Psychologist Brandon Thoma providing different types of therapy in Chain-O-Lakes

Brandon Thoma

Clinician
License Type(s): MA ,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
8 years offering treatment

My name is Brandon Thoma and my focus is on your overall well being and feelings of life fulfillment. I believe that the you come first in the therapy process and is most successful when met with unwavering support. It is my goal to help you overcome your obstacles and pursue your goals by working towards a growth and "Excellence" mindset. I will challenge the negative thoughts and behaviors that are holding you back as well as empower you by teaching you the tools needed to tackle issues with confidence so you can succeed in your daily life. My approach focuses on Person Centered Therapy with other effective techniques from Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, and CBT. I primarily work with adults and teenagers who struggle with depression, anxiety, and relationships. However, I also have experience with other severe mental illnesses, substance abuse, and trauma. I am a LPC originally from St. Louis, MO. I have been practicing mental health for 5 years, currently live in Manhattan, KS, I am married with 3 children, and am a Military Spouse. I received my Masters degree in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University and my Bachelor's in Psychology from Southeast Missouri State.

Psychologist Jessicca Shumard providing different types of therapy in Chain-O-Lakes

Jessicca Shumard

Clinician
License Type(s): MS,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
15 years offering treatment

Welcome to your journey of finding peace in your purpose through Mindset Wellness, Counseling, Coaching and Consulting! My goal is to empower you to navigate through the mess of life. Together we can work on finding your inner harmony, reducing stress, transforming limiting beliefs, calming the mind, fueling the body and finding balance within your spirit. Living life purposefully can keep you focused and fueled toward reaching your goals so that you can take control over your life! Confidential and compassionate counseling provides a safe and nurturing place to work through any present struggle that maybe keeping you stuck. As a trained master's level mental health counselor I have 15 years experience working with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, grief, major life stressors, life transitions, work/life balance, caregiver stressors, boundaries, self-esteem, environmental stressors, and finding overall balance/wellness. I offer a variety of integrated and holistic models of counseling that include but are not limited to: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Positive Affirmation, Relaxation Techniques, Meditation, Self Care Management, Wellness Plans, Mindfulness Techniques, Grounding Techniques, and Coping Skills Development. It's time to make an investment in yourself so let's get to work!

Psychologist Christine Dicus providing different types of therapy in Chain-O-Lakes

Christine Dicus

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years offering treatment

Hello and welcome to BetterHelp! I think finding a good match for a client is very important, the therapeutic relationship is a key piece in working together. So let me tell you a little about myself. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Missouri, I graduated from University of Missouri St. Louis and I have over 10 years of experience in the field working with clients of all ages and concerns. I use a strengths based, cognitive behavioral approach and believe working as a team is the best way to address concerns. I address each clients concerns and needs based on individual needs, there is no cookie cutter approach. I like to work with my clients to find a schedule that works for them that includes self care. I initially like to meet with clients once a week until we can create a plan on how to address the concerns you are having. I have experience working with trauma, anxiety/depression, and addiction. I believe in creating a safe, non judgmental, atmosphere to work on concerns. I have worked with children and families, this has included family separations as well as trauma. I also have experience working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential facilities, prison/jail, and a more traditional office setting. which has helped me in finding what can work best and take an out of the box approach when needed. I offer messaging, live chat and phone sessions with availability in the evenings and weekends. I am able to make accommodations to my schedule so if a day or time does not work for you please let me know and we can try and work something out. I check my messages once a day and will respond within 24 hours to any message. I look forward to meeting with you!

Psychologist Robert Mace providing different types of therapy in Chain-O-Lakes

Robert Mace

Clinician
License Type(s): MA,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years offering treatment

Keep it Simple! Over several decades of studying and practicing a variety of counseling styles, I came to the conclusion that there is not just one “correct” way to understand human behavior. Each path has a unique focus, but no single framework could claim to deal with the wide variety of problems and challenges that people faced. During those years, I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and so forth. However, while the theories of psychotherapy were getting MORE complicated, the daily practice of working with the clients actually became simpler! I began to create a simple program that demonstrated that search for simplicity. With my current BetterHelp clients, we started to call this program “the Four SuperPowers”! Step One: listen to the client’s challenging stories Step Two: teach a simple exercise (superpower) to address those challenges Step Three: practice, and then repeat the first two steps! As a Licensed Professional Counselor and a licensed school teacher and counselor, I had always been a counselor at heart. Long before “Mindfulness” became popular, I served as the "Relaxation Therapist", having devised a pretty simple, yet universal, set of basic exercises to calm down any and all clients in the facilities in which I worked. My counseling sessions might combine the standard "Western" therapy models with more universal techniques. Also, a touch of humor and artistic creativity can be very helpful in the process. I look forward to traveling that Search for Simplicity with you!

Psychologist Kimberly Scates providing different types of therapy in Chain-O-Lakes

Kimberly Scates

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Missouri with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse; specifically domestic violence and sexual violence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our 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.

Psychologist Kimberly Backfisch providing different types of therapy in Chain-O-Lakes

Kimberly Backfisch

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
7 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Missouri with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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.

Psychologist Kirsten Davis providing different types of therapy in Chain-O-Lakes

Kirsten Davis

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years offering treatment

I am licensed clincal social worker with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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!

Psychologist Kabrina Forrest providing different types of therapy in Chain-O-Lakes

Kabrina Forrest

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Missouri with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

Psychologist Jason Ruoff providing different types of therapy in Chain-O-Lakes

Jason Ruoff

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
9 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Missouri and I have a variety of experience helping others to talk about their situation. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have 10+ years working with children and families regarding trauma and abuse. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Stephen O'Neill providing different types of therapy in Chain-O-Lakes

Stephen O'Neill

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
18 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri and have been a licensed social worker since 2007. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.

How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Chain-O-Lakes, Missouri

Finding the best therapist close by in Chain-O-Lakes 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 Chain-O-Lakes region and in the state of Missouri. 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 Chain-O-Lakes 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 Chain-O-Lakes 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 Chain-O-Lakes, elsewhere in Barry, or in the greater state of Missouri. 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 Chain-O-Lakes 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 Chain-O-Lakes 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 Chain-O-Lakes may not take health insurance, some in the state of Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Chain-O-Lakes online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Missouri 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 Chain-O-Lakes 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 Chain-O-Lakes 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.

Chain-O-Lakes therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform

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 Chain-O-Lakes 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 MO, 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 65641 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 Chain-O-Lakes 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 Chain-O-Lakes 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 Chain-O-Lakes 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 Chain-O-Lakes, Missouri 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 Chain-O-Lakes provider

Chain-O-Lakes 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.

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 Missouri

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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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Finding therapy in Chain-O-Lakes can change your life. Expert therapy provides valuable insights into managing stress, building resilience, and nurturing emotional growth. With personalized guidance and compassionate support, from a licensed mental health therapist serving clients in your area, you can gain tools to overcome life’s obstacles and improve overall well-being. It's beneficial to embrace therapy in order to unlock new paths toward happiness and lasting self-improvement. Experience renewed strength and clarity with BetterHelp online counseling services. Seeking expert guidance from a seasoned therapy counselor can foster resilience and personal growth. Embracing professional therapy allows individuals to address emotional challenges effectively while gaining insight and self-assurance. Therapy enhances overall well-being, inspires healthier relationships, and empowers you to navigate life's obstacles with renewed clarity and confidence beyond measure.
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