Everyone has a stressful day once in a while, but if you cannot seem to let go of that stress or if has started to disrupt your work and home life, you may have an anxiety disorder. Luckily, the town of Kirkwood has many dedicated mental health professionals who are trained to deal with this and other mental health conditions. 

Established in 1853, Kirkwood is known for its down-home charm and community with excellent schools, very little crime, and plenty of career choices. If you live in this quaint little town and have trouble dealing with stress, talk to one of the counselors based in Kirkwood today so you can start feeling better tomorrow. 

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Courtney Groce

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Kirkwood
Counselor License Type(s): B.S.,M.Ed,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello- I am Courtney Groce, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Jefferson City, MO. As a counselor for the last 7 years and a mental health professional for the last 10 years, I have experience in a variety of areas such as: Substance Abuse Counseling, Co-occurring, Trauma, Grief, and as well as many other areas. I started my journey as therapist at the Lincoln University of Missouri counseling students in a transitional stage of their lives. During that time I learned the importance of having support in the most difficult times of your life, due to the high rate of people struggling with anxiety and depression. It is my goal that through therapy I will be able to help you overcome any struggles that you may be facing in your life's journey right now. The counseling approaches I use are mindfulness based, because I truly believe that once we get out of our head and into our lives we will not just survive but we will start to thrive. We also know that change is hard, and sometimes it takes times and support to make a sustainable change that will really impact our lives. So I am here to walk through this journey with you for a better tomorrow.

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Courtney Kempker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Kirkwood
Counselor License Type(s): MEd,LPC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
4 years of experience

Courtney Kempker is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. She earned her Master of Education degree in Counseling Psychology from University of Missouri-Columbia. Courtney received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Central Methodist University. Courtney has over three years of experience providing tele-mental health services, including virtual Brainspotting. She is passionate about serving youth and families and has over four years of experience working with clients that have experienced developmental trauma. Courtney also enjoys working with adults experiencing transitions in life such as going off college, starting a new job, moving, and parenthood. Courtney has received training in Brainspotting Phase I and II, Polyvagal Theory, Attachment, and Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga. She is passionate about learning innovative interventions and evidence based practices for trauma integration. Courtney strives to provide culturally competent care and continues to expand her skillset.

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Kristin Kinkade

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Kirkwood
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hello & Welcome! I am a licensed professional counselor and a certified school counselor. I have 15 years of experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & 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. 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. I am also a certified HeartMath practitioner for stress, anxiety, and self-regulation. I primarily use evidence-based techniques including, but not limited to solution focused counseling, HeartMath coherence building, and mindfulness. HeartMath allows a structured approach that begins with an awareness along with simple techniques to connect with the heart to manage stress and learn to regulate emotions. I can help you make the changes needed for a more peaceful life.

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Kimberly Mayberry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Kirkwood
Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am clinically licensed in Missouri and Kansas with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Kathleen Kallman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Kirkwood
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Kimberly Osmanagic

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Kirkwood
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepressionCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 17+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression and eating disorders. I also have experience as a health coach and use a holistic approach to treatment. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Michael Perkins

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Kirkwood
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with over 20 years of clinical and counseling experience. Also 25 years teaching teaching social work and human services. I have experience in helping people cope with life changes as well as with relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues as well as anxiety, depression, and stress. My clinical approach is the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy with positive psychology approaches as well as mindfulness, and aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Depending on your needs. You can read a description of Cognitive Behavior Therapy from the America Psychological Society from their web site here: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral Neuroscientist Rick Hanson discovered that our brain has a natural negativity bias to internalize negative experiences more deeply than positive ones. According to Dr. Hanson, the brain is like velcro for negative experiences and teflon for positive ones. However we can learn skills to help us work with that bias in a more positive way. I find it useful to explore not only what you want to accomplish in therapy, but also what is going right since they are the foundation you will be building on. I often provide clients with the opportunity to do "homework," which can include both activities, and reading. You are the expert of your story, and we all have strengths that can assist us in dealing with challenges. Our individual strengths that are the foundation we all build on. Michael Perkins, MSW, LCSW ******* Are you in crisis? If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you can access free support right away with these resources: 988 Suicide & Cris Lifeline – call 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call the Lifeline at 800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. The Trevor Project. LGBTQIA+ and under 25 years old? Call 866-488-7386, text “START” to 678678, or chat online 24-7. Befrienders Worldwide. This international crisis helpline network can help you find a local helpline.

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Matthew Cuppett

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Kirkwood
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor from the St. Louis area. I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri and have over 7 years of experience as a counselor. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My therapy style is warm and interactive. 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. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Brenda S Melton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Kirkwood
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

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Melissa Blumer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Kirkwood
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Kirkwood

Finding the best therapist close by in Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood. 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 Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood, elsewhere in St. Louis, 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 63122 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 Kirkwood counselor?

Before seeing your Kirkwood 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. Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood, 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.

Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Kirkwood.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Kirkwood:

63122

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