Seniors, middle-aged people, and young adults may face different challenges, but working with a therapist can help anyone learn to cope. If you are looking for individual therapy in Missouri, consider online treatment. It can be challenging to find in-person care if there’s a lack of providers in your area or you cannot easily reach Kansas City or Saint Louis therapists. An online treatment platform like BetterHelp can make access to therapy more convenient and flexible.
With BetterHelp, you can access mental health care from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. Your provider will use a holistic approach to treatment and work with you to determine what treatment approach may help you meet your goals, whether dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, or another treatment option.
While BetterHelp does not currently offer group therapy or services like play therapy or adolescent intensive outpatient programming to children or adolescents, the providers are skilled in various modalities, including commitment therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and eye movement desensitization.
Therapy can help you learn healthy coping skills and improve low self-esteem so you can work toward your individual goals. If you’re looking for an online therapist, MO has many options available. The providers below are licensed to provide virtual therapy across the state.
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Catherine Lorino
Seasoned and clinically licensed social work practitioner with demonstrated track record of successfully working with diverse client populations including families, individuals, and couples who are facing challenging situations. With nearly twenty years of experience as a social worker in a variety of clinical settings including community mental health, special education, and the United States Army. Extensive experience with completing comprehensive psychosocial assessments, special needs populations, challenging behaviors, depression, anxiety, parenting and family crisis, post traumatic stress disorder, and severe and persistent mental illness. Expertise in collaboratively supporting clients toward goal oriented treatment outcomes; helping clients put their thoughts and feelings into words, without the fear of criticism or judgement. Guiding clients to a better understanding and possibly a different perspective of their life circumstances. Life can be challenging, everyday stress such as relationship issues, job stress, and time management conflicts can become overwhelming and impact living a fulfilled life. Consistent counseling, healthy relationships, stress management, avoiding toxic relationships, and compassion are integral in developing different patterns of behavior and belief structures that impact skills needed to change current experiences of depression, anxiety, and conflict. Demonstrated expertise in collaboratively supporting and training building-based teams to develop and implement individualized data based programs for students with disabilities including challenging behaviors and mental health concerns. A university based guest speaker and presenter for ongoing community training and school district professional learning communities, Crisis Prevention Institute trainer, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer. Cathy's passions include her family, travel, and veteran's causes. She is an active mother to four very active children ranging from 11 to 18; she is personally familiar with life's challenges through milestones that impact families, parents, and children.
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Beverly Furstenberg
I am currently not accepting any new or returning clients on the BetterHelp platform at this time. For additional information, please go to: www.healinghappens.us
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Barbara Fotsch
Hello. My name is Barb. I moved to southern California to be near my son, after living in St. Louis Missouri all of my life. I have always enjoyed my work with people and strongly believe we move forward when ready. My approach is mostly cognitive, psycho-educational, and supportive. I am rather casual & like to use humor when appropriate, as a tool, to help make the sessions comfortable. I believe no "one size fits all" in the therapeutic relationship; if something isn't working, we can back it up and try something different. I try to pay attention to a client's energy and offer techniques best suited; for example, some clients want more guidance, others more autonomy. My job is to "listen" and identify helpful movement toward understanding, growth, and healing. I check my emails 2x a day and will respond w/in 24 hours.
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Traci Klasing
Traci Klasing, MA, LPC, LCMHC has been in the psychology and educational fields for 20 years. Traci is warm and engaging and has the desire to help her clients meet their needs. Her approach involves getting to know her clients and helping them move forward in their lives in areas that may need strengthening. She believes in a collaborative relationship where she and the client are both involved in goal-setting. Traci has experience working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, life changes, parenting issues and career issues. In addition to her mental health counseling experience, Traci has been teaching psychology coursework online and face-to- face for 21 years, therefore, she is well versed in counseling processes and theory. She is also skilled at working in a virtual format. Additionally, Traci a subject matter expert in the field of career counseling. She was the Director, Assistant Director and Internship Coordinator in the Career Development Center at a university for nine years. In her various roles in the career center, Traci assisted students and alumni with the job search process, including obtaining internships and full time employment. Her prior positions include administering neuropsychological assessments and providing in-home psychotherapy to families. Traci has served as a licensure supervisor in MO and has helped numerous counselors with their client loads. Traci was elected and served as the 2012-2013 President for the Missouri Career Development Association and she was also selected as a Leadership Academy Member by the National Career Development Association. Traci has served as a licensure supervisor in MO and has helped numerous counselors with their clients. Traci is ready and excited to work with you. Please reach out to her today! Traci earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Kansas and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina.
