Erika Kokoruda, LSCSW

Erika Kokoruda is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) and holds dual licenses in Kansas and Missouri. She received her undergraduate degree in Social Welfare from the University of Kansas and then completed her Master of Social Work degree through the advanced standing program at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. As a mental health professional, Erika practices from a strengths-based perspective. This approach allows her to fully identify and utilize her clients’ strengths to navigate difficult situations, as well as provide her clients with the tools necessary to work through issues after therapy. Throughout her career, Erika has worked with diverse populations, helping clients navigate a wide range of mental health challenges, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, family and interpersonal struggles, school and work-related challenges, grief and loss, and life transitions.

Erika has a history of working in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities and hospice settings providing individual, family, and group therapy. Most recently, Erika worked at Children’s Mercy Hospital on the Acute Mental Health Services team conducting acute mental health evaluations with pediatric patients by providing crisis intervention and safety planning support in the emergency department. Erika has trained in various treatment modalities and therapeutic interventions; however, her treatment approach is client-centered to meet individual needs. She believes in the power of collaboration, working closely with clients to create treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals. Her focus is to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their unique strengths / feelings and develop strategies for personal growth. Outside of her professional life, Erika enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She enjoys baking, crafting, reading, doing puzzles, traveling and cheering on many Kansas City hometown sports teams.