For those who are looking to find relief from overwhelming stress, or are simply on the search for a more meaningful life, therapy can offer the tools necessary to achieve your goals. When it comes to finding a therapist, Columbia, MO can offer a wider variety of choice than many surrounding rural and suburban areas, but finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, even in populous metro areas. 

One major challenge can be that there are a number of evidence-based approaches in psychotherapy, and how effective they are can depend on the mental health challenge that you’re experiencing. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective at treating anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, but may not be as effective at treating complex personality disorders (which may need another form of therapy like dialectical behavioral therapy). What you need may not be readily available or accessible in your area. 

That’s where online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can come in. BetterHelp offers access to over 30,000 mental health professionals who specialize in many different areas of therapy like ADHD coaching, solution focused therapy, and a holistic approach, and have experience working with diverse populations. By filling out an online questionnaire, BetterHelp will connect you with a therapist that meets your individual needs. And because it can be important to feel confident in your client/therapist relationship for the most effective therapy, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost. 

Online therapy can also be a convenient solution for busy professionals, parents, or students. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, or text messaging options, you can talk to your therapist from the safe haven of your own home or office. 

Therapy can be beneficial for any number of reasons. Whether you feel stuck in your life, are experiencing low self-esteem, or simply want to explore personal truths, move forward in your personal growth with the help of therapy. Reach out to BetterHelp for a simple way to get started on the wellness journey you deserve.

Psychologist Dr. Moriah Taylor providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Dr. Moriah Taylor

Clinician
License Type(s): PsyD
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
19 years offering treatment

I know how difficult it can be dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have years of experience in treating these issues using evidenced-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have almost 15 years of experience in treating a variety of concerns, including suicidal thoughts, self-harming behavior, relationship problems, and gender and sexual identity issues. I take a holistic, collaborative approach and view my clients as partners in our work together. I offer a non-judgmental perspective and can provide training in emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills or just be a neutral sounding board. My goal for all of my clients is that they discover a life than is meaningful and worth living. I look forward to the chance to work with you and help you reach your goals. I have a doctorate in human and organizational psychology and am also a certified yoga instructor. I am the parent of a teen, and together we enjoy traveling, kayaking, and hiking. Additionally, I love animals and reading. I am happy to suggest books or authors that may be helpful to a particular client's situation. Please contact me before scheduling a live session as my availability can change quickly and not be up to date.

Psychologist Karen Kavaloski providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Karen Kavaloski

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC,MBA,D-Min
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years offering treatment

Hello, my name is Karen Kavaloski and I am a LPC in New Mexico, North Carolina and in Missouri. I was originally licensed as a counselor in 2009 while working in Arizona by the State of North Carolina after making a career change from a almost 30 year history in nursing. My passion since I was a young adult was counseling and it took me almost 30 years to achieve my goal of becoming a counselor. I was a Marine wife for almost 30 years and have traveled allot, I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. My youngest, a son, and one of my grandchildren are severely autistic so I can identify with the stress and struggles some families have with managing special needs within their family. I am also a cancer survivor. I believe we all have an ability to heal the body, mind and soul and I consciously strive daily to be an active participant in my life and support and encourage others to do the same. My education beyond my nursing and counseling includes a Masters in Business Administration and a Doctorate in (Christian) Ministries. I have worked primarily over this past 15 years with trauma and substance abuse in the adult population with about 3 years working with the teenage population in these areas. I also have worked about 5 years total with prison reentry and counseling individuals and families with histories of incarceration in state and federal prison. I believe in working with individuals and families to achieve their highest goals. I believe the client is the expert in his/her own life and I fully encourage one to strive to work towards building a strong foundation within themselves and their families whatever that looks like to them, to that end I use focused solution therapy, internal systems therapy, mindfulness/compassion therapy, cognitive and cognitive behavioral, dialectical therapy, emotional freedom techniques and/or neurolinguistic techniques . Outside my therapy practice, I spend my leisure time reading. meditation/praying and gardening. I do light exercise daily.