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Toni McClure
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a family therapy concentration, and Life Coach with over 30 years’ experience who will work with you to reach your goals. I am also a trained crisis counselor, and Employee Assistance Professional. I have proudly offered clinical services to our active military, reserved, and veterans. I have also worked intensively with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, with a strong background in trauma recovery. I especially enjoy helping individuals find their internals strengths to solve problems. I specialize in helping individuals gain and maintain a healthy and balanced life: holistic approach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including and not limited to depression, anxiety, life stress, family issues, trauma, and grief and loss. My approach is strengths-based , cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, problem-solving, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy, tailored to meet your unique and specific needs/goals. We will work closely together as we embark on your journey to implement your roadmap to success. I listen and genuinely care about you and your concerns. I will help you identify and use your strengths and set personal goals. I will also assist you with finding the skills and tools necessary to rise above obstacles, improve your life, and reach your personal goals. Ultimately to empower you to make the positive changes you are seeking.
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Dr. Julie Downs
My name is Julie Downs and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri. I earned my Masters Degree from the University of Missouri/Columbia in 2000. I earned my Certification from the University of Indiana in career counseling in 2012. I have worked in various settings over the past 26 years that include outpatient mental health and private practice settings serving children, families, and adults. I have also worked in educational settings from higher education to elementary and secondary education. My areas of expertise include trauma, depression, anxiety, family conflict, relationships, and parenting. I enjoy working with children, but have also worked with adults, specifically when addressing family needs. I definitely take a holistic and systemic approach when looking at family dynamics, relationships, interactions, and functioning. I look at my relationships with clients as a partnership. I am very resourceful and creative in my approaches so if I do not have the knowledge or information, I will locate it for my clients. I take a non-judgmental stance because I believe diversity is what enriches my life and those around me. I also adhere to my professional code of ethics where taking an unbiased approach is a necessity. I am extremely energetic and creative in my approach with therapy. I strive to keep my clients engaged providing various options and encouraging them to overcome challenges, fears, or reservations about trying new things. I do regular check-ins to make sure my approach is having a positive impact on my clients' lives and that there is a continuation of progress towards goals. My clients are treated with dignity and respect, but I will be assertive in a respective manner when addressing patterns of behaviors that are impeding progress. Cognitive behavioral approaches are the foundation of my therapy, but I also use eclectic interventions through trauma, solution focused, and client centered modalities, making adjustments that fit my clients' communication and personality styles and needs. I am also a trained Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. I believe continuity of care and ongoing support is crucial in therapy services and check my messages minimally three times a day. I look forward to working with you and forging a partnership in helping you reach your goals!
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Dr. Vivian McCollum
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri . I received Master's degree in general counseling from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a doctorate in counselor education/ marriage and family therapy from St. Louis University. I practice from a convenience model that includes client-centered, cognitive and behavioral therapies. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, relationship issues and communication issues. I have four years of experience as a school counselor and director of counseling for a school district in the mid-west. I started a private practice in 1998 and currently work with children, adolescents and their families. I have ten years of experience as a college professor of counseling at several tier one universities. I have particular experience working with couples helping them to solve communication and intimacy issues. For the past five years I have added older adults to my case-load helping them to use positive life skills to enrich their lives. I think that I can help by providing a listening ear to assist individuals to look at their issues critically and practically. I bring optimism and hope by helping to validate the feelings of individuals that allow me to work with them.
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Jami Pegg
I am licensed in Nevada and Missouri with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. We will work together to create a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am here to listen and and to assist you in meeting your goals.
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Melinda Taylor
I am licensed in Arkansas and Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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Elva 'Julia' Garafola
Ms. Garafola received her Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Psychology from Texas Woman's University and earned her Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as her Associate's degree in Nutrition from Tarrant County College. Over the past 12 years, she has had the opportunity to work with seniors and their families in a myriad of settings to include end of life issues, chronic illness, grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver issues and aging parents. Ms. Garafola practices client-centered philosophy, utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. She believes in developing a non-judgmental and trusting therapeutic relationship with each client in order to provide guidance in discovering qualities and strengths, tools, and skills they can use in maneuvering life's challenges. Ms. Garafola's happy place is the beach and sunshine, relocating from Texas to Florida where she lives with her husband and 17 year old pup Lola. Spending time outside in the sunshine biking and gardening are activities of choice, as well as dining out, shopping, traveling, and family vacations with her adult children. She is active in her church as well as her husband's vacation property business.
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 4,029,515 people live in MO, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in Missouri support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- 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.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
When should I get a therapist in Missouri?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy the safe option?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
Popular cities in Missouri
- Kansas City, MO
- Saint Louis, MO
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- Columbia, MO
- Independence, MO
- Lees Summit, MO
- O'Fallon, MO
- Saint Joseph, MO
- Saint Charles, MO
- Saint Peters, MO
- Blue Springs, MO
- Joplin, MO
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