Anthony Pickens, MAC, LPC

Growing up as a teenager I would often say to myself “I am depressed.” Over time I came to discover that loneliness, shame and trauma were underneath what I kept calling depression. Being a part of an InterVarsity fellowship in Carbondale, IL, changed my life forever. It was there that I learned the importance of relationships as I struggled to allow myself to be known and loved. Eventually I came to understand that a good, healthy relationship is worth the cost of allowing myself to be vulnerable and seen.

This new insight led me to pursue a career in counseling. Before starting my masters degree at Covenant Seminary, I worked as a youth care specialist at a group home where I learned to connect with teenagers struggling with sexual addiction, depression, anxiety, anger and trauma. During my time in seminary I worked for another group home connecting with residents with autism spectrum disorders. After completing graduate school, I worked for St. Patrick Center in downtown St. Louis where I worked with clients suffering from homelessness, addiction, bipolar, borderline personality, major depression and schizophrenia.

One of my passions is to make counseling more accessible to the black community, helping remove the stigma of receiving care.  I hope to work with adults and teenagers dealing with substance use and sexual addiction, working to develop life skills, and those navigating the general struggles of life.  I strive to create a safe environment where people can feel accepted as they are and can explore the parts of their lives that are hard to navigate anywhere else.