Our social workers are the living embodiment of our values. They lead with integrity. They treat every person as valued. And through steady, consistent presence, they create lasting value in the lives of children and families across Missouri.

No one chooses this work because it is easy. They choose it because something in them will not look away. From kitchen tables to courtrooms to quiet therapy offices, they show up in the moments that matter most, often when families are carrying more than they ever expected.

National Social Work Month gives us a chance to recognize the profession. It is also an invitation to hear from the people on the front lines every day.

We asked five members of our LFCS team a simple question: Why do you serve? Their answers remind us that social work is not just a career. It is a calling.

Voices From Our Team

“I became a social worker because I wanted to have a career where I could help and serve others in some way. I think that we all experience times in our lives when we need a little bit of help, and I love getting to be that support person for clients. Sometimes we just need someone in our corner who we know is rooting for us and standing by our side, and it is so fulfilling to me to get to do that every day!”

Erin Doughten, MSW, LMSW, Social Worker

"I chose Social Work as my avenue to pursue clinical therapy because the social work code of ethics outlines all of my personal beliefs and I appreciate how the discipline considers the client as a person, their environment, and how social systems impact them."

Stephanie Kippenberger, LCSW, Behavioral Health Supervisor

“My life has been better since I became a social worker- as I am able to meet people where they are at in life, walk beside them, and offer support in a non-judgmental fashion, while helping them to discover their own strength from within.”

Ruth Downs, LCSW, Lead Therapist

"I became a social worker because I believe every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued, especially in their hardest seasons. I was drawn to this field by a deep commitment to advocacy, healing, and creating systems that truly support children, families, and communities. Social work allows me to combine compassion with leadership to create meaningful, lasting changes in the lives of others."

Anastasia Wexler, LCSW, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health

"Social work became a later-in-life dream of mine when I realized that supporting and empowering people was my biggest passion. I love loving on people, but what I have discovered is that being a social worker goes way beyond doing something I love. My work is making me a humble and compassionate human who gets the privilege of knowing everyday heroes doing the hard work of getting up each day and trying again.."

Kathleen Gamble, LMSW, Provisionally Licensed Therapist

What That Calling Looks Like in Real Life

The heart behind this work shows up in quiet, consistent ways. In 2025, our team served families in every corner of Missouri, walking alongside them during some of life’s most difficult seasons.

Our 2025 Impact:

• 4,600+ households served statewide.
• 65,000+ service engagements, including Counseling, Adoption and Foster Care Support, Pregnancy Support, and advocacy.
• 94% of clients achieved documented progress toward safety, stability, or emotional wellness goals.

These numbers are not just statistics. Explore our Annual Report to see the full picture of what your support makes possible. Whether through these core services or our specialized Parenting Education programs, our team turns compassion into measurable, lasting change.

One Mission. Five Regions. One Calling.

While these professionals serve in different communities, they are united by the same values. Social work is demanding work. It asks for patience, resilience, and the willingness to sit with uncertainty. But seeing a child feel safe, a parent regain confidence, or a family move toward stability makes every challenge worth it.

We are incredibly proud of the compassion, professionalism, and steady leadership our team brings to Missouri families every single day.

Help Us Continue the Mission

If these voices moved you this Social Work Month, consider making a gift to ensure we can reach even more families in 2026.

Make a Gift to LFCS

Join the Team

Are you looking for a mission-driven culture where your work is valued and your “why” matters? We are always looking for passionate people to join our statewide family.

Explore Our Current Career Opportunities

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time for all of us to recommit to creating safe and supportive environments for our children. While we often picture bullying on the playground or in the school hallway, the reality is that for many young people today, bullying has moved online, becoming a constant and pervasive threat.

New data reveals a concerning rise in cyberbullying, with more than half of teens reporting they have experienced some form of it. Platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, which are central to modern social life, are often where this emotional harm unfolds. Unlike traditional bullying that might end at the school bell, cyberbullying is a 24/7 issue that can follow a child into the safety of their home, leading to severe anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

One of the most insidious forms of digital bullying is a phenomenon known as “relational bullying.” This is not about a physical threat but about a strategic and hurtful campaign to damage a person's social standing. It often takes the form of spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or screenshots, or, perhaps most painfully, intentionally excluding someone from online group chats and social circles. In a world where a child's social life is increasingly lived online, this kind of exclusion can be devastating.

 

At Lutheran Family and Children's Services, our mission is to empower children and families to overcome challenges today so they can build a better tomorrow. This includes helping parents and kids navigate the complex and often painful

world of cyberbullying. The role of parents is more critical—and more challenging—than ever. It requires a shift from simply monitoring activities to fostering a foundation of trust and open communication.

So, how can you help?

