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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Lauren Williams
Hello and welcome! Because you're reading this, you're probably thinking about therapy. Let me tell you that you've done a great job so far in seeking help, it's definitely not an easy step to take and I'm a huge believer in celebrating the small things. There's something to be said about a person who wants to better themselves; whatever draws you here, I hope you find what you're looking for. Here's a little about me to help clarify any questions you may have: I have a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2016) from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. I later moved to Missouri and am now a licensed professional counselor in the state of Missouri. I've worked as a therapist in several different settings such as college counseling centers, rehabilitation centers for drug and alcohol use, and in the private practice setting. In these environments I've helped people manage concerns with depression, suicide and self harm, issues related to relationships with themselves and others, anxiety, sexuality and the LGBTQ population, and addiction. I've also been able to work with people that have experienced trauma and family conflicts. Each therapist operates from a certain style and orientation in which they approach the counseling process. Usually, it's a multi-faceted approach and I believe that the key is to remain flexible. That being said, my main approach tends to be relatable, personal, and straight forward. I believe in transparency in sessions, meaning I'm not afraid to be real with you while helping to guide, support, and validate your experiences. Therapy is a vulnerable process so it's my job to help you feel safe and empowered. In doing this, we'll talk about your strengths and what makes you who you are, and use those to help achieve your goals. I believe that you're the expert of your life; I'm just here to help you talk through it and I find that through positivity and humor, life seems a bit more manageable.
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Jeffrey Ayers
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 6 years of experience in the field of mental health. After a 7 year stint working for the United States Postal Service, I decided to go back to school to help people with their problems. I have an Associate of Science degree from Brazosport College. I have an Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Columbia College. I have my Master of Education degree in Counseling, a Graduate Certificate in College Student Mental Health, and my Education Specialist degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a school psychological examiner and a Kindergarten through 12th grade School Counselor. I completed all my provisional license hours at Lincoln University in their counseling center providing pro bono counseling to the community and college students. My counseling style is warm and receptive, I feel establishing the client/counselor relationship is paramount to success during the therapeutic process. I feel we are all unique individuals and counseling must be tailored to each specific client. I am well experienced in career counseling and traditional counseling using mindfulness based-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I use an integrated approach to find out what will work best with each client I am working with. There are many stigmas associated with seeing a counselor, one of the most harmful being that someone who seeks help is weak, it is my goal to shatter that stereotype and help my clients find their path in life that they can accomplish all they wish to and more.
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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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Jill Hazell
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with child abuse and trauma victims. I have over 20 years of experience in a variety of settings, currently in a middle school setting. I have worked with people from a variety of backgrounds with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, abuse, bullying and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced sexual trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, caring, and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I enjoy helping individuals learn to be their best selves. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, solution focused and mindfulness. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for 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. I am excited to work with you!
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Tonia Green
Tonia T. Green, is a MSW, LCSW who has been practicing in the field of Social Services since 1995. Tonia has been a Licensed Clinician since 1999 and at that time added Behavioral Health services to her co-founded private practice ITAV Enterprises, LLC. Her 25 years of experience has graced her with knowledge gleaned from: community/leadership work like her time at St. Louis Crisis Nursery; skill grooming opportunities through teaching future professionals at Saint Louis University and GWB Washington University Schools of Social Work. Her time in community and chronic health at People's Health Center and Davita Dialysis, has enhanced her understanding and ability to deliver, to some of our most vulnerable populations, synchronized care for the mind and body, in pursuit of Total Wellness. Tonia's latest expansion project is one of specialized care. In 2019, she helped develop and launch - The Kidney Wellcare Group. This is just another example of her dedication to effecting positive change. She is excited to continue her journey as a Heart Speak Facilitator and Wellness Coach with Full Circle Strategies. Populations of interest include, but are not limited to Chronic health care issues, Kidney disease, Parenting education/challenges ( Triple P Certification) , Trans-racial Fostering and Adoption, Race-Based Trauma and Care Giver Support. Tonia uses eclectic therapeutic interventions with a primary client centered based approach. Clients feel safe, helped and better overall after working with her. Tonia believes that we all are working to be our best selves; and it's okay to have help. So, let get started.
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Deedra Ivie
Hi, I’m Deedra Ivie. My goal is to help you find the strength that is already inside of you and bring that to light. Each client is different and has needs unique to their upbringing and life circumstances. I enjoy learning about your past circumstances, ways of thinking and current situation to find the best way to move forward to achieve progress and find peace. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with most clients suffering from depression and anxiety. I work with you to identify the exact feelings you are experiencing. Then we work on identifying the thought behind the feeling. After we find the exact issue prompting your emotions, we work to change the thoughts. We discuss coping skills to help you find relief in the midst of your intense emotions. If you are experiencing more extreme emotions I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy. For DBT, I walk you through the different stages of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Distress tolerance and mindfulness are both a good place to start to help you find some relief from your symptoms. Then you can move forward to work on recognizing and regulating your emotions. Interpersonal effectiveness can also be very helpful. This helps you learn how to relate to others in your life in a healthier way. I graduated from Colorado Christian University with a Masters in Counseling. I have worked in Community Mental Health Centers, Treatment Facilities and I have a private practice. I am married with 4 children, whom I homeschool. Most of my time is spent with my family outdoors. We also have pigs, goats, dogs, chickens, bees and I garden. I look forward to finding out more about you and how I can help.
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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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Caroline Christian
I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with managing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression; improving motivation, self-esteem, and self-confidence; exploring sexual orientation and gender identity & coping with life changes. I am also comfortable assisting individuals facing challenges presented by adjustment issues, depression, grief, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma (PTSD), body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria, and other long-standing mental health concerns. My counseling style is pretty laid back. As, I feel this helps make the sessions feel less clinical. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I'm really looking forward to working with you!
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Karley Reece
I am licensed in Missouri and Texas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Martinie Franks
I am licensed in Arkansas, Missouri and Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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. 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 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
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- Columbia, MO
- Independence, MO
- Lees Summit, MO
- O'Fallon, MO
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- Saint Peters, MO
- Blue Springs, MO
- Joplin, MO
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