaotic and not really client oriented. It felt like if you were in a realtor's office or something. By week three we were still doing intake stuff... We never got to any actual therapy before I left. Also, just a personal issue, but my main issue is anxiety and she literally told me that anxiety is healthy and we were not going to work on it. I understood what she was saying, but it felt very invalidating.

My experience with Burrell Behavioral Health has left me feeling repeatedly dismissed,…read moremisunderstood, and harmed rather than properly supported. Burrell frequently changes providers, and each new provider seems to begin without taking enough time to thoroughly review my long medical and psychiatric history. Important conditions--including autism, lifelong ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, depression, neurological concerns, medication sensitivities, and difficulty communicating verbally when overwhelmed--have not been properly considered together. Instead, providers have repeatedly formed conclusions after limited contact. In my experience, Burrell's prescribing providers do not adequately understand or appropriately accommodate autistic people and individuals with ADHD. Autistic communication, emotional regulation, burnout, executive-function difficulties, sensory overload, trauma responses, and stimulant effects can easily be misunderstood when providers do not perform a careful, autism-informed evaluation. When I became overwhelmed and had trouble speaking or organizing my thoughts, I needed patience, written communication, and time to explain myself--not judgment, interruptions, assumptions, or labels. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I at Burrell, but that diagnosis has since been questioned or contradicted by multiple other doctors. I believe the diagnosis contributed to years of inappropriate polypharmacy and exposure to numerous psychiatric medications, some of which caused serious or lasting adverse effects. My concerns about side effects were not always answered or handled promptly. Medication changes sometimes felt abrupt and based on assumptions rather than a careful, individualized evaluation. During a recent phone interaction, I was talked over and treated as though I was "addicted" when trying to explain concerns involving medications I had been prescribed and taken for many years, including Vyvanse and Klonopin, as well as concerns about Prozac. I was told that Vyvanse and Klonopin would never be prescribed or refilled by them again. Because I am autistic and was already experiencing severe burnout, anxiety, and speech difficulties, I struggled to explain myself verbally. Instead of slowing down and trying to understand me, the conversation felt accusatory and dismissive. I became overwhelmed and had to end the call. Patients should not be labeled or judged for asking questions about medications that medical professionals originally prescribed to them--especially after many years of treatment. They deserve a careful review of their history, an explanation of clinical decisions, safe medication planning, disability accommodations, and respectful communication. I have encountered a few caring therapists at Burrell, and I do not want to take away from the good work those individuals have done. However, my overall experience with the prescribing providers, including nurse practitioners and doctors, has been extremely concerning. I experienced frequent provider turnover, inadequate review of my records, questionable diagnoses, excessive medication use, poor follow-up regarding adverse effects, and communication that made me feel unheard and dehumanized. From my experience, Burrell operates more like a high-volume business than a patient-centered mental-health service. Individual patients can get lost within the system while decisions affecting their diagnoses, medications, and lives are made without enough time or investigation. I sincerely believe these practices--particularly the treatment of autistic and ADHD patients, diagnostic procedures, medication management, disability accommodations, and responses to reported side effects--deserve an independent and thorough investigation. Patients and families deserve accountability, transparency, safety, and meaningful change.

Several years ago, after sharing my frustration and disappointment…read morewith a friend about my recent session with a counselor, he referred me to Christian Counseling Services. I was a little skeptical and nervous at first, but my experience at CCS has exceeded my expectations time and time again. While counseling and working through my own issues has not been an easy task, it has been easier with the help of a counselor who is there not only to support, but challenge me every step of the way. Through counseling, I have been able to work through my issues and become a stronger, healthier person.

The social workers are mostly good but the client is limited to the 40 hour schedule. So what do I…read moredo when I'm having a hard time after hours and weekends.

Do not send your children here. I was a patient here in March of this year in 4 South. I told them…read moremultiple times that I am transgender, and I rarely got any respect. Half the girls would hide pills to snort later, and when it was reported, nothing was done to prevent it. Girls would punch walls, steal art supplies to snap in half and S/H in their rooms, and the staff didn't give two shits. They put us in a hard reset (which is when you have to stay in your room for 24 hours straight) for over 3 days, and pushed the kids to riot. A little girl who should have been in a different unit, got jumped for standing up for another girl. They didn't do shit about it. The food was sickening, and I starved for the whole week I was there because if I ate it, I would just throw it up. The guest area looked like they were trying to hide what all the other places were like. It was dirty, never got cleaned, and almost none of the showers, toilets, or sinks worked. Dogshit mental hospital, wouldn't wish this shit upon satan himself.

Blessed to have found the " HOPE CENTER " !!! This…read moreorganization is one of the best in the world!!! I mean SERIOUSLY FOLKS,... it really is !!! it makes A HUGE difference in many peoples lives !!! All I can say is this,... that I know from personal experience that bipolar sucks and having a mental illness is not fun but this could be a great support group for those who are suffering including myself to try to get through the hard times and see more clearly when the store has lifted!!! As they say in NAMI group meetings often,... you can always try to change your behavior & mental attitude while telling yourself / reminding yourself to ALWYS when you are FEELING VERY VERY LOW,... is to say out loud to yourself to " CATCH IT !!! CHECK IT !!! & CHANGE IT !!!

We constantly hear that there isn't enough support for mental illness in this country. This…read moreorganization does a great job in providing local support and advocacy for those impacted by mental illness in Southwest Missouri. There are a variety of groups for people impacted. They also provide programs for veterans and families. Often time people don't realize it but the first responders really become the family. NAMI SWMO is active in the community organizing 5Ks, Walks, and various other events. One of the most unique events is the Night Run they do. Illuminaries line the trail to commemorate suicide victims which the participants have purchased in the memory of those individuals. They have recently helped place several of their clients who did not have permanent homes in Eden Village. This is a great organization, doing great things!

I went to this counseling center at the request of my wife. Kinda funny I guess she thinks I'm…read morenuts. I paid 55.00 of the 110.00 fee and as told the rest would be filed on our insurance. I went to two more sessions which cost an additional 100.00 each which I paid 50.00 each, and agian told the rest ould be filed on our insurance. Well, the counseling didn't do much good as I ended up moving out only to find out 6 mos later that this insurance never paid anything on the 150.00 I owed the counseling center. I contacted the center as soon as I knew of this to give them my correct address and phone number so we can clear this up. When I heard from them it was through a collection agency. I paid the remaining balance of 158.50 but was told I would have to pay an additional 316.00 to clear the matter up. Which was acturally double th amount of the bill. The following day I received the bill from the center and found they had been charging me 30.00 a month for 7 months and added 109.50 for a collection fee. I contacted the office director to try and get some of the fees returned for this unfortunate situation. He was very reluctant to help me. I explained that I had already paid what was orginally owed and that the balance of 316.00 was strickly fees and I thought them to be excessive. He finally relented to giving me 66.00 in refund if I paid 250.00 byh the end of the week. Feeling he wasn't going to help me anymore than that I agreed to his terms, but I still feel that 30.00 per month interest on 150.00 is excessive. He could have even met me halfway, but he didn't, and it seemed like he was dancing around the subject. He orginally told me he could not do anything, if that was the case then how could he have taken off 66.00. And if he could have taken off 66.00 why not more. They truely played me from start to finish. Thanks Dr. Delamotte. The sad part about this is they are trying to orperate under the guides of being a Christian couseling center. Just be forewarned, they are in business like any other place of business and don't seem to care about the hardships they place on their clients by their enormouse fees.

Dr, Debbie Cherry is a very warm and compassionate woman.She is very easy to get along with. She…read morereally knows her stuff. You can expect complete honesty from her. She is worthy of your trust. You can be completely candid with her and not be concerned she will judge you. She is a Christian woman. However; it is your choice whether you want Christian principles to be a part of your therapy. She does not shove it down anyone's throat. She can sometimes be late in starting your sessions. She's a very busy woman. If she keeps you waiting longer than 10 minutes too often just tell her about it. She'll get herself back on track. This goes for any issues you may have with Dr. Cherry. If you are not happy with something she has said and/or done it is always okay to tell her so. She will accept responsibility if she feels you are correct and will work with you to find middle ground if you disagree. When she is certain she is not wrong she will be firm in her stance but not arrogant. She isn't someone that can be manipulated but, in knowing that, you can be secure in her ability to help you. If you are looking for a doctor that can help you through a rough time with caring, warmth, understanding and who is also very knowledgeable, Dr. Cherry is the one to see.

Goodness, I just read the other review on this page by "Callie T." This troubles me so I thought I…read morewould respond to this post. I would 100% categorically disagree with this statement. I have been a client of Touchstone going on 3 years through a horrific and traumatic time in my life. If it were not for the level of care I received from, specifically Dr. Baker, I would shudder to think where I would be today. She has shown me so much respect, care, and guidance to navigate MYSELF through my trauma. Specifically, Dr. Beatty, has greeted me each time with a smile on her face and a genuine care and interest shining in her eyes. I have, unfortunately, experience being around drunks of all kinds--those that are just blubbering drunk, high-functioning, and the belligerent. Dr. Beatty has NEVER presented herself even remotely close to resembling a drunk, hungover, or otherwise--ever. This world can be a cruel place to live. I can only surmise that "Callie T" has an unfavorable opinion because she is looking out instead of in as healing and change comes only from within. Sometimes when those of us humans say nasty things about others its because we are unhappy, unhappy with life, unhappy with ourselves, or because something we think is "owed" us didn't pan out. Whatever the case may be, PLEASE, do not let one negative comment about a person, place, or thing, dissuade you from seeking help in your own life. I would also ask you to consider the negative post as a jealous sabotage or that "Callie T" is just not yet ready to heal. That being said, no one place is perfect for everyone. Touchstone is PERFECT for me. I have tried other counseling businesses which seemed so sterile and as if my brain and thoughts were experiencing an autopsy. Touchstone is homey, inviting, peaceful, invigorating, safe and the one place I rave to others who are hurting to seek out for help. If you are hurting, see for yourself. You may just emerge as a brand new self ready to take on the world......peacefully. XOXO

From the owner: Touchstone Counseling LLC is a private practice agency focused on enhancing the mental and…read moreemotional well-being of our communitys children, adolescents, adults, and families. Our mission is to work collaboratively with other professionals or organizations (schools, state agencies, attorneys, medical professionals, etc.) to provide a seamless system of care. The purpose of our mission is to identify needs within our community and then to build relationships between and among area professionals in order to develop positive solutions, or better practices to benefit our children and families.

Excellent care for almost 6 years. Highly recommended for the entire family, Lark Street Behavioral…read morecontinues to provide top notch mental health services.

Dr, Debbie Cherry is a very warm and compassionate woman. She is very easy to get along with. She…read morereally knows her stuff. You can expect complete honesty from her. She is worthy of your trust. You can be completely candid with her and not be concerned she will judge you. She is a Christian woman. However; it is your choice whether you want Christian principles to be a part of your therapy. She does not shove it down your throat. She can sometimes be late in starting your sessions. She's a very busy woman. If she keeps you waiting longer than 10 minutes too often just tell her about it. She'll get herself back on track. This goes for any issues you may have with Dr. Cherry. If you are not happy with something she has said and/or done it is always okay to tell her so. She will accept responsibility if she feels you are correct and will work with you to find middle ground if you disagree. When she is certain she is not wrong she will be firm in her stance but not arrogant. She isn't someone that can be manipulated but, in knowing that, you can be secure in her ability to help you. If you are looking for a doctor that can help you through a rough time with caring, warmth, understanding and who is also very knowledgeable, Dr. Cherry is the one to see.

I remember when I was here. They spanked me for 8 months and made me a better person when My…read moreparents did nothing. Of course I now say a lot of weird things but it is for the be-didly-est!

From the owner: My specialty is directing by use of well tailored questions to help you find your way. It is a…read moreblend of client centered, psychodynamic, and insight oriented therapies. It is important for me to help you determine your goals and reach them efficiently. We do this by taking what you bring each week and processing it in light of your history, experiences, perspective, and stated treatment goals. I aim to be the skilled confidant that accompanies you while gaining insight into your situation and who you are as an individual. Growing in self understanding helps make decisions that can be incorporated into your life and make your own. This "new normal" becomes a way of life as you grow to employ the new tools you will have gained in therapy. My ideal clients do not want psychological platitudes in the form of advice but want to be stretched and challenged. Specialties: Family Conflict Depression Sexual Addiction Issues: Addiction Anger Management Anxiety Career Counseling Coping Skills Divorce Emotional Disturbance Grief Internet Addiction Life Coaching Obesity Parenting Peer Relationships Relationship Issues Self Esteem Sex Therapy Spirituality Suicidal Ideation Testing and Evaluation Mental Health: Mood Disorders