Lanny McFarland

Licensed Professional Counselor
MO License Number: CS001467
National Certified Counselor: 760334

Background and Experience

Lanny has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 30 years both in Texas and Missouri. After moving back to Missouri in 1992, he and his wife, Julie, founded the Minirth-Meier Clinic of St. Louis. It was a branch office of the nationally known Minirth-Meier Clinic, named after psychiatrists Frank Minirth and Paul Meier in Richardson, Texas. After working with the St. Louis branch for 11 years, he left to become an associate pastor at a local church where he was a teacher and counselor. After 11 years of ministry, Lanny returned to the counseling world and in 2018, created LifePointe Counseling.

Lanny works with male and female clients, ages 18 and up, in individual, marital and sometimes family therapy. Given that trust is such a key component of successful therapy, he creates an atmosphere in which the client feels valued and understood. Lanny also believes that clients will more readily meet their goals of therapy by learning to express emotions that may have been left unexpressed for months or perhaps even years. Additionally, he will help clients discover certain erroneous beliefs they may have regarding themselves, others and even God. Lanny will use a variety of approaches to help clients meet their therapeutic goals, including strategies that are evidence-based.

Lanny also believes that his 30-plus years of providing therapy to the greater St. Louis region, as well as his own unique life experiences, qualifies him to understand a client’s journey more fully in this world. Because of this, he can become a vessel to provide hope during even the most difficult days.

During his free time Lanny loves spending time with his wife, Julie. Together they share a fondness for Cardinals baseball, Blues Hockey, live music, and savoring meals out to name just a few things. They have 2 kids and 6 grandkids who they adore and get together with as often as possible. And, oh yes, Lanny and Julie take their dog, Rocket, with them on their many “pet friendly” outings.

Special Interests and Services

Lanny is available to do seminars on a variety of topics including depression, anger, marriage and a series called, “Learning the Truth about Lying.” He currently is working on plans to make LifePointe Counseling a teaching destination for local therapists, that everyone might learn and continue to grow in their own practices.

Treatment Issues


Insurance and Payment Options

Aetna • Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield (PPO and Traditional) • Optum • United Behavioral Health • United Healthcare • Private Pay

Education and Training

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling, Southwestern Seminary
Bachelor of Arts, Criswell College

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – Missouri
  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Ordained Pastor