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, Insight, and Lasting Change

Hello and welcome. I’m Jacob, a dedicated therapist passionate about helping you navigate the emotional, relational, and psychological challenges life brings. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in unhealthy patterns, healing from trauma, or facing difficulties in your relationships, I’m here to support you with empathy, strategy, and genuine connection.

Therapy with me is a collaborative journey. We’ll explore what’s working, what’s holding you back, and what’s needed to move forward. I believe in focusing not just on short-term symptom relief, but on creating long-term, meaningful change that helps you thrive.

What I Offer

I provide individual therapy for adolescents and adults seeking to better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, and develop healthier coping tools. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and client-centered philosophy. Whether you're managing a mood disorder, recovering from abuse, navigating identity exploration, or seeking personal growth, I tailor my approach to fit your unique goals and values.

Areas of focus include:

  • Anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm
  • Trauma, PTSD, and developmental trauma
  • Relationship and family conflict
  • Parenting and school-related issues
  • Identity, self-worth, and shame
  • Autism, ADHD, and neurodivergent support
  • Men’s issues, burnout, and performance stress
  • Suicidal ideation and self-harm
  • Sex-positive, kink-affirming, and LGBTQIA+ inclusive care
  • Life transitions, grief, and personal growth

Why Choose Jacob?

Clinical Expertise & Real-World Experience
I bring years of experience working with a wide range of concerns—from first responders and veterans coping with trauma, to adolescents navigating school stress and identity, to adults rebuilding after emotional pain or relationship loss.

A Whole-Person, Integrated Approach
I draw from a wide array of evidence-based therapies to create a tailored experience that fits your specific needs, values, and goals.

Empathic and Collaborative Care
Therapy is a partnership. I value your voice and insight as much as my own clinical perspective. You’ll feel heard, respected, and actively involved in shaping your progress.

Client Focus

I work with:

  • children, teens, young adults, and adults
  • Individuals and families impacted by trauma, abuse, or crisis
  • Neurodivergent individuals (autism, ADHD, Asperger’s)
  • People navigating parenting, divorce, or co-parenting
  • Veterans, first responders, and those with high-stress careers
  • LGBTQIA+ individuals, poly/open relationships, and kink-affirming clients

Therapeutic Modalities I Use

My eclectic, integrative approach includes:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Schema Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Family Systems Therapy
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy
  • Play Therapy & Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Relational & Interpersonal Therapy
  • Humanistic, Existential, and Person-Centered Approaches
  • Multicultural, Sex-Positive, and Culturally Sensitive Counseling

Every session is grounded in trust, flexibility, and the belief that you are capable of healing and growth.

What Clients Say

"Jacob has a unique ability to help you feel seen, even when you can't fully express what you're going through. He listens with compassion and offers tools that truly work."

"His calm presence helped me face parts of my past I had been avoiding for years. I now feel more in control of my life than I ever have."

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

If you’re ready to explore your inner world, shift unhelpful patterns, and build a healthier relationship with yourself and others, I’m here to walk beside you.

Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward clarity, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

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.