Hope Counseling Center partners with affiliated specialty counselors to expand access to focused, cash-pay services in areas such as trauma, assessment, consultation, and court-connected clinical needs. These counselors provide services through Hope as independent contractors while maintaining their own professional judgment, licensure, and clinical responsibility.

Meet the affiliated specialty counseling team

As a licensed professional counselor and Lead Adult Therapist, Reuben has dedicated his career to helping guide clients through challenging times and empowering them to achieve emotional and mental wholeness with verifiable outcomes. Reuben earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University and his BA in Counseling Psychology from Central Bible College.

Reuben assists clients struggling with anxiety, depression, spiritual abuse, anger, relationship conflicts, trauma, and grief. While he treats individuals of all faiths or none at all, he incorporates Christian integration into the counseling process for those who find value in that perspective.

Additionally, Reuben serves as an adjunct faculty member at Evangel University’s Master’s in Clinical Mental Health program, where he teaches Couples and Family Therapy, Counseling Theories, and Assessment.

Reuben believes personal autonomy and dignity are paramount in the counseling process, providing clients with a safe and supportive environment to process their emotions and experiences.

Hope Counseling Center offers telehealth (virtual) mental health appointments to those residing in Missouri.

The preferred ages for Reuben are 18 years and older.

Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem BCBS, Cox Health Plans, Evernorth, Essence, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, Humana, United HealthCare, Optum, WellCare, Medicare, Missouri Medicaid, Arkansas Medicaid.

Reuben Smith
Lead Adult Therapist, MS, LPC

Clients are now being added to Reuben's waitlist with a 10-15 week wait; please request an appointment to be added to the waitlist and seen as soon as possible.

Matthew Vermillion
MS, LPC

Matthew Vermillion holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of the Ozarks. His counseling approach is centered on empowering clients to make meaningful life changes.

Believing in the inherent worth and value of every person, Matthew utilizes compassion and evidence-based interventions to help clients achieve their goals. Matthew is also EMDR-trained for those seeking specific care.

For those interested, faith-integrated counseling is available. Matthew is dedicated to aiding clients in creating life-giving meaning from their experiences. He strives to come alongside individuals during difficult times, equipping them with the tools needed for personal growth and resilience.

Hope Counseling Center offers telehealth (virtual) mental health appointments to those residing in Missouri.

The preferred ages for Matthew are 18 years and older.

Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem BCBS, Evernorth (Cigna), Essence, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, Humana, United HealthCare, Medicare, Missouri Medicaid, Arkansas Medicaid, WellCare, and CoxHealth Plans.

Clients are now being added to Matthew's waitlist with a 6-10 week wait; please request an appointment to be added to the waitlist and be seen as soon as possible.

Tarna Potter
MS, PLPC

As a provisionally licensed counselor, Tarna Potter brings a deep passion for supporting people in the Tri-Lakes area, the place she’s always called home. Tarna holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology from Drury University.

Tarna’s counseling approach is rooted in person-centered care, building a healthy, supportive therapeutic alliance where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. She is committed to walking alongside individuals through life’s challenges, expressing genuine empathy, and helping them cultivate hope and resilience. Tarna works with clients of all ages and is experienced in integrating faith into the counseling process for those who desire it.

She is dedicated to equipping each person with practical tools to manage stress and pursue lasting mental wellness.

Hope Counseling Center offers telehealth (virtual) mental health appointments to those residing in Missouri. Tarna is open to clients of all ages.

Insurance Accepted: Missouri Medicaid, Healthy Blue, Optum / United HealthCare, WellCare, Ambetter, Aetna, Home State Health, Arkansas Medicaid, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield (Carelon Behavioral Health), and more coming soon!

Faith Nelson
MS, PLPC

Faith Nelson is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) at Hope Counseling Center. She earned her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Evangel University and is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to create positive change.

Faith uses a strengths-based approach to empower clients and provides faith-integrated counseling for those who are interested.

Faith earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from William Woods University. During her undergraduate studies, she completed an internship at Capital Region’s Mental Wellness Center, where she gained experience working with individuals facing depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Hope Counseling Center offers telehealth (virtual) mental health appointments to those residing in Missouri.

The preferred ages for Faith are 8 years and older.

Insurance Accepted: coming soon!

Clients are now being added to Tarna's waitlist with a 6-10 week wait; please request an appointment to be added to the waitlist and be seen as soon as possible.

Shelly Maledy-Martin

M.S., PLPC, NCC

Shelly Maledy-Martin is a provisionally licensed counselor with more than 20 years of experience as an educator in the Branson area. She holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, a Master’s in Education from Drury University, and a B.A. from College of the Ozarks.

Shelly is a warm and compassionate therapist who works with both children and adults to help them navigate life’s challenges and discover lasting solutions. She creates a supportive, collaborative environment where clients feel safe to explore their emotions and build effective coping skills. With children, she integrates play and creative art techniques to help them express feelings, develop emotional regulation, and strengthen confidence. With adults, she provides guidance and exploration in resolving difficulties related to depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, and career stress, tailoring her approach to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.

Using a solution-focused, evidence-based framework, Shelly incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and experiential approaches to promote insight, resilience, and overall well-being. Through a warm therapeutic relationship, individuals can gain deeper self-understanding, process traumatic experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping with stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.

Hope Counseling Center offers telehealth (virtual) mental health appointments to those residing in Missouri.

The preferred ages for Shelly are 5 years and older.

Insurance Accepted: Missouri Medicaid, Home State Health, Healthy Blue, Optum / United HealthCare, Arkansas Medicaid, Ambetter, Aetna, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield (Carelon Behavioral Health), WellCare, and more coming soon!

Clients are now being added to Shelly's waitlist with a 6-10 week wait; please request an appointment to be added to the waitlist and be seen as soon as possible.