Jacob Perkins, LCSW, PTSD therapist with Open Arms Wellness, in Brentwood, MO

Jacob Perkins, LCSW

Therapist in Ballwin, MO

Meet Jacob: Your Partner in Healing and Growth

Greetings! I’m Jacob, and I’m excited to work with you to address whatever struggles, symptoms, or stressors you’re currently facing. My goal is to understand your needs and help you move forward with your healing journey. Together, we’ll evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and how we can create a path toward positive change. I believe that the therapeutic relationship and short-term outcomes are key to helping you feel better and thrive.

What I Offer

I specialize in creating a safe, supportive space where we work collaboratively to address the underlying issues that affect your mental health. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or patterns of behavior that no longer serve you, my approach integrates trauma-informed, strengths-based, and client-centered practices. We’ll work together to build your coping skills, increase your resiliency, and address the deeper issues that contribute to your distress. Through techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family systems therapy, I help you define your values and live intentionally, breaking free from unhealthy loops and building a healthier mindset.

Why Choose Me?

  • Experience & Expertise: I work with both adolescents and adults, helping clients address a range of issues including depression, anxiety, and relationship struggles.
  • Holistic Approach: I provide a blend of trauma-informed care, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to ensure that each client receives the best care for their unique needs.
  • Collaborative Partnership: In therapy, we are partners. Your voice is essential as we work together to navigate your path toward healing.

Areas of Specialization

  • Depression & Anxiety
  • Trauma & Developmental Issues
  • Burnout & Stress Management
  • Relationship Issues & Family Dynamics
  • Self-Worth & Shame Healing
  • Life Transitions & Personal Growth

What Clients Say

“Jacob is incredibly knowledgeable and insightful. He has a gift for helping burned-out professionals navigate their challenges and find peace. His guidance has been invaluable in my journey toward healing.” – Client Testimonial

“Working with Jacob has been life-changing. His ability to understand the deeper emotional work has helped me heal from past trauma and break negative patterns that held me back.” – Client Testimonial

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

If you're ready to begin the process of healing and creating meaningful change in your life, I’m here to support you. Let’s start this journey together, exploring the tools and strategies that will help you move toward lasting wellness and peace. Reach out today to take the first step!

Jacob Perkins, LCSW, PTSD therapist with Open Arms Wellness, in Brentwood, MO
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Specialties

Education:

  • Washington University in St. Louis, Master of Social Work
  • University of Missouri in St. Louis, Bachelor of Psychology

Internship:

  • Epworth Children & Family Services
  • University City High School

Work Experience:

For the last fifteen years I have served with direct care, case management, outpatient therapy, and crisis care settings in our shared Missouri community with SSM Behavioral Health, Community Treatment, Inc, Good Shepherd Children and Family Services, Marygrove Children’s Home, St. Louis County Government, and St. Louis County Family Court.   

Research:

I have previously served in practice, grant writing, and research coordination roles in several psychology and social work research labs. Key publications include:

  • Patterson, D. A., & Perkins, J. D., Butler-Barnes, S. T., & Walker, T. (2017). Social belonging and college retention: Results from a quasi-experimental pilot study. Journal of College Student Development, 58(5), 777-782.
  • Patterson, D. A., & Perkins, J. D., Van Zile-Tamsen, C., Butler-Barnes, S. (2016). Impact of Violence and Relationship Abuse on Grades of American Indian/Alaska Native Undergraduate College Students. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Published online: http://jiv.sagepub.com/content/early/2016/03/17/0886260516639255.abstract
  • Dannerbeck-Janku, A., Peters, C., & Perkins, J. (2014). A comparison of female delinquents: The impact of child maltreatment histories on risk and need characteristics among a Missouri sample. Laws, 3(4), 780-797.
  • Patterson, D. A., Dulmus, C. N., Maguin, E., & Perkins, J. (2014). Differential outcomes in agency-based mental health care between minority and majority youth. Research on Social Work Practice, 26(3), 260-265.
  • Jonson-Reid, M., Kohl, P., Gormley, W., Marcal, K., & Perkins, J. (2014). Early childhood education: Investing in Missouri’s children. St. Louis, MO: Center for Violence and Injury Prevention, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis. Retrieved from https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/hdfs/fii/wpcontent/uploads/2015/06/s_mofis02report.pdf
  • Fluke, J., Wulczyn, F., Jonson-Reid, M., Kohl, P., & Perkins, J. (2013). Missouri policy opportunities: New evidence and innovations in child welfare systems. St. Louis, MO: Center for Violence and Injury Prevention, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis. Retrieved from: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/hdfs/fii/wpcontent/uploads/2015/07/s_mofis01report.pdf
  • Taylor, M. J., Austin, C. C., Perkins, J. D., & Edwards, J. L. (2012). Sociohistorical privilege in higher education: Implications for African American student psychological adjustment, resiliency, and success at predominately White institutions. In Sheri R. Notaro (Ed.), Health disparities among under-served populations: Implications for research, policy and praxis (pp. 241-261). Bingley, UK: Emerald Group Publishing Limited.