• Talk, and more importantly, listen. Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing their digital life, including both the positive and the challenging aspects. Ask open-ended questions about their friends, what they're seeing online, and how specific platforms make them feel.
• Set healthy boundaries. Work with your child to establish a family media plan. This isn’t about punishment but about setting healthy habits. Consider "device-free" times, or having all devices charged in a common area overnight.
• Know the signs. Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior. Are they becoming withdrawn or secretive about their device use? Are they showing signs of depression or anxiety? These could be red flags that something is wrong.
• Be a digital role model. Show your children what respectful online behavior looks like. Think before you post, and model kindness and empathy in your own digital interactions.

A Strong Call to Action

 

Bullying in any form is unacceptable. This October, let's use National Bullying Prevention Month as an opportunity to educate ourselves and our children about the unique challenges of the digital age. By working together, we can empower our kids to be resilient, compassionate, and safe, both online and off.

If you are a parent or caregiver and are concerned about the mental health of your child, LFCS is here to help. Our behavioral health therapists and counselors offer compassionate and professional support for families navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress caused by bullying. You don't have to face this alone.

For more resources and to learn how our behavioral health services can support your family, please get in touch with us at lfcsmo.org or help@lfcs.org or call 866-326-LFCS (5327).

A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brings a critical issue into national focus: the mental health of young people. The AAP now recommends that all children and teens receive annual screenings for mental and behavioral health concerns—a step that Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) fully supports. A full copy of the AAP's new report is available here.

This new report arrives at a critical time, as September marks Suicide Prevention Month—a time to break down stigma and open the door for conversations that can save lives. The AAP's findings align with a crisis we see every day in our communities. In Missouri, the situation is particularly urgent: suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 19, and the state's suicide rate is 48% higher than the national average. For years, LFCS has witnessed these struggles firsthand, working with children and families on the front lines of this crisis.

“Screening is the first step, but it’s only effective if young people have access to care,” said Lindsay Jeffries, Director of Behavioral Health at LFCS. “It’s crucial that children and teens have a place where they can be heard and connected with the right support to address their mental health needs.”

Knowing the warning signs can empower us to take action before a crisis escalates. Some of the most common indicators include:

• Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Talking about death or giving away possessions

For a more detailed examination of these signs, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

At LFCS, suicide prevention isn’t just a focus for one month—it's part of our counseling and support services year-round. Our team of licensed counselors provides safe spaces for young people to share their struggles. We help teens and their families uncover hope and build resilience. We understand that mental health does not exist in isolation; family stress, trauma, or identity struggles can all contribute to a sense of hopelessness. By addressing the whole picture, we help individuals move from crisis toward stability and strength.

How You Can Make a Difference

Suicide prevention is not the responsibility of professionals alone—it takes all of us. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Start conversations. Ask your loved ones how they are doing. Do not shy away from talking about mental health.
• Share resources. Remind people that help is available. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
• Reduce stigma. Challenge harmful myths and encourage open discussions about mental health in your family, school, and community.
• Support organizations. Your donations and volunteer hours make it possible for agencies like LFCS to provide counseling and support. For more ways to support, you can read our blog on Giving Resources for National Suicide Prevention Month.

An essential part of prevention is also being proactive. To learn more about how self-care can be a powerful tool in suicide prevention, you can read our previous blog post here: Self-Care Awareness and Suicide Prevention: A Unified Approach.

 

For more information on LFCS’s services, or to seek help, please visit lfcsmo.org or call our toll-free number at 866-326-LFCS (5327).

Celebrating Wellness Month: Why LFCS's Support for Missouri Families Never Stops

August is here, and with it comes National Wellness Month. It serves as a valuable reminder that proper health means more than just physical fitness. It encompasses our emotional resilience, social connections, and the overall well-being of our families. While August shines the spotlight on these crucial aspects, at LFCS, we believe that wellness is a year-round journey. We are dedicated to supporting Missouri families every day, regardless of the challenges they face.

 

Support Without Roadblocks

Unfortunately, accessing vital mental health and wellness support can often feel like an uphill battle. Common roadblocks like excessive costs, the stigma surrounding mental health, or simply a lack of awareness about available services prevent many families from getting the care they need.

At LFCS, we are actively breaking down these barriers. We believe that wellness should not depend on your income or where you live. We offer free and low-cost support across Missouri, ensuring that families can access essential care without roadblocks. Our mission is to make sure every family feels safe, supported, and connected.

Wraparound Services: Holistic Support for Your Family

As a leader in mental health and family wellness, LFCS provides comprehensive wraparound services tailored to support the entire family. We offer a wide range of programs to meet diverse needs, ensuring that help is always within reach. From counseling for individuals and families to parenting support and educational resources, we are here to walk alongside you. To see how our parenting support makes a real difference, read the inspiring story of William and Elise's family. For more strategies on building family resilience and coping skills, resources like the Devereux Center for Resilient Children can offer helpful activities and insights.

