Kaitlin Kaufman, LCSW, LSCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Private Practice Owner, Elevate Healing, LLC

North Kansas City, MO 64116

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree University of Missouri-Columbia- B.A. Degree Capella University- M.S.W. Cert Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker Cert Licensed Clinical Social Worker Cert QPR Trainer Cert Licensed Master Social Worker Cert CPR/AED/First Aid

Her Story

About Kaitlin

Kaitlin (Katie) Kaufman, LCSW, LSCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and the owner of Elevate Healing, LLC, a private therapy practice based in North Kansas City. With nearly a decade of experience in the mental-health field, she has worked across community mental health, inpatient psychiatric care, crisis intervention, and outpatient settings, holding both clinical and leadership roles. Her work is grounded in accessibility, clinical integrity, and a strong belief in the irreplaceable value of human-centered therapy. Throughout her career, Kaitlin has specialized in crisis response, trauma-informed care, and suicide prevention, including hands-on involvement in local crisis services and the rollout of 988 suicide-prevention resources. She has served as a crisis clinician and crisis manager, supporting individuals in acute distress while also mentoring and supervising other clinicians. Her clinical approach emphasizes direct, non-stigmatizing conversations about mental health, meeting clients where they are, and prioritizing safety, stabilization, and long-term resilience. Kaitlin earned her Master of Social Work from Capella University, graduating with distinction at 4.0 GPA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In private practice, she focuses on trauma, PTSD, grief processing and suicide prevention. She is widely recognized for her clear advocacy for ethical mental-health practice, her commitment to community wellbeing, and her steady, compassionate presence in moments that matter most.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Kaitlin

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to perseverance, gaining experience across diverse mental health settings, building strong client relationships and continuously learning and adapting to run an effective, accessible practice. Also, a strong support system behind me - especially my daughter, she is my motivation for being strong female role model.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve received was to be patient in the first year of building a business; it is the hardest year of it all. With that, staying disciplined about boundaries and time management to protect both the work and myself.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice is to set clear boundaries early, manage your time intentionally, and be patient as you build your practice—sustainable work takes time. Just as equally important, I show up as myself, just as human as the person that walks into the office and it has really helped my connections with clients.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Right now, it doesn't matter where you stand on the political side of things; it's overall a stressful time. There's a lot of bigger issues that we don't really have immediate control over. I'm seeing a rise in men seeking out mental health treatment, which is good, because that's a huge stigma that lingers. On the personal side, my job is to hear and process a lot of hard things with clients so continuing to hold strong to a work/home balance.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I try to give the respect I would want to receive to my clients but also my loved ones. Clients know that I care about them and respect their situations too. It has really aided in the rapport building. I am open-minded, transparent and willing to be flexible if it helps someone feel more accepted.

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