Dr. Heather Smith, PhD
I have specialized training in anxiety and have had the privilege of training with national experts in anxiety and OCD.
I am a generalist at heart, very familiar with treating a range of difficulties. Everyone can benefit from evidence-based care whether struggling with a life transition, trying to be a “good enough” parent, or developing the best version of themselves. I have a special interest in helping families and couples, especially when anxiety plays a significant role in relationships. I pride myself on being authentic, down-to-earth, action-oriented, accepting and empathetic. I believe blending evidence-based practice and individualized insight is the heart of effective behavioral health treatment.
Let's find what works and what matters, and do more of that! I am a KC Native, graduating from Shawnee Mission South. I live in KCMO with my two daughters, and count my lucky stars that my grown son and extended family live nearby. I provide in-person and televideo appointments and am licensed to offer Telehealth in these 26 states: Psypact Participating States. I offer the following gold standards of care: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Trauma-focused CBT (TFCBT), Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Learn more about Dr. Smith’s training here.
Dr. Chris Sexton, PhD, MS-LCSW, LSCSW
What have you -- or your child -- given up in an attempt to control anxiety and other difficult emotions? People collaborate with me because they are tired of suffering through their lives and want to live more fully -- with passion, joy and satisfaction. I specialize in mindfulness-based CBT treatments for OCD, emotion dysregulation, and anxiety-spectrum disorders. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults and work with individuals, couples, and families. I have a PhD in developmental psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work from Columbia University and over fifteen years of experience as a therapist. I have completed specialty training in a range of evidence-based modalities, including: CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP); Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Trauma Focused treatments, including Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT); Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment for Skin Picking and Hair Pulling Disorders, and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), including PCIT for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM). My therapy style is warm, genuine and direct. Drawing from the principles of cultural humility, I provide a welcoming space for people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community, including gender nonconforming children, teens and adults. Outside of my role at Brookside Anxiety, I am a parent of two teenagers and enjoy CrossFit, yoga, travel, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Jennifer Fontaine, PsyD
As a licensed psychologist for 22 years, I am passionate about providing research-informed psychological assessment and effective psychotherapy interventions for children, adolescents, and adults. I am licensed in three states including Colorado, Missouri, and Kansas. I primarily utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, and I have developed a particular expertise in health psychology, treating sleep issues, chronic pain, and GI issues in medical settings. I am trained in the treatment of trauma and PTSD with the use of prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Throughout my career, I have taught, trained and supervised doctoral level psychology students in the areas of psychotherapy, marital therapy and military psychology through the University of Denver. Prior to moving to Kansas City, I spent 10 years as an Army psychologist where I developed expertise in health psychology, trauma intervention, and consultation to medical providers. Currently, I enjoy my role as program manager with the VA Healthcare System in Primary Care Behavioral Health, in addition to providing evaluation and psychotherapy services at Brookside Anxiety. On a personal note, I have three adult sons ages 22, 24, and 27, as well as a goofy Boston Terrier. I enjoy cooking, baking, gardening, travel, mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. I grew up in the Kansas City metro area, and have recently returned to Kansas City to be near my family.
Savanna Stevens, MS, PLPC
“There is no standard normal. Normal is subjective. There are seven billion versions of normal on this planet.”
-Matt Haig-
Whether you’re new to the process or looking to start again, finding someone that is the best fit for you can be overwhelming at times. Therapy is diverse and it is of the upmost importance that we create a space unique to you. By welcoming each individual with open arms, empathy, cultural humility, and understanding, I strive to uphold a safe space for my clients throughout their journey. I primarily utilize the following gold standards of care: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). At any point in time life can throw curveballs our way, some of which are intricate and when finding the approach best suited for you, we can explore a wide range of tools to add to your mental health tool box!
While pursuing full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have had the opportunity to practice evidenced-based-care across the lifespan while specializing in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, behavioral challenges, anxiety, and related conditions including: social phobia, selective mutism, and panic disorder.
I look forward to walking hand-in-hand with you as we embark on this journey and work together to create life long changes. Let’s get started!
Hello! I am a post doctoral candidate working under supervision to obtain my licensure in clinical psychology. I enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan who present with a variety of mental health challenges. My focus and passion are in treating adolescents and children, specifically those who struggle with behavior disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression. My previous experiences range from working in schools, a child inpatient psychiatric hospital, and a community mental health center. I am solution focused while utilizing a diverse range of intervention including CBT, ACT, and ERP. No one person is alike, and their treatment shouldn’t be either.
I am a wife, mother to a sweet baby boy, and a KC native. I graduated with my master's in educational psychology and research from Kansas University and continued my education to earn my Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from a Kansas City University.
I love my role as a psychologist as I get to instill hope and peace of mind to others. I am honored to serve this wonderful Kansas City community and look forward to working with you at Brookside Anxiety Center!
Dr. Paige Jardine, PSYD, M.S.Ed, LMLP-t
“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” - Abraham Maslow
Practicum Students
We have a passion for nurturing and developing a new generation of exceptional providers of evidence-based care. We often have graduate level students who provide affordable care under our supervision.
Our students practice evidence based care with all ages while treating various mental health conditions.
To learn more about working with a practicum student, contact Dr. Smith.