Stacy Braiuca
My name is Stacy Braiuca. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) for over 20 years, public health educator of 10+ years, and technology-focused early adopter of 40+ years. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and my Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Combined they help me help people bridging the gaps between holistic health and wellness and mental health concerns. As a therapist, I have had the honor to help many different people: starting with children, teens, and their families, to working with elders in nursing homes, and those facing crises in the emergency room. Clients I have worked with struggled with anxiety, depression, life changes and stress, marital issues, trauma, and parenting issues. I love bringing knowledge of current cutting edge technology tools and wellness perspectives together as a powerhouse toolbox which can help you on your journey to your better self. Through this process you can learn how to: identify and analyze issues in your own life, to step back and interrupt negative patterns in your life, use new tools and skills to find relief from the burdens that you are constantly carrying around, and get unstuck individually or in your relationships. My main goal as a therapist is to start where you are in your journey, help you define and those goals and dreams for your life, and finally be your navigator in putting tools, skills, and resources in place for you to deal with past concerns. Therapy is still so stigmatized, so it is a truly wonderful thing that you have reached out to take care of your overall health! I would love to walk beside you as you embark on that journey. I look forward to working with you! Stacy
Jean Beatie
Hi, my name is Jean. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Kansas. I have 30 years of counseling experience? I have worked with clients from the age of two to ninety nine. I have a wide variety of experience in counseling. I started my career in counseling on an inpatient psychiatric unit. I worked at a shelter for women who had experienced physical abuse or were working on addiction issues as a children’s therapist. Currently I am an elementary school Counselor. I have also done individual outpatient mental health counseling in a variety of settings. I have experience in grief work, anxiety and depression, family/relationship conflicts, life transitions, complex trauma/abuse, physical/sexual abuse, codependency and adult children of alcoholics. I use person-centered, holistic, multicultural, and integrative approach to therapy. I believe in starting where you are and helping to establish a treatment plan that is tailored to you. I work to be sensitive to how your individual cultural identities and lifestyle choices impact your experience. I primarily use evidence-based techniques including, but not limited to, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. My style is warm and supportive. I will help you address your struggles head-on. I believe one of the most important aspects of successful counseling is collaboration. I will work with you to establish concrete goals and plan for you to overcome your problems. I am not a quick fix Counselor. My experience has taught me that it takes time to work through problems. I look forward to walking this journey with you.
Tommi-Jai Walsh
Tommi-Jai is a trans-woman since 2020 and has been counseling for 20 years. Tommi is an experienced and member/ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Also experienced and understanding of alternative lifestyles, relationship issues, mental health, stress, coping. Low key and personable, non-judgmental with a sense of humor. Tommi can help with thinking patterns that lead to distress, uncover deep emotions that stick within, gain insight and understanding of past event, and dream and plan for a brighter tomorrow.
Dhruti Shah
over 5 years of working as qualified mental health professional with wide range of clinical experience i now employ overcoming personal brokenness and culture along with evidence based practice to instill hope and inspiration.Promoting their innate ability to heal, find meaning and beauty to their lives has been rewarding . During my clinical practice I combine holistic philosophy of east such as yoga, Mindfulness etc with evidence based counseling techniques such as cognitive behavior therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy, person centered therapy along with Psycho-education as required by client.
Merial Berry
I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri with 11 years of professional work experience. I provide encouragement, support, and an opportunity to challenge you to become the person you desire to be. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dawn Mesa
I am licensed in Kansas with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with a wide variety of issues. 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.
Abigail Kelsey Judge
I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Missouri. I am a certified child and adolescent therapist and this has provided 13 years of working with all ages of families in varying transitions. I have worked in a variety of settings utilizing individual, family, and group therapy to help clients move forward through their crisis to successful life patterns. The crisis may be death of a loved one, job loss, a missing toothpaste cap, running out of gas on the freeway, or any number of things that steamroll emotions into unpredictable happenings. I enjoy people and helping them problem solve. I believe help is best when desired as it increases engagement in the therapeutic process. I work to gain rapport and trust quickly by being up front, purposeful, and present with clients. A person’s time is valuable and we will use it as you direct to build an empowering experience. I look forward to working with you. Please let me know if there is a timeframe that works better for you. I’m flexible with earlier mornings, later evenings and weekends.
Chad Johnson
I am licensed as a clinical marriage and family therapist in Kansas with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & at risk youth and children. Every person has a story that is unique and worth telling. When that story takes an unwanted turn, it is normal to want to erase certain parts or just stop writing it altogether. Taking the first step to change the story for the better takes courage and a great act of sure will. I am here to support you in creating a more positive and fulfilling story that is felt and experienced in the now.
Andrea Skelton
I am licensed in Kansas with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related 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!
Jenny Wright
Hello and welcome to BetterHelp! My name is Jenny Wright and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working out of Missouri. I am recently licensed as a therapist, but I have been working in mental health for the last 15 years. I completed my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas in 2019. I have substantial experience as a case manager and have most recently worked as a therapist for clients in an acute setting. Prior to that I worked at a children’s residential care facility and at an intensive outpatient substance abuse facility. Mental health is a passion of mine, and I take my role in your wellness very seriously. I believe that every person deserves to find the right approach to living the best life that they can live. I always put my clients first and use the strengths and tools that they possess to let them be the main driver behind their success. I am just here to guide you and be a helping hand in achieving your goals. With me, you will always feel like you are number one! As a social worker and former case manager, I believe that a person’s environment and social supports are integral to forming a healthy and nourishing way of life. I take a very holistic and eclectic treatment approach, incorporating many styles and techniques. I am particularly adept in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I enjoy spending time getting to know the person that I am working with so that I can help them fully utilize the world around them on their quest for happiness. I believe that somewhere deep within each of us is an opportunity to improve and change in ways that accommodate even the most distressing of circumstances. I believe that everyone deserves that chance. I love working with people from a broad variety of backgrounds and experiences. I have ample experience working within the LGBTQ+ community and with a variety of cultures and worldviews. I believe that it is our differences that make us special and will never judge anybody for being different than myself. I am also a strong supporter of those with disabilities, both visible and invisible, and have a personal connection with those that struggle to find their place in the world based on their perceived limitations. You deserve to be you and to live a life that you are truly passionate about. I am truly glad that you are here and I look forward to working with you!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Reading
Finding the best therapist close by in Reading can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist 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 in Reading that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Reading. 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 or are new to counseling in Reading, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
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 clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Reading 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 counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Reading or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Reading therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Reading area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
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 Reading, elsewhere in Lyon, 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 therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Reading area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Reading therapist?
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 Reading 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:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Reading 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 therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Reading online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Reading, 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 in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Reading psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists 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 Reading 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.
Through BetterHelp therapy, 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 counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
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. See below for examples.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Reading provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Reading?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Reading 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 and therapists 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 Reading therapy 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 Reading therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art 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 or therapists 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 66868 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 in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Reading counselor?
Before seeing your Reading therapist, 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. Reading therapists here 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 why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a 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 Reading 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 Reading 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.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist 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. A psychologist 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 psychologist in Reading, 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.
Reading 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 online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists 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 therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
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 the leading online counseling platform for Reading, 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 Reading therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy 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.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. 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 for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Reading:
66868