If you’re looking for a therapist in Independence, MO, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. With BetterHelp, you can attend sessions from anywhere you have an internet connection and switch providers at any time for free until you find the right fit. All counselors who practice therapy via the BetterHelp platform have at least a master’s degree and meet all state licensing requirements.
Therapy can help with overcoming things like childhood trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, or the symptoms of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. A therapist can also help you if you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling with personal growth, or are just hoping to change your story. You and your therapist will work together to identify your strengths, discuss your challenges, and explore treatment options that may work for you.
Whether you need help with trauma recovery or working through a significant life change, connect with a therapist in the Kansas City and Independence area below to learn more.
Jenifer Papaccio
Hello! My name is Jenifer Papaccio. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have provided therapy services in corrections; the Intellectual Disabilities community; crisis interventions such as suicide and hostage situations; primary schools; secondary schools; community mental health centers; and residences. These experiences have taught me a great deal about the struggles we all face and helped me to shape a well-rounded perspective on how to help. I specialize in solution-oriented approaches. We will work together to identify elements of your life you want to improve and, subsequently, focus on goal establishment and achievement. I appreciate your interest in my profile. I wish you great success!
Jamell Jacobs
Hi! My name is Jamell Jacobs. I am a licensed professional counselor and nationally certified counselor. I am passionate about helping people become their best version of themselves in life. My belief is that reaching our fullest potential is a process that we work at daily, and I enjoy being a supportive partner in my clients' journey. My clinical experience has primarily been focused on individuals and families struggling with anxiety, anger management, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, occupational stress, parenting, relationship problems, and addiction recovery. I use a holistic approach focusing on developing a healthy mind, body, and spirit, using primarily cognitive-behavioral therapeutic techniques. I look forward to working with you in your journey to achieving your goals and a better quality of life!
Julia Smith
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor for the states of Michigan and New Mexico. With over 25 years of experience, I have a wide scope of experience in community counseling, private practice, residential, partial hospitalization, and military settings. I am well-versed in working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. My specialties include issues associated with anxiety, depression, self-development, relationship issues, grief & loss, AD/HD, military, career, and life changes. My counseling style is respectful, empathic, genuinely caring, and interactive. I incorporate cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness strategies with acceptance and attachment-based therapies. I cultivate a trusting climate and work with you to create a plan that suits your own unique needs. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me; I welcome the opportunity to talk with you.
Jackie Newman-Hoppe
The journey of life can be overwhelming for all of us. Today, most people recognize that assistance in choosing the correct track for our lives can not only be beneficial, but empowering in our continued journey towards wellness. My services aim to improve my clients’ functioning, add clarity, and allow for personal and emotional growth. When families and individuals move towards wellness, healing and success happen. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based is Missouri with over 11 years of experience working with clients that have a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, communication difficulty, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced substance abuse themselves and with family members. One of my specialties is working with blended families. My husband and I successfully blended five children aged 7 - 12 over 21 years ago. That experience had a direct impact on my decision to become an LPC and be in a position that allows me to help other families find peace, happiness and improved relationships. As the very proud wife of an Air Force Veteran, mother of five adult children and now grandmother to some amazing grandchildren, my life experiences have provided insight into situations that face a wide and diverse population of individuals. My counseling style is very solution focused using a warm and interactive approach. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, using unconditional acceptance and active listening skills. My approach is considered eclectic in that I often use a combination of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. 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. You are the expert on your life, my job is to help you work through those areas that are feeling overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Perhaps together we can find solutions that otherwise you may have never considered or realized you were already in reach of achieving. If you are ready to take that first step towards a journey of healing and growth, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Jacquelynne Kell
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri and I have been working in the field of counseling since 2013. Much of my experience has been supporting people navigating the impact of trauma, life stressors, depression, anxiety, grief, abuse, addiction, and adjustment challenges have on their lives. I have experience providing both individual and online sessions to address these concerns. I respect every individual as an individual and provide support beneficial for you. My goal is to provide a safe place for each person to show-up as they are without judgement. Some of the treatment modalities found in my toolbox include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Education: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology Training in EMDR, DBT, CBT, mindfulness, and various other trauma-focused modalities
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.
Darla Belflower
I am licensed in Missouri and Kansas with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with substance use disorder, LGBTQ+ related issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and 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.
James Schrader
I am a Licensed Psychologist in Missouri with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, mood self-regulation challenges, interpersonal communication issues and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe counseling 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 fully support and guide you in that process.
Heather Nash
I have been licensed in Missouri since 2007 and through the years I have worked with children, teens and adults in group and therapeutic settings. Outside of a traditional counseling setting, I have worked with youth, adults and families within the Missouri Foster Care system for the majority of my career. A little history on how I got here! Growing up, I wanted to be a rockstar, teacher, ballerina, and veterinarian. What I ended up realizing is that I had a pull towards wanting to understand human behavior and to help people be the best versions of themselves. I went to a small liberal arts college and majored in psychology and then attended Saint Louis University for my Masters degree in Community Counseling, graduating in 2004. And here I am! During my professional career, I have gained an understanding of the affects of Trauma and how to identify and process trauma responses. I have training in EMDR which provides me an understanding around how stuck points connected to life experiences can keep an individual from moving forward. I am very solution focused in my approach and I want to help the client identify ways to move forward without getting bogged down in the past. Most of all, I believe the most important part of counseling is to provide an active ear and to be present while walking through an experience with the client. The client is the expert in their life and my purpose is to help them to see what they already know, which is all the strength they bring to the table.
Elva 'Julia' Garafola
Ms. Garafola received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas Woman's University and earned her Master's degree in Mental Health and Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as her Associate's degree in Nutrition from Tarrant County College. Over the past ten years, she has had the opportunity to work with seniors and their families in a myriad of settings to include end of life issues, chronic illness, grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver issues and aging parents. Ms. Garafola practices client-centered philosophy, utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. She believes in developing a non-judgmental and trusting therapeutic relationship with each client in order to provide guidance in discovering qualities and strengths, tools, and skills they can use in maneuvering life's challenges. Ms. Garafola's happy place is the beach has relocated from Texas to Florida where she lives with her husband and 15 year old pup Lola. Spending time outside in the sunshine biking and gardening are activities of choice, as well as dining out, shopping, traveling, and family vacations with her adult children. She is active in her church as well as her husband's vacation property business.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Independence
Finding the best therapist close by in Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence. 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 Independence, 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 Independence 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 counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence, elsewhere in Jackson, 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 therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Independence online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Independence, 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 in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 MO, 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 64052 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 Independence counselor?
Before seeing your Independence 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. Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence, 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.
Independence 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 Independence, Missouri
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 Independence 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 Independence:
64015, 64016, 64050, 64051, 64052, 64053, 64054, 64055, 64056, 64057