Local therapist aims to fill gap in LGBTQ mental health care
Jefferson City therapist Denny Cash, owner of Still Point Therapy, has established what he identifies as the city’s only queer-owned mental health practice. Launched in 2024, the clinic provides specialized care for trauma survivors and individuals facing issues related to identity, offering a therapeutic environment where patients can seek support without the need to explain or defend their lived experiences.
Did You Know? In 2025, Denny Cash was recognized by the News Tribune’s Reader’s Choice Award as “Best Therapist” for his work at Still Point Therapy, which he opened at the age of 31.
Therapeutic Approach and Mental Health Advocacy
The practice utilizes Internal Family Systems (IFS), a psychotherapy model that categorizes personalities into “parts” to help patients process trauma through self-acceptance, according to the Australian Psychology Society. Cash emphasizes that the primary obstacles for the LGBTQ community are not inherent to their identity, but rather stem from external factors like isolation, discrimination, and a lack of access to affirming healthcare.
Data from the Trevor Project highlights the urgency of these services, reporting that young LGBTQ individuals are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their non-queer counterparts. These statistics underscore the potential impact of Cash’s work in the Capital City, where he aims to mitigate these risks by providing a safe, specialized space for those who have historically faced ostracization.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight: The establishment of identity-affirming spaces, such as Still Point Therapy, represents a significant shift in local healthcare access. By removing the burden of self-explanation for queer patients, such practices may reduce the psychological toll of minority stress, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and long-term mental health stability in conservative regions.
Future Implications for Local Healthcare
As Still Point Therapy continues to operate, it is possible that the practice may serve as a model for increasing professional representation of queer providers in Jefferson City. If the demand for inclusive care persists, other providers could potentially adopt similar affirming frameworks to address the needs of diverse patient populations. Analysts might expect that as visibility increases, more individuals may feel empowered to seek out the specific, culturally competent support that Cash advocates for in his practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What therapy model does Still Point Therapy use?
The practice focuses on Internal Family Systems (IFS), which views personalities as “parts” of an individual and encourages the acceptance of these parts to overcome trauma.
What resources are available for those in immediate crisis?
The Trevor Project offers an LGBTQ crisis hotline at 1-866-488-7386, and a dedicated trans crisis hotline is available at 1-877-565-8860.
Why is identity-affirming care considered important by the practitioner?
According to Denny Cash, working with a provider who shares similar identities allows patients to exist in a therapy room without the pressure to defend or explain who they are, which he believes is a powerful component of the healing process.
How do you think increased access to culturally competent mental health care could change the experience of marginalized groups in your own community?