Brighton Sanchez, MSW, LCSW

Linehan Board Certified Clinician

Hi, I’m Brighton (pronouns: she/her/hers)! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than nine years of experience working as a mental health provider for children and teens in the mid-Missouri area. I was born and raised in Columbia and am excited to provide treatment in a community to which I feel deeply connected. I obtained a BA in Family & Human Development and a BS in Psychology at Arizona State University in Tempe, but my passion for DBT didn’t blossom until I was pursuing my master’s degree at the University of Missouri. As my knowledge of the treatment grew, so did my enthusiasm and commitment to providing comprehensive DBT. My approach when working with clients is rooted in the DBT assumption that everyone is doing the best they can in any given moment and thus, every client is capable of building a life worth living. I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside transgender individuals navigating the logistical and emotional complexities of transitioning. I am dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for anyone who is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am passionate about working with adolescents with severe suicide and self-harm behaviors.

In 2018, I had the unique and incredible opportunity to attend a weekend-long mindfulness retreat in Tucson, Arizona led by the founder of DBT, Dr. Marsha Linehan! I am excited to help my clients expand and strengthen their own mindfulness skills through our work together. 

I am a Linehan-Board Certified Clinician. This pursuit has required extensive training and rigorous evaluation of my clinical work.

I specialize in treating the following: 

• Suicide/self-harm

• Thoughts of hurting others

• Trauma/abuse/neglect

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Anger

Also experienced in: 

• Children’s Division/Juvenile Office involvement 

• LGBTQIA+

• Mindfulness practice

I am passionate about helping adolescents and their families navigate the complexities of Gender Affirming treatment. I have used the guidelines set forth by WPATH to write letters of support for both hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gender-affirming surgery. I am available for one-time consultation and assessment for those interested in obtaining gender affirming letters. Please contact me if you’d like to discuss this further. 

I live in Columbia with my husband, son, and two pugs. When I’m not at The Oak Center, I can be found outdoors walking the many trails around town, spending time with extended family, and crafting.

I am currently in-network with the following insurance companies:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Cigna

• Medicaid (MO HealthNet, Healthy Blue, and Home State Health)

• Medicare

• United Healthcare