"Wellness starts with feeling safe, supported, and connected. That is what we provide at LFCS," said Lindsay Jeffries, Director of Behavioral Health for LFCS. “Our team is dedicated to fostering environments where every family member can grow, heal, and flourish.”

As August begins, take a moment to reflect on your family's journey toward well-being. Remember that support is available year-round.

 

Connect with LFCS Today!

We are here to support Missouri families with free and low-cost services that break down barriers to mental health and wellness. To learn more about our parenting services, please visit our parenting section on our website. You can also contact us at 866-326-LFCS (5327) or email help@lfcs.org.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the mental health challenges our communities face and to shine a light on the resources and organizations working to provide hope and healing. In Missouri, the need has never been greater.

 

Missouri’s Mental Health Rankings: A Wake-Up Call

Recent studies have made it clear—Missouri is facing a mental health crisis:

• According to data from Mental Health America, Missouri ranked 44^th in the list of states with the best mental health care. (https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf)

• Missouri children between the ages of 14-18 have a 22% higher suicide rate than the national average (https://www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/missouri/)

• 23,301 children and adolescents reported having a serious emotional disturbance in 2024, with depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma/stress disorders being the three most common. (https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2024/12/sr2024-section-a_0.pdf)

• Data from a Quote Wizard study revealed that 23% of Missourians have a mental illness, but only 11% of those with mental illnesses received care. The study also revealed that 19% of Missourians with a mental illness do not have insurance. (Best States for Mental Health Care - QuoteWizard).

• The lack of qualified mental health providers, affordability of services, and underfunding mental health has made it difficult for those with mental health issues to seek treatment. (https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/column/aisha-sultan/missouris-mental-health-ranking-is-among-the-worst-in-the-country-why-and-how-can/article_d378d82e-fe44-5a35-85d0-242ae68ffa47.html)

These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent our friends, neighbors, children, and loved ones who cannot afford or are unable to get the support they need.

LFCS Is Answering the Call

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, we recognize the urgency of Missouri’s mental health needs—especially among children and adolescents—and we are working tirelessly to respond.

"Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being," said Lindsay Jefferies, Director of Behavioral Health at LFCS. "During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to emphasize that LFCS is here to support and guide those struggling. We believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health care.”

Since the pandemic, LFCS has:

• Expanded our mental health services statewide, reaching more families in both urban and rural communities.

• Opened new offices in Kanas City & updated our Columbia & Joplin offices, giving clients in these regions more offices & places to connect with our therapists.

• Launched and strengthened telehealth options, making therapy accessible to those unable to travel to an office.

• Kept our services low- or no-cost, so that financial limitations are never a barrier to care.

• Made an aggressive push to hire new therapists, to help meet the growing demand for behavioral health support.

We understand that access to care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether someone is experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or just needs someone to talk to, LFCS is here to help.

"We are committed to breaking down barriers to mental health care and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive," said Jefferies. "We encourage anyone who feels they could benefit from mental health support to contact us.”

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, we are proud to provide low-cost, high-quality mental health counseling and psychiatry services to children and families across the state. While these services are essential for addressing a wide range of mental health challenges, many people may not fully understand the difference between therapy and psychiatry. Knowing which professional to turn to when your child is experiencing a mental health issue is crucial for getting the right support at the right time. This guide will help you better understand these distinct yet complementary approaches to mental health care.

Mental health counseling focuses on addressing emotional, social, and behavioral concerns through talk therapy. Licensed therapists, counselors, or social workers provide counseling to help individuals understand their emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve relationships. Common therapeutic techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Play Therapy, and Family Counseling.

Counseling is ideal for addressing issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Stress Management, Relationship Challenges, Disruptive Behaviors and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sessions are typically held weekly or bi-weekly, fostering a continuous, supportive relationship between the counselor and the client. This process helps clients navigate life’s challenges and build resilience over time.

At LFCS, our counseling services are tailored to children and families’ unique needs, ensuring evidence-based care that promotes growth and healing. Learn more here.

Psychiatry focuses on the medical evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, often through medication management and other medical interventions.

Psychiatry is particularly effective for managing conditions such as ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Psychotic Symptoms, and Anxiety. Psychiatrists conduct comprehensive evaluations and develop personalized treatment plans, which may include prescribing medications to stabilize symptoms. Follow-up sessions are typically less frequent than counseling sessions and focus on reviewing and adjusting treatment as needed.

LFCS psychiatry services provide children and adolescents with access to specialized care, including evaluations, medication management, and care planning. Learn more here.

