Etched onto the side of his favorite coffee mug is Anthony Sung’s business motto – Sung Strong. Years ago, his friend gave him that cup to serve as a daily motivator as Sung began his counseling business out of Prairie Village. Today, that same resilience is built into the very core of Crossroads Haven Counseling--providing a safe space for everyone in the Kansas City Metro area to navigate life’s challenges.
“We all wear different hats and have different responsibilities, but the one person who is constant is you. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, everything else will suffer,” Sung said.
While his team supports individuals, couples, and families, one group that Sung is passionate about serving is young athletes. Drawing from his own experience as a high school volleyball captain and soccer player, he knows firsthand the huge role mental health plays in sports.
“Everyone had relationships, and I came into a new school, and everyone was already friends,” he said. “Even though I was really good at soccer and volleyball, I was the odd man out.”
Sung remembers how difficult it was to navigate being a student-athlete, struggling mostly with feeling a lack of support.
“Looking back, I wish I had someone to talk to. Mental health was not really talked about and caring for feelings and thoughts was not really promoted,” he said. “I want to be that person for the kids who might not have someone to talk to or don’t know who to open up to.”
While Sung believes playing sports can teach incredible life skills and develop kids personally, he also understands that if not addressed appropriately, it can be quite the internal battle. Years of school and research have taught him how connected mental and physical health really are. A better mental state can directly result in a better performance on the court or field.
“I recently spoke to a semi-pro team, and I said to them, ‘How many of you watch the show Ted Lasso?’ They all raised their hands, and I said ‘That’s who I am for you guys. I want to be your Ted Lasso, minus the unethical stuff'," he said. “I want to be someone they can talk to so they can have less baggage on the field.”
The team at Crossroads Haven Counseling is very active in changing the perspective of what counseling is. They travel to different schools in Missouri and Kansas to do mental health presentations and suicide prevention screenings.
“We’ve found that there is still some stigma when talking to a therapist. A mental health issue does not mean you are crazy. You can be the most outgoing person but are suffering in silence,” he said.
When asked about his “why” for wanting to help young people, Sung listed four concise reasons. 1. His faith in God compels him to act and serve others. 2. He genuinely enjoys the environment of working with kids and the fun they exude in life. 3. He has a desire to pay it forward because of the counselors and mentors who helped him along the way. 4. He carries a responsibility to invest in the lives of the upcoming generations.
“When you invest into creating healthy kids, that’s going to create a more successful nation or society,” he said. “In today’s digital age, you can find all the coping skills you need online. My approach is developing a very safe, trustworthy relationship over a period of time. That produces the best outcome.”
How to Get in Touch with Crossroads Haven Counseling:
It all starts with a call or an email.
anthony@crossroadshavencounseling.com
816.301.4238
All clients are met with the question “How Can I Help You?” After a brief interview, Sung will pair you with the best counselor to suit your needs, even if it is a reference to a higher level of care.
Anthony Sung, LCPC & Founder
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
MA - Mental Health Counseling, Asbury Theological Seminary
Licensed in KS, MO, FL, and NY
Lily Barclay, LPC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LPC)
MA - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Asbury Theological Seminary
Heather Eaton, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
MA - Marriage Family Therapy, North Central University
MS - Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Creighton University
Nikki Fels, PLPC & NCC
Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
School Counselor