Helping Youth Heal — A Spotlight on Christina McClure

April is National Counseling Awareness Month, and we want you to meet one of the dedicated therapists making a real difference at The Counseling Center at PCHAS in Farmington, Missouri — Christina McClure, Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC).

Christina's path to counseling is anything but ordinary. She spent 15 years managing and supervising beauty salons across the country before joining PCHAS in October 2017. Since then, she has served in a variety of roles. Along the way, she earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Southern New Hampshire University in 2022, then completed her master's in clinical counseling — with a focus on trauma, crisis, and school counseling.

All of that experience has shaped her into the therapist she is today.

As a PLPC in Missouri, Christina holds a full license through the Committee for Professional Counselors. She earned her credential by completing a master's degree in counseling and passing the National Counselor Examination. She now serves clients while growing toward full independent licensure — bringing both academic preparation and years of hands-on experience with youth and families to every session.

Right now, Christina feels most energized working with children and adolescents. The young people she serves face real challenges — trauma, bullying, shifting family dynamics, social media pressure, and questions about who they are and where they belong. Many carry pain that has been passed down through generations.

"Adolescence is a critical time," Christina says. "Early support can create lasting, positive change. These young people are our future."

Recently, Christina has been leading adolescent groups using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques — and watching it work. She helps young people with a range of diagnoses and trauma histories learn how to understand their own emotions and build coping skills they can actually use. Seeing that click for a teenager is, in her words, "incredibly rewarding."

Christina also has a message for the broader Farmington community this month: mental health matters just as much as physical health. Reaching out for help is not a weakness — it is one of the strongest things a person can do. Counseling is not just for moments of crisis. It is for everyday life, stronger families, and a more connected community.

If you or someone you love could use a safe space to talk, grow, and heal — Christina and the rest of the team at The Counseling Center at PCHAS in Farmington are ready to help.

Call (833) 208-3201 or visit pchas.org/schedule-all to schedule your appointment today.