Psychologist Dr. Cherie Swingler providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Dr. Cherie Swingler

Clinician
License Type(s): PhD,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years offering treatment

Hello! My name is Dr. Chérie Swingler, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri. I have over 12 years of experience working in the arena of counseling and therapeutic services. Much of my education and work experience has been focused on issues related to careers/education, anxiety, anger management, depression, trauma, ADHD and relationship/family conflicts. My approach belief is that everyone is unique and therefore, I utilize a combination of motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma focused therapy and person centered techniques to assist my clients in obtaining a personalized counseling experience. I believe in building a rapport with clients that includes respect, non-judgment, empathy and trust. I do not tell clients what to do with their lives because I believe that the client is the expert in that area; it is my job to guide/assist in obtaining insight and strategies while I walk the journey with them. It takes courage to seek a more satisfying and fulfilling life and to take the initiative to make the change. I am eager to assist you with your goals by using techniques that empower, support and challenge in order to bring out the best you! I would be honored to work with you, Chérie Swingler, PhD, LPC

Psychologist Sheila Funk-Jansen providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Sheila Funk-Jansen

Clinician
License Type(s): LISW,LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years offering treatment

Hello, my name is Sheila Funk-Jansen. I am a licensed clinical therapist in Iowa and Illinois. I graduated with my MSW in social work in 2003 from University of Missouri-Columbia. I have worked with a variety of courageous people in my journey to help them be more vulnerable, brave, and resilient. For the last 25+ years, I I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, family conflicts, and many other areas of life. I believe people have the resiliency to move the barriers that life presents to us. Life is all about learning. Learning about ourselves and giving up our comforts in life are scary even if they are unhealthy. Each person is unique and I am here to start where you are at in your journey. I utilize therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focus Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing along with utilizing other modalities. The client and therapist's alliance is crucial in providing a safe, non judgmental space to be open and vulnerable to see their potential and resiliency to grow when experiencing hurt and pain. I see people through the week along with some weekends. I work with schedules as much as I can to help get people in sooner when needed. I look forward in working with you. Sheila

Psychologist Daniel Christy providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Daniel Christy

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC, CEAP, SAP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
24 years offering treatment

I am an experienced and professional counselor with over 25 years' experience helping people to obtain their best life. My approach is a laid-back style where you talk about what most concerns you and I help you through a cognitive behavioral approach and mindfulness to best achieve success. I work with people dealing with work-life balance, anxiety, relationship issues, depression, anger management, and substance abuse issues. I know that making the decision to come to therapy can be a hard one and I appreciate that you have started the process.

Psychologist James McPheeters providing different types of therapy in Columbia

James McPheeters

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, Anxiety
13 years offering treatment

I have over twelve years of clinical experience working compassionately with clients who have a variety of backgrounds and based on their individual needs. I am skilled in cognitive behavior and solution focused therapy. I feel the therapist needs to meet the client where they are and together make progress toward a goal.

Psychologist Tracy Wofford providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Tracy Wofford

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Missouri with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Alyssa Nagel providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Alyssa Nagel

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
11 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Missouri with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. 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 Dr. Kevin Burkart providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Dr. Kevin Burkart

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
25 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma with 25 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 on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Andrea Hamilton providing different types of therapy in Columbia

Andrea Hamilton

Clinician
License Type(s): LMHC,MBA
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
19 years offering treatment

My name is Andrea Hamilton possesses a bachelor’s in Psychology, a master’s in Counselor Education, and a MBA that she obtained from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have worked in the Child Welfare system with children and families for most of my career. However, I have also worked with the substance abuse population, sexually assaulted, and in the prison system throughout Dade and Broward Counties. I have assisted in the start-up of a female therapeutic group home in Broward County and a co-ed group home shelter in Dade County.

Find a therapist serving clients in Missouri

What types of therapists are available to clients in Columbia?

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Columbia that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Columbia available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Columbia therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Columbia therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Columbia region and in the state of Missouri.

How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?

Therapists in Columbia can help 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 therapist in Columbia may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Columbia offering online therapy or in person?

Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.

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