Merriam has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based treatment.
Life is going on all around you. Yet, if you’re feeling sad and lonely, no activity or event can make you feel any better. If you’re filled with worry and anxiety, occasions that are happy for others may seem too hard to bear. When the wonder of life seems very far away, a Merriam area counselor can help you bring it back.
Whatever you do in Merriam, whether it’s wandering through an artist exhibition, browsing in a farmer’s market, or attending the Mayor’s holiday tree lighting ceremony, you’ll find greater joy there after you rediscover happiness within yourself. Talk to a Merriam area counselor to get back to the life you love.
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Emma Cott
I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Kansas. I have been licensed and working since 2012. For the first 6 years of my career, I worked in community mental health settings, working with all ages and stages of life. My primary role was crisis intervention for clients who were unable to keep themselves safe. In 2017, I transitioned into private practice, where I now work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I've worked extensively helping clients manage a variety of issues: depression, anxiety, suicidal thinking, relationship problems, issues around identity, problems with sex and sexuality, work and career issues, social problems, and others. Basically, if you can identify it as an issue, I've probably treated it. My goal - as a clinician and a human - is to normalize the idea of having mental health issues, and empowerment in struggle. Or, as I generally put it, "I'm not ok. You're not ok. And that's ok." I have a strong belief that the first step towards change is acceptance of who we are and where we're at. As psychologist Carl Rogers said, "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself, just as I am, then I can change." My style is warm and supportive, but I will push you when I feel you're ready to be pushed. My goal is to help you meet your goals, and I'll encourage you to do what you've identified you want to do. I use an eclectic approach to therapy, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, trauma-focused modalities, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, family systems theory, contextual therapy, and interpersonal therapy as the guiding forces of my practice, but there are bits and pieces of others as well. I will pull from whatever I can if I believe it will support you in your journey. I have focused on and trained in trauma-informed care and have a variety of tools to draw on to help you meet your goals. Making the choice to start therapy and begin working on yourself is not an easy choice to make. Congratulations on taking this first step! I look forward to working with you.
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Jaylea Black
Hello! My name is Jaylea (She/Her). I am a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Master's Addiction Counselor in the state of Kansas, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado. I have received training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations, and Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). I have experience in working with clients of all ages (ages 3+), backgrounds (rural, urban, LGBT+). I have worked with a wide range of concerns including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, career challenges, ADHD, emotional/physical trauma, and parenting problems. I have additionally worked with many people facing chronic and or terminal illness. My therapy style is eclectic and empathetic. I believe everyone has a story to share and deserves a safe space to be able to share and process with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, EMDR, and Solution Focused Therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. Our first session is a consult to see if we are a good fit. Please understand that not all clients are a perfect fit with every therapist. We will discuss expectations and goals in this session and decide if we are a good therapeutic fit.
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Karen Murphree
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over thirty-five years of experience assisting adults and couples with challenges such as stress, depression, anxiety, self-worth, abuse/trauma, chronic and acute health concerns, grief, loss, end of life issues, and finding connections to spirituality apart from traditional organized religion. I was also a licensed practical nurse years ago and have completed a year of health coaching training. I am passionate about the food/mood connection and its bridge between physical and mental health. I have also taken some graduate level courses in complementary and alternative medicine because I also have a special interest in holistic health and healing. I have a very eclectic approach that draws from multiple modalities. I have a background in traditional psychotherapy, but prefer to come from a "whole person" strength-based approach rather than the traditional "illness-based" approach. I like to use the other senses in addition to "the mind" and might make use of music, art, movement, or even aromatherapy approaches. My approach seeks to offer genuine acceptance of who you are right now, helping you discover who you would like to be, and finding ways with you to make progress toward your goals. Edison said, "I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that do not work." I would appreciate an opportunity to look with you to finding ways that DO work for you. Thank you for looking at my information. If you think we might work well together, please get in touch. If you don't feel a connection to me, there are many other very qualified persons on this site. Don't give up! Keep looking till you find someone that you think you would work well with! Someone is out there in the other profiles that would be a good match for you! I wish you the best, and applaud your courage in being willing to take a look at other options for your life if you are feeling troubled.
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Dr. Carnell Colebrook-Claude
With over 25 years of extensive mental health experience, I hold a Ph.D. (APA accredited) in Clinical, Health, Forensic, & Neuropsychology. I am also a Certified Nutritionist, a Board-Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH); a Board-Certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, Illinois, and New Jersey; a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Kentucky; a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) in Nebraska; a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Montana and Illinois; a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LSOTP) and Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator (LSOE) in Illinois and Montana; , Telehealth Provider #TPMC864 (Florida) Licensed Professional Counselor #37PC00852500 (New Jersey) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor #LCPC03319 (Kansas) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor #CP5260-R (Nevada) and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in The Bahamas. I have three master’s degrees (Professional Counseling, Clinical Psychology, and Christian Counseling). I have been inducted into the Psi Chi international honor society in psychology and the Pi Lambda Theta honor society in education. I have worked successfully with individuals, couples, groups, and families with a broad range of concerns, including but not limited to parenting problems, addiction, career challenges, depression, divorce, domestic abuse, and eating disorders. I have also worked with persons coping with illness, grief, loss, family conflict, pre-marital concerns, anxiety, infidelity, OCD, men’s issues, sexual abuse, spirituality, suicidal ideation, PTSD, weight loss, women’s issues, relationships issues, panic attacks, etc. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma and, or emotional abuse. Throughout the years, I have developed a comprehensive multidisciplinary background that has allowed me to recognize, diagnose, and successfully help and treat hundreds of individuals of all ages and ethnicities. My treatment style is warm, interactive, and solution-based. My psychotherapy approach is integrative and eclectic, combining cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, motivational, rational emotive counseling, smart recovery, positive psychology, and other proven techniques. I show empathy and honestly believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels, so I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I will do my best to assist you in achieving your desired results. It is commendable and takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps toward change and enhancement. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to assist you in achieving your purpose and goals for being here, in addition to encouraging, supporting, and empowering you. I look forward to working with you!
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Dr. Nathan Winner
I am licensed in Kansas with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Rachel Clement
I am licensed in Kansas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Cynthia Colean
I am licensed in Kansas and Oregon with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Dr. Phil Alexander
I am a licensed psychologist in Kansas with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety and stress, depression, relationship issues, anger management, & career difficulties. I use an active integrative approach using mindfulness based cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-oriented therapy, and relationship therapy. We may explore interpersonal factors, faith-based beliefs, physiology, career concerns, family influences, thoughts, and feelings. I'll strive to hear you. I want to help you gain insight in dealing with what you are going through. You are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you.

Richard Presley
I am licensed in Kansas with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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Mallory Keeffe
I am licensed in Kansas with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Merriam, Kansas
Finding the best therapist close by in Merriam can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Merriam region and in the state of Kansas. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Merriam or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Merriam area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Merriam, elsewhere in Johnson, or in the greater state of Kansas. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Merriam area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Merriam due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Merriam may not take health insurance, some in the state of Kansas may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Kansas you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Merriam online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Kansas working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Merriam psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Merriam above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day.
Merriam therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy in Merriam is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in KS, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 66204 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Merriam therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Merriam therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Merriam licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. An experienced clinician can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based licensed clinician in Merriam, Kansas can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Counseling with an online Merriam provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Kansas
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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