Kendrick Payne MSW, LCSW

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s degree in Social Work, I am passionate about helping individuals heal, grow, and reclaim a sense of balance in their lives. I specialize in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Bowen Family Therapy, and I work with adults, youth, couples, and athletes using a compassionate, individualized approach. In addition to my clinical training, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my background as a former Division I and Division II athlete. I was honored to be inducted into the Elite 11 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and I have extensive experience working with athletes who face performance pressure, identity transitions, injury recovery, and the mental health challenges that often accompany high achievement. My approach is grounded in a Kingdom of God perspective, shaped by the teachings of Jesus and a belief that healing, restoration, and renewal are part of God’s design. Scripture reminds us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18) and that we are continually being transformed and renewed (Romans 12:2). For clients who desire it, faith and biblical principles rooted in the values of God’s Kingdom can be thoughtfully integrated into the counseling process alongside evidence-based practices, always honoring personal values, autonomy, and each individual’s journey toward wholeness.