Therapy can be an effective way to make a positive change in your life. A therapist's compassionate care can help people who deal with unique challenges, from college students who need help managing anxiety disorders to first responders who are feeling overwhelmed with the stress of their jobs.
If you’re looking for a therapist in Lee’s Summit, MO, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. Barriers to in-person treatment, like transportation challenges, financial concerns, and scheduling conflicts, can make it difficult to find suitable in-person treatment. Online sessions can make therapy more flexible, as you attend sessions from anywhere you have an internet connection at a time that suits your schedule.
While therapists on the platform may have a wide range of clinical experience, BetterHelp does not treat children or use techniques aimed at young clients, like play therapy. BetterHelp therapists provide individual treatment to adult patients of any age using a variety of therapeutic approaches, including art therapy, sex therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Working with an online therapist can help you focus on your well-being and growth to feel more positive about your future. Connect with one of the mental health professionals serving the Lee’s Summit area below to discover how online therapy can help you.
Susan Hart
We all want to feel connected in this world. Unfortunately, we often look in the wrong places. We tend to use things, substances and sometimes people to escape from the pain we feel. But with a little bit of focus and insight we can begin to change the problem areas of our lives. Teaching people how to recognize what is holding them back from achieving their goals is my purpose. In my sessions, I try to focus upon the needs of each client as an individual. No two people deal with their problems in the same way. Habits, patterns, and thinking errors often cloud our judgment. Helping you recognize what you want in life and how to best achieve it is my overall goal. I want to help you be the person you've dreamed of being. Your heart's desires was given to you for a reason. Let me help you find that reason.
Dr. Cherie Swingler
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
Ruth Stoan
Hi and Congratulations on taking this huge step forward in your life. Having “reached out” myself for counseling I know what it is like to realize you need extra support to make changes. Getting out of our own way is the first step and you have done that! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and certified coach and have been assisting individuals achieve their goals for many years. I have enjoyed working in private practice with individuals and couples dealing with relationships, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, life changes, LGBTQ+ issues, in community agencies working with addictions, and in facilities helping families deal with changing roles and aging parents. A special focus for me is supporting women as they move through major life changes and focus on questions of who they are and what they want in life. I have a MA in Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and have studied many therapeutic approaches. My training with a variety of holistic tools allows me to help you reach the goals you have more quickly and easily. These include mindfulness, breath work, relaxation, theta healing, imagery and clearing blocking beliefs. We work together to create a plan and develop your skills to live a more meaningful and successful life. You can learn more about my approaches at my Facebook page: Opening Choices, https://www.facebook.com/Opening-Choices-2216183171967672 We will work on your immediate concerns as well as identify the deeper factors that may be limiting your progress. We will share this healing journey as far as you desire. My goal is to empower you to live the fullest, most successful life you desire. I will be your strongest advocate and support in this process. I believe you have strengths that can be tapped and strengthened to change your life and when we get rid of the old habits and thought patterns that have been sabotaging success, change happens! I find it helpful to participate in video sessions so that we can get to know each other better. But I am also available to you via phone and text if that is more comfortable for you, during weekdays, some evenings and by request on Saturday. I also check my messages frequently during the day. I look forward to sharing with you.
Jessica David
Welcome! My name is Jessica David. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. I am so happy to hear that you are taking the time to seek out support for something that you are struggling with. I would love to work with you and help you overcome the challenges you are facing. I have been working as a professional counselor for the past 14 years. I have worked in both a residential setting helping individuals with trauma and abuse as well as the school setting. It is important for you to find someone that you can speak to open and honestly without the fear of judgement. As a therapist, I respectfully support clients in identifying and reaching goals. My goal is to act as a guide and support as clients become empowered through the therapeutic journey. I have the most experience in working with those struggling from depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem and confidence. I enjoy working with clients using many different therapeutic modalities; client-centered, solution focused, cognitive behavior therapy, strength based and mindfulness therapy. I really look forward to working with you and helping you become the best version of you!
Richard McGraw
I am a Individual and Family Therapist in Missouri with over 28 years experience (Private Practice since 1997). I have experiences working in Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services, Medical Social Work and Hospice. I have worked with clients with a wide range of Issues including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, abuse, relationships, parenting, career challenges, ocd, add and adhd. My Therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach is primarily Cognitive Behavioral based, however 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 take the first steps toward positive behavior changes. I am here to support and empower you if you are ready to take that first step. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Danielle Frazier
Hi and welcome! I am Dr. Danielle Frazier, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior and am a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I am dedicated to helping clients overcome life's challenges and difficulties. I am committed to maintaining a caring, supportive, and non-judgmental environment as clients travel on the path to wholeness. I believe that each client is significant and has the capacity for growth and change. I work with preteens/tweens, adolescents/teenagers, and adults from all walks of life. I use an integrated approach to therapy to meet the needs of each client. I am available to assist clients with their current circumstances by setting goals and formulating a workable treatment plan. I look forward to working with you!
Kathryn Douglas
I have worked in mental health since 2004. I have been employed in a variety of settings and worked with individuals struggling with addiction, chronic mental health issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum depression and anxiety. I work from a behavior context, largely utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other behavioral techniques. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2004 from Quincy University, my Master's degree in Education in Counseling in 2007 from Quincy University, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State in 2013, and a Master's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2022.
Sheila Stewart
I am a licensed mental health therapist in Missouri with 18 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping adolescent and adults with depression, loneliness, stress and anxiety, family/relationship issues, life changes, grief and loss, career difficulties, and other challenges. I provide an authentic and safe environment to help individuals grow and learn more about themselves and their relationships. I approach therapy in a client centered and holistic way, allowing clients to direct their own path to growth and/or healing but I also incorporate techniques such as CBT, mