Choose from one of our approved team members:

Pastor Emily Riley

 Pastor Emily Riley MACC

Professional Pastoral Counselor

If you’re walking through a difficult season and looking for faith-filled support, Pastor Emily offers compassionate, professional counseling rooted in Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit. Her heart is to come alongside individuals and families, helping them find healing, clarity, and hope through a Spirit-centered and biblical approach to life’s challenges.

Pastor Emily has extensive experience working with teens and adolescents, while also welcoming clients of all ages and backgrounds. Counseling sessions are offered in person at Faith Chapel, as well as by phone or video call, with both daytime availability and select evening appointments.

She is a Licensed Minister with the Assemblies of God and holds a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling, bringing both professional training and pastoral care into every session.

While insurance is not accepted, payment is available through HSA and FSA cards, and a sliding-scale fee option is available upon request.

If you’re ready to take the next step—or simply want more information—reach out to schedule an appointment by emailing sozocounselingllc@gmail.com or texting (636) 344-0121. You don’t have to walk this journey alone.

 

Mercedes Bilow

Mercedes Bilow MHC

Mental Health Coach

Facing life’s challenges doesn’t have to be something you do alone. Healing often begins with support, encouragement, and practical guidance. You may be feeling overwhelmed by stress, longing for healthier coping tools, or wanting to make meaningful lifestyle changes but unsure where to begin or how to stay consistent.

As a Certified Mental Health Coach, Mercedes Bilow offers a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can openly share your struggles and celebrate progress along the way. She works with individuals of all ages and backgrounds and provides in-person sessions at Faith Chapel, as well as sessions by phone or video call for added flexibility.

While insurance is not accepted, Mercedes offers a sliding-scale fee option upon request to help make services more accessible.

If you’re ready to take a step toward growth and healing—or would simply like more information—please reach out to schedule an appointment by emailing vctry_ovr_koz@yahoo.com or texting (636) 448-8819. You are not alone, and support is available.

  • Mental health coaching is a supportive, goal-focused approach that helps individuals build healthier habits, manage stress, and develop practical tools for everyday life. Rather than focusing on past diagnoses or treatment, coaching looks forward—helping you identify challenges, set meaningful goals, and create actionable steps toward positive change.

    A mental health coach provides encouragement, accountability, and guidance in a safe, nonjudgmental space. Coaching can be especially helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or seeking personal growth, lifestyle changes, or improved emotional well-being.

    Mental health coaching is not therapy, but it can be a powerful complement to it—offering structure, support, and clarity as you move toward a healthier, more balanced life.

  • Both mental health coaching and counseling provide support for emotional well-being, but they serve different purposes and needs.

    Counseling (Therapy) focuses on healing and understanding. Counselors are trained to assess and treat mental health conditions, process past experiences, trauma, and emotional pain, and provide counseling care. Counseling often explores the why behind struggles.

    Mental Health Coaching is forward-focused and goal-oriented. Coaches help clients develop practical skills, healthier habits, and coping strategies to manage stress, improve daily functioning, and work toward personal growth. Coaching focuses on the how—how to move forward, stay motivated, and create positive change.

  • Deciding between counseling and mental health coaching depends on your needs and goals. If you’re looking to heal from past experiences, process emotions, or address a mental health condition, counseling may be the right fit. If you want guidance, practical tools, and support to manage stress, set goals, or make positive lifestyle changes, mental health coaching may be a great option.

    Many people benefit from both—counseling for deeper healing and coaching for day-to-day support and growth. The most important step is reaching out and exploring which approach feels right for you.