About Better Together Mental Health
Experienced Therapists
We’re People Helping People
Like a great friend, we’re attentive listeners and want to help you achieve your goals. We believe in building on your strengths and helping you edit the things you think could be going better. We’re not going to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Afterall, you already have some good things going we can help you identify and build upon.
Whether you’re seeing us in the office, via tele-health, or just bopping around town in our own day-to-day, you’ll recognize us as the same familiar and friendly face. Our offices are conveniently located in the shops at Buttonwood so attending a session is convenient and can easily fit into your routine. We prioritize creating a space where you can feel safe and supported.
Continuous Learning and Growth
As lifelong learners, we are committed to staying at the forefront of our field through ongoing education and professional development. By investing in our own growth, we can better support you on your journey to healing and self-discovery.
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Tailored Therapeutic Approach
While we utilize evidence-based practices, we recognize that one size does not fit all in therapy. Our therapists are skilled in selecting the best techniques to match your unique needs and preferences, fostering a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust and comfort.
Private Pay for Personalized Care
As a private pay practice, we are committed to putting your needs first. This allows us to focus solely on your care without the constraints of insurance bureaucracy. We respect your time and money, offering flexible payment options and paperless transactions for your convenience. Learn more about our privacy and rates here.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
We believe in giving back to our community and supporting underrepresented populations. By partnering with local businesses and advocating for social issues, we strive to create positive change both within and beyond our practice. We are part of our community’s organizations and you are likely to see us at the Farmer’s Market, Art in the Park, or First Fridays downtown. We engage in community service as a team and we advocate for social issues. At Better Together Mental Health, you’re not just a client—you’re a valued member of our community. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to well-being.
Meet Our Team of Therapists
At Better Together, our team is dedicated to client-centered, compassionate, and personalized mental health care. Get to know each member—Beth, Jemika, Rachel, Anna, Oliver, and Maddy. Learn about the values and expertise that shape our approach to guiding you on your unique mental health journey.
Beth Orns
MSW, LCSW, Practice Owner, Clinical Supervisor
Beth has over 20 years of experience as a practicing licensed clinical social worker. She came to the University of MO for her BSW & MSW from the Chicago suburbs. She maintains a LCSW in MO & IL. Before switching into private practice in 2019, Beth had extensive experience in assessment and crisis management including working for many years with people who were in the Department of Corrections or Juvenile Court System. During her work at Missouri Psychiatric Center she served as the first Patient Family Support Services Manager where she developed a comprehensive plan for increasing group therapies, implemented practices that improved social work and therapies services, and collaboratively funded, planned, and developed an innovative outdoor therapeutic space. Check out the tour of this here.
Beth is passionate about working alongside her clients and community to improve the lives of people. She has specialized training in Postpartum mental health and started/facilitated a postpartum mental health support group at MU. She’s a boy-mom with a teen and early grade schooler. Her first-hand experience navigating autism and mental health services for her teenage son has deepened her passion for supporting mothers of people with mental health issues and/or autism. She understands how overwhelming it can be to navigate multiple care systems and want to help parents feel empowered.
Beth specializes in treating people who identify as perfectionists, anxious, or overwhelmed. With the right support, she believes anxiety can be a tool to fuel you to lead and succeed. She utilizes CBT, ACT, Gottman Method, and Motivational Interviewing. She is person centered and believes in using a range of approaches and tools to help clients achieve their goals.
She enjoys being involved in her community and has served in leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network and MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). Her love of reading has led her to participate in a monthly book club. She enjoys being crafty and is looking forward to sharing some of those skills in a group at BTMH. Her favorite craft is Diamond Art (which she has run out of people to pawn off the countless “paintings” she has done and she can’t put them all up or it will look like we live in a Vegas showroom). Her passion for educating and empowering people is demonstrated in her work as a speaker at conferences and workshops locally as well as a state and national level.
Driven by her commitment to quality care and supporting her team, Beth aims to create a practice that prioritizes well-being and prevents burnout, ensuring that both clients and staff receive the support they need to thrive.
Jemika Gardner
MSW, LCSW
Meet Jemika Gardner, a dedicated therapist who joined us in March 2023. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in human development and social work from the University of Missouri, Jemika’s experience spans private practice, community mental health, and public schools.
Originally from Chicago, Jemika found her home in Missouri and specializes in supporting those aged 17 to 35, with a focus on adolescence and early adulthood. Jemika also plays a vital role in intern supervision, shaping the future of mental health professionals.
Beyond her therapeutic work, Jemika shares her life with Bell, a Shih Tzu. Outside the office, she enjoys video games, reading, and exploring her love for cooking.
Specializing in trauma and life transitions, Jemika is passionate about helping individuals recognize their worth. Her empathetic approach and diverse experience make her a valuable ally for those navigating the challenges of early adulthood. Whether you’re seeking support for trauma, life transitions, or general mental well-being, Jemika is here to guide you with compassion and expertise.
Rachel Sabulsky
LCSW
Meet Rachel Sabulsky, an LCSW who is excited to be part of the practice as of May 2024. Like some of her colleagues, Rachel comes from the Chicago-suburbs and fell in love with Columbia during her time in college. Graduating with her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from The University of Missouri-Columbia, Rachel is dedicated to providing comprehensive services to the Greater Columbia area.
When not at work, you can find Rachel enjoying a warm sunny day exploring nature, or spending time with her husband and their two dogs: a Husky and a German Shepherd Mix. Despite her love for warmer weather, Rachel’s favorite season is Fall. You can catch her
discussing her excitement for all things apple-cider once the leaves begin to change.
Specializing in college-students, adults, and couples, Rachel’s niches include: anxiety/depression, navigating life-changes, communication, and attachment. More specifically, Rachel is passionate about helping clients better understand their ‘Self’ through strengthening their self-worth and recognizing their resiliency. Rachel believes that every person has the ability to overcome adversity and life’s challenges; sometimes it can take a supportive, objective space to navigate these experiences.
Additionally, Rachel utilizes Emotions-Focused Couple’s Therapy (EFT) and Gottman skills to help couple’s better understand their cycles of conflict and conflict resolution, tools to better support the needs of their partners, and how trauma and attachment styles impact their couple’s dynamic. Whether you are seeking individual counseling to work on your own mental health journey, or hoping to navigate couple’s counseling to strengthen your relationship, Rachel would love to provide the safe, judgment-free space to let your voice be heard.
Anna Cox
MSW, LMSW
Meet Anna Cox, an integral member of our team since our company’s inception in 2023. Starting as an intern, Anna’s commitment quickly elevated her to a full-time therapist role. Holding a Bachelor’s degree from Truman State University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Missouri, Anna brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice.
Outside work, Anna is a two-cat owner and an avid traveler, having explored over eight countries. She loves to read, and her favorite book is, “Where the Crawdads Sing.”
Specializing in couples, adolescents, and adults, Anna’s experience extends to working with OCD and anxiety, offering valuable support for those navigating these challenges. Additionally, she is adept in the Gottman Method, providing couples with effective tools and strategies to enhance their relationships.
Anna’s diverse background includes working with troubled youth in a residential setting and counseling teen girls. She also has expertise in supporting children on the autism spectrum. Anna Cox combines empathy and professionalism to guide clients through their journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether you’re seeking individual or relational support, Anna is here to help with genuine dedication and a diverse skill set.
Oliver Stone
MSW
Meet Oliver Stone, a compassionate individual on the verge of completing their Master’s in Social Work in spring of 2024. Hailing from Missouri, Oliver, who identifies as non-binary with they/he pronouns, comes with valuable experience as a former clinic manager in Columbia.
Celebrating six months of marriage with their partner, Oliver shares their home with Tofu, their cat.
Inspired by impactful work in the Peace Corps, contributing to community projects in Ukraine, Oliver discovered their passion for therapy. Offering a judgment-free space, Oliver employs various techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Oliver understands the importance of shared life experiences. They warmly welcome anyone looking to discuss or explore their gender or sexuality.
Oliver is here to support you on your journey with empathy and understanding. Whether you’re an individual, couple, or family seeking positive change, Oliver is dedicated to guiding you through life’s challenges.
Maddy Baugh
Social Work Associate
Meet Maddy, a fresh face eager to help. Joining our team in January 2024, Maddy, a first-year MSW student at University of Missouri, brings a vibrant energy to Better Together Mental Health. A Missouri native with a passion for romance books, Maddy aspires to read 30 books this year!
Inspired by the Code of Ethics, Maddy chose the therapy field to align with values she deeply connects with. Born and raised in Missouri, Maddy’s journey with Better Together is not just a job but a transformative experience meant to teach and shape her into a skilled and empathetic future therapist.
As Maddy embarks on this learning journey, we welcome her dedication and enthusiasm to the Better Together family!
Careers at Better Together
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