While counseling and psychiatry serve different purposes, they often complement each other. Counseling provides a supportive space for emotional growth and skill-building, while psychiatry addresses the biological and medical aspects of mental health. For example, a child dealing with anxiety might benefit from therapy to develop coping strategies, alongside psychiatric care to manage severe symptoms through medication.

At LFCS, we are proud to offer a range of mental health services tailored to meet the needs of children and families. Our counseling services are available in most areas across Missouri, providing therapeutic guidance and support wherever it’s needed. Additionally, we offer psychiatry services, including medical intervention, exclusively in St. Louis County and Franklin County. Please call us at 866-326-LFCS (5327) for availability of our behavioral health services in your area.

If you or someone you know is seeking mental health support, LFCS is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and take the first step toward a brighter future.

The following story was submitted by an LFCS behavioral health counselor.

I met Albert when he was in 4th grade. His teacher referred him to our school counseling program for anger and social skill issues. At that time, he and his mother were living with his mother’s father, Albert’s grandfather. However, his mother was rarely home. Albert never saw his father. Albert was struggling in school.

Social interactions were hard for him, so he did not have many real friends. It did not help that he was often angry, and wasn’t able to control his temper very well. Albert had reasons to be angry – one of which was he had been physically abused by two of his mother’s boyfriends.

He found a small group of like-minded friends. At the end of his 5th grade year, he was encouraged by a few school staff to apply for membership on a school leadership council for his 6th grade year, and he was accepted.

Albert’s 6th grade year began with him as a member of this council, as well as 4 inches taller. It was quickly evident that his self-esteem and social skills were still improving. He was rarely getting in trouble. He could be seen moving through the school hallways in the middle of a pack of students, talking and laughing. On Track Day, he won several medals, including 1st Place in the 3-mile event. He was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society for his grades and his character. Albert transitioned out of counseling at the end of the school year.

I’m happy that I will still get to see Albert in the halls of the school next year, and see what his 7th grade year brings him. So I do think it might be time for me to consolidate my enormous display of Albert’s painted rocks in my office. I’ll just keep a few of my favorites. The Dragons, obviously.

“Emily” is a brave girl who works with one of LFCS’ behavioral health therapists. She suffers from having extreme social anxiety and struggles in many common social settings. Recently, Emily had to write an essay for her class that would be presented in front of everyone. Fighting through nervousness and fear, Emily and her therapist used this situation to work through her anxiety. Emily practiced speaking her essay in session (which in itself was a huge accomplishment for her) and built up her confidence for the big moment. When the day came, Emily stood in front of her class and successful shared the following speech:

“Mental health is extremely important. Just like anything else, it will deteriorate if you don’t take good care of it. According to SIRS, “Mental health is a state of cognitive or emotional well-being that affects how an individual copes with stress and life experiences.” Unfortunately, a stigma persists around mental health issues that prevents people from getting help. One of the many issues that increases this stigma are work ethics.

Work Ethics instill a stigma in workers that prevents them from seeking help. According to the New York Times, “In a 2017 paper, nearly 40 percent of physicians reported being hesitant to seek mental health care because they worried it would harm their chances to get or renew their medical licenses.” This shows that the expectations set by the medical field paints a perspective in the physicians’ minds. It makes them think that if any higher ups in the field figure out that a physician’s mental illness is impacting their ability to work in any way, the opportunity of that physician attaining or keeping their job could plummet. But you’re probably thinking, “The fact that only 40 percent of them felt that way probably means that the other 60 percent wasn’t nervous to seek out help.” While that could be true, the fact that a large percent of people were still uncertain about seeking help is shocking. With how things are now, you would think that being able to seek mental help would be the least of people’s worries, but no. The ethics established in the medical field push physicians to limit, to the point where they’re skeptical about trying to improve their own mental health! If they don’t make sure their health is in check, how can they help with someone else’s’ health?

Sadly, the ever-expending stigma surrounding mental health issues continues to restrain people from seeking the help they need. Even though stigma persists and surges, there are ways to help reduce it. Talking about your struggles and how you handled them could help someone else find the courage to overcome theirs. When you see someone struggling, help them out. Encourage them. Cheer them up. It might make their day even just a little bit better.”

Emily, on behalf of Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, we are so incredibly proud of you! We are proud of your courage, determination for improvement, and passion for mental health advocacy. Thank you for being an example of success to those who are struggling with their own mental health issues.

As the New Year unfolds, ensuring children’s mental health should be a top priority for every parent. To assist families in addressing this important issue, Lutheran Family and Children's Service offers a concise Children’s Mental Health Checklist

Seek professional help.

If the symptoms or issues that your child is experiencing are interfering with their daily activities, seeking a mental health professional to help would be advised. LFCS offers tailored behavioral services for children and evidence-based approaches to help your child overcome their challenges. For more information about our mental health services or to schedule an appointment, please visit lfcsmo.org/counseling.