Find Your Way Back to You

At A Way Back Counseling, we offer caring therapy for people of all ages dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, hard times, and life changes. Our goal is to create a safe space where healing and growth are possible. Whether you're feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, we’re here to help you reconnect with your strength, your voice, and your values.

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Who We Are

At A Way Back Counseling, we are a team of caring therapists committed to helping people of all ages heal and grow. We specialize in supporting those facing anxiety, trauma, depression, and life changes. With a focus on creating a safe and compassionate space, we use proven therapy methods to help you reconnect with yourself and move forward with confidence.

Our Services

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to? Want to feel better? You're not alone and you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Our kind and compassionate therapists are here to truly listen, understand what you're going through, and help you find relief, clarity, and hope. Whether you're struggling with stress, sadness, past trauma, or big life changes, we’re here to walk alongside you with care and proven tools that support healing and growth. You deserve to feel better, and we're here when you're ready.

therapy, mental health, individual, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief and loss

Individual Therapy

Taking care of your mental health can feel a lot like climbing a steep trail, tough, confusing, and sometimes lonely. But you don’t have to do it alone. We're here to walk with you, one step at a time. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, feeling stuck, or just need someone to talk to, we’re here to support you. When you’re feeling lost or unsure which way to go, therapy is like finding a guide who helps you get your bearings and choose a path that feels right for you.

couples therapy, marriage therapy, betrayal trauma, grief and loss

Couples Therapy

Relationships aren’t always easy, especially when there’s been hurt, distance, or broken trust. It can feel hard to know what to do next. Couples therapy gives you a space to slow down, talk openly, and start to reconnect. Whether you're healing from betrayal, struggling to communicate, or just feeling stuck, we're here to help. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being willing to work through things together.

child play therapy, anxiety kids, depression kids, kids therapy, child mental health therapy

Child Therapy

Kids feel a lot, even if they don’t always know how to say it. Sometimes they just need a space where they can feel safe, seen, and free to be themselves. That’s what we offer. We provide child therapy that meets kids on their level. With a dedicated play therapy room, we give them a way to explore their feelings through play, because that’s how kids express what’s going on inside. Whether they’re facing anxiety, tough behavior, trauma, or just having a hard time, we’re here to help them feel supported, understood, and not alone.

Our Team

  • Man wearing a white shirt with small anchor patterns, smiling in a desert landscape with red rock formations in the background.

    Derek Barney, LCMHC, Owner

    I’m a mental health counselor who works with people navigating addiction, trauma, and grief. I got into this work because I’ve lived it; I struggled with substance use and lost my dad at a young age. Those experiences shaped who I am and gave me a deep understanding of what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or alone.

    Over the years, I’ve worked with teens in inpatient settings and later supported adults in addiction recovery. I’ve also done specialized training in DBT, Brainspotting, and SMART Recovery to offer more focused, effective care. My approach is real, compassionate, and always nonjudgmental. Whether you’re dealing with something specific or just trying to find your way back to yourself, I’m here to walk with you, one step at a time.

  • Smiling person with long blonde hair wearing a green top, standing outdoors with a blurred green background.

    Melissa Barney, Practice Manager, Owner

    I’m a mom first, that’s really at the center of everything I do. Whether I’m with my own kids, supporting clients, or helping run the practice, showing up with care and connection always comes first.

    Before this, I spent eight amazing years living and working in a residential treatment home with my husband, Derek. We were “mom and dad” to a house full of incredible girls, and creating a safe, supportive, family like space became something really close to my heart. That same heart is what I bring to the work we do now.

    Since helping Derek start the practice in 2020, I’ve taken on a little bit of everything; intakes, billing, scheduling, and all the behind-the-scenes stuff that keeps things moving. One of my favorite parts is connecting with new clients and helping them feel welcome from that very first call.

    Outside of work, I’m all about my family, meaningful moments, and the occasional kitchen dance party.

  • Woman with glasses and pink hair smiling outdoors

    Jocee Hospodarsky, AMFT

    I’m a marriage and family therapist, and the work I do is deeply personal to me. I support individuals, couples, and families through some of life’s hardest moments; grief, betrayal, addiction, domestic violence, trauma, and divorce. I also work with kids and teens who are going through big changes at home, especially when there’s been loss or instability.

    I’ve lived through many of these experiences myself, so I understand how heavy and overwhelming life can feel. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported; where you can breathe, be honest, and begin to heal. I use a mix of talk therapy, mindfulness, and CBT, always at a pace that feels right for you. You're not alone in this and I’m here for you every step of the way.

  • Smiling person in patterned shirt in outdoor setting.

    Matthew Valentine, AMFT

    I connect best with teens and young adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, pornography use, or major life changes; whether that’s in family, faith, or relationships. I bring a mix of energy, empathy, and a down-to-earth style that helps clients feel safe, seen, and understood. I also speak Spanish and enjoy working with people from all kinds of backgrounds and life experiences.

    My own journey began with a lot of change. When I was 2, my dad divorced my mom and moved us from Taiwan to the U.S. A year later, he remarried, and suddenly I was one of eight siblings, four Chinese-American, four Korean-American. By the time I was 8, I lost my dad to colon cancer. Those experiences were hard, but they helped me understand what it’s like to go through big changes and tough emotions. That’s a big part of why I do what I do now.

  • Smiling woman with curly blonde hair wearing a beige blazer, standing outdoors.

    Sandee Everett, ACMHC

    I work with women, children, and teens, offering a safe, supportive space to work through life’s challenges. I use a blend of approaches including EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT, and play therapy, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs or the needs of your child. My style is client-centered and grounded in compassion, empathy, and truly listening. I believe that growth happens when you feel heard, accepted, and supported exactly where you are.

    I often work with clients facing anxiety, trauma, depression, or difficulties with mood and coping. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or your child, I’m here to help you navigate it with care and consistency.

    I earned my bachelor’s degree from BYU and my master’s from Purdue. My husband and I have been married for over 30 years, and we have five grown children. We raised our family in the Washington, D.C. area, Indiana, and Southern California before settling in beautiful St. George, Utah. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me doing yoga, hiking, spending time with family, or hanging out with our dog, Beau.

  • Kendal Barney, Administrative Assistant

    Hi, I’m Kendal, the friendly face and voice that helps keep things running smoothly around here. Before joining the team, I worked as a pharmacy tech, which taught me how much I love helping people, especially when it comes to their health and well-being.

    Now, I’m passionate about making sure clients feel welcome, supported, and connected to the care they need. Whether I’m answering phones, scheduling appointments, or just offering a kind word, I do my best to make things a little easier for everyone.

    Outside of work, I love doing nails, it’s my creative outlet and a fun way to help others feel good about themselves. For me, it’s a small way to bring a little extra joy and color into the day.

Bowie the Therapy Doggie

Bowie is our golden doodle and a beloved part of our practice. Born in June of 2024, Bowie is currently training to become a certified therapeutic service dog. His natural warmth, playful energy, and gentle presence already make a difference for many of our clients.

Bowie loves meeting new people, running at top speed outside, keeping a close eye on the kitchen for snacks, and offering affection to anyone who needs it. Whether it’s through a comforting nudge or simply being nearby during difficult moments, Bowie brings an extra layer of support and connection to our space. If you would like Bowie to join you during your session, just let us know ahead of time, we’re happy to arrange it!

Brown curly-haired puppy sitting on grass with a tree in the background.

FAQ’s about Bowie

Loves: People, Meeting New People, Snuggling People, Helping People, Going on Long Runs

Dislikes: Being Alone, Scary Sounds, Not Being Able to Snuggle New People When He First Meets them

Therapy Dog, service dog
Therapy dog, service dog, anxiety, depression

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost for therapy?

Our pricing is $140 for a 55 minute session. That includes individual, family, marriage, couples or teletherapy.

Do you accept insurance?

We are in network with the following insurances:

Aetna
Allied Benefit Systems
All Savers (UHC)
Christian Brothers Services
Cigna/Evernorth
EMI
GEHA
Harvard Pilgrim
Health Plans Inc
Health Scope
Medicaid
Meritain
Molina
Motiv
Nippon
Optum
Oscar
Oxford

PEHP

Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Selecthealth
Surest (Formerly Bind)
TriWest
Trustmark
Turstumark Small Business Benefits
U of U
UHC Student Resources
UMR
United Healthcare
We also accept LDS Bishop payments.

What is your cancellation policy?

You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty. Sessions canceled within 24 hours are subject to the full session fee.

How It Works

  • First This

    Schedule an appointment by getting in contact with Melissa or Kendal or send us an email with any questions you have.

  • Then This

    You’ll send Melissa or Kendal a picture of your insurance card and they’ll check your benefits. Once your benefits are confirmed, our automated system will send you a link to join the portal and put a card on file.

  • Then This

    Once you’ve put a card on file, digitally signed all the documents, and let us know a little about why you’re coming, you’ll be all set to go!

Find Your Way Back To You

Therapy, needing help, anxiety, depression

Ready for change? We’re here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way.

admin@awaybackcounseling.com
(435)220-7005