Michael Perkins, LCSW

Michael Perkins is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Missouri with more than 20 years of clinical and counseling experience and over 25 years teaching social work and human services. He works directly with individuals and families on relationship and parenting concerns as well as common life stresses such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. He also supports people dealing with career concerns, anger, intimacy difficulties, bipolar disorder, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and a range of family matters including adoption, foster care, fatherhood issues, and caregiver stress.

His clinical style blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with elements of positive psychology and mindfulness, and he sometimes incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas when they suit a client's goals. Michael believes in exploring what a person hopes to achieve while also identifying strengths and what is already going well as the foundation for change. He frequently offers practical assignments between sessions - activities or readings - to reinforce skills learned in therapy.

He holds an MSW, which is a Master of Social Work degree, and the LCSW credential, which indicates licensure to provide clinical social work services. Michael is available for clients who reside in Missouri and does not accept clients who live in other states.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Michael Perkins draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices to guide online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening closely and building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship so clients feel understood and can explore goals and values. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and develop practical strategies to manage anxiety, mood, and stress. Mindfulness therapy offers simple attention and awareness practices that support emotional regulation and reduce reactivity.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Michael works with each client to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and he tailors methods so they fit the person and the issue being addressed. That collaborative stance helps clients test techniques and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions provide flexible options for engaging in therapy - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - which makes it easier to access care from home, work, or other locations. These formats support ongoing skill practice, scheduling convenience, and consistent contact with a licensed professional when in-person visits are not feasible.