Our counselors draw upon their professional training, formal education and experiences to address the unique mental, emotional, spiritual and relational needs of each person.
While we are committed to a Christian perspective in approaching mental health issues, we are also sensitive to perspectives of others and those who do not identify with the faith.
To take advantage of our online booking system through Simple Practice, click on the button below. If you would rather talk to someone in person, you may call 417-624-9659 between the hours of 1 and 5 pm on weekdays. You may also leave a message through the form below at any time.
MEET OUR COUNSELORS
Dr. Karl Wendt | PhD | LPC | AAMT
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Director of the Mount Hope Counseling Center that has been in operation now for 35+ years delivering hope to those in need.
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Dr. Karl specializes in Marriage & Family Counseling.
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*Karl is not accepting new clients at this time.*
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Darla Wyatt | LPC
Darla has a heart for couples and enjoys coming alongside those who are struggling relationally, to instill hope and help them resolve their conflict. Darla has helped many couples restore trust in their relationship after an affair or betrayal. In addition to working with couples, Darla also works with women who are dealing with emotional difficulties such as depression or anxiety. She will work with the client to determine the best treatment for them so they can achieve their goals. Darla is accepting new clients.
Adam Forrest| LPC
Forrest is from Webb City, Missouri and completed his master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Pittsburg State University. Forrest is a LPC who works with adults, teens, and children specializing in individual, couples, marriage, family and group counseling. He works with individuals struggling with relational and socialization challenges, ADHD, chronic pain, physical and sexual trauma, anxiety, depression and grief, as well as organizational and financial counseling. Forrest offers later appointments if scheduled with him in advance. **For rates of service or to book an appointment, reach out to the office at 417-624-9659
Shira Hearn | LMFT
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Shira Hearn is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary where she earned her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Her areas of passion and the focus of her work is in healing families, assisting couples to build solid, lasting and fulfilling marriages and working with adults and teenagers towards healthy lives.
Shira is a native of Jerusalem, Israel, where her father is Rector of Christ Church Jerusalem. She left Israel ten years ago to join her husband in California and moved to Missouri two years ago. Throughout her life Shira has been immersed in the language, history, geography and culture of the Bible and often employs biblical imagery and narrative in her healing work. When not at work, she reads, plays legos with her 4 year old triplets and spends as much time outdoors as possible.
**Shira is happily accepting new clients.**
Crystal Whitesell | LPC
Crystal Whitesell is a licensed professional counselor with a bachelors in psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia, and a masters in counseling from Webster University. She is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. Crystal's approach is rooted in empathy, reflection, and active listening. She is additionally trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy. She utilizes this training to help in the healing process of couples and individuals.
Crystal's focus is on relationship health, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions for ages 16 to adulthood.
She is a native to the area and grew a family here with her husband of 30 years. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and loves a good boutique.
She is currently taking new clients and has afternoon and evening availability to best fit your schedule.
Cassidy Robinson | PLMFT
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Cassidy Robinson is a passionate practitioner dedicated to continued improvement as a counselor for the betterment of her clients. She helps individuals, couples, and families heal their hurts and create meaningful, healthy relationships. Book now to take the first step toward experiencing lasting change!
Cassidy is a Prepare/Enrich Certified Facilitator, which is a premarital counseling program, and she has completed EFT Externship, which is the first step of certification for Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT is the leading evidence-based approach for couples therapy.
Cassidy grew up in southeast Kansas where her parents planted and pastored a Christian church. She became a Joplin local in 2015 when she began her undergraduate studies at Ozark Christian College. Currently, Cassidy enjoys playing pickleball with the Joplin league, drinking locally roasted coffee, and gardening with her husband.
Check out her website www.counselorcass.com for more information. We hope to meet you soon!
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Cassidy is accepting new clients ages 8 and up and couples.
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Cassidy is a Supervised Marriage and Family Therapist and is supervised by Dr. West Loveland, PhD, LMFT, LPC (license no. 2017030441).
Jonathan Trotter | RN | MA | JD | NCC | PLPC
Since 2014, I have had the privilege of walking alongside hundreds of couples and individuals in dozens of countries. As a pastoral counselor, empathetic coach, Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), I have experience journeying with people through issues such as grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, abuse (spiritual, sexual, physical, emotional), debriefing, ministry burnout, addictions, and more.
With couples, I utilize an attachment-based, emotion-focused approach. I also greatly appreciate the evidence-based tools and resources from Dr. John Gottman. With all clients, I take a person-centered, trauma-informed, experiential approach.
From 2012 to 2020, my family and I lived as cross-cultural missionaries in Phnom Penh Cambodia and I served the community as a pastor at an international church and as a pastoral counselor at a local counseling center.
Before Cambodia, I worked bi-vocationally as an ER/trauma nurse and youth and worship pastor. I am also a licensed attorney in California and hold a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Colorado Christian University.
As a PLPC, I am supervised by Dr. Karl Wendt, LPC #001808.
Travis Morrison, Intern
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Just like a healthy physical body can withstand attacks from viruses and other harshness, a healthy mental state can cope with situations that attempt to impede our lives. I want to help people create the best version of themselves. My focus is on clients experiencing grief, anxiety, pre-marital preparation, post-marital challenges, and career counseling for ages 14 and older. I do my best not to confuse activity with achievement. I want clients to walk away from each session feeling like they have bettered themselves.
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I have more than 20 years of experience in the business sector working in Human Resources, Operations, Compliance, and Logistics; along with more than 50 years of all kinds of life experiences. I have a B.A. in Psychology and a Masters of Business Administration and am currently attending Harding University to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health and Wellness and will graduate in December 2025. I am supervised by Dr. Karl Wendt.
I am accepting individuals and couples in person and online (who reside within the state of Missouri).
Levi Burgett, Intern
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​Seeking help for life’s challenges can be a scary endeavor. As a counselor, Levi’s goal
is to create a safe place that empowers people to create lasting, positive changes in
their lives. Having lived outside the United States for over 17 years (Middle
East/Central Asia) and working in the humanitarian aid and business sectors, Levi has
built a sensitivity and respect for people from many ethnic and religious backgrounds.
He has experience helping clients from diverse cultures with challenges such as
depression, anxiety, anger, loss, unwanted sexual behaviors, and premarital/marriage
counseling. Using a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, Levi is passionate
about helping clients break free from unhealthy cycles and develop tools that promote
long-lasting well-being.
Levi is in his final year of a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty
University and is completing his counseling internship at MHCCC under the
supervision of Dr. Karl Wendt.
Levi is accepting new clients and can see teens, adults, individuals and couples.
Betsy Burgett, Intern
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Having lived in Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates for the past 17 years, Betsy has a
deep respect and sensitivity towards clients with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. She believes that growth and flourishing can begin in spaces where a person feels seen, heard, and understood. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in collaboration with clients, Betsy is passionate about helping people take steps towards discovery, healing, and flourishing. Her experience includes helping people dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and sexual struggles.
Betsy is counseling as an intern under the supervision of Dr. Karl Wendt. She is in her final year of completing her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University.