The adult counseling team at Hope Counseling Center comprises dedicated individuals committed to providing access to everyone seeking mental healthcare in the Southwest Missouri region.

Meet your adult 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, 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; please request an appointment to be added to the waitlist and be seen as soon as possible.

Matthew Vermillion
PLPC

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.

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), Healthy Blue, Home State Health, United HealthCare, Missouri Medicaid, Arkansas Medicaid (coming soon).

Clients are now being added to Matthew's waitlist; please request an appointment to be added to the waitlist and be seen as soon as possible.

Elena Durocher
LMSW

Elena earned her master's degree in social work from the University of Arkansas. Elena feels passionately about mental health and seeking solutions to difficult life experiences. With a strong foundation of social work competency, she is committed to providing compassionate and effective care.

While earning her BSW, Elena worked at the Children’s Division in Joplin, Missouri, advocating, empowering, and seeking safe solutions for families and children. Elena follows a strengths-based approach with each individual and walks alongside them as they face challenges.

Elena brings enthusiasm, optimism, and determination throughout her practice. She is excited to contribute to Hope Counseling Center’s mission of supporting the community's evolving needs and providing affordable mental health care.

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

Insurance Accepted: Medicare, Arkansas Medicaid, and more coming soon!

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, Ambetter, Home State Health, Arkansas Medicaid, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield (Carelon Behavioral Health), and more coming soon!

Faith Nelson
Counseling Intern

Faith is currently pursuing her master’s degree in mental health counseling through Evangel University and is completing her practicum at Hope Counseling Center under the supervision of Reuben Smith until April 2025. Faith is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and develop the skills needed to create positive change. She 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. Faith is open to clients of all ages and accepts sliding-scale payments only, with no insurance accepted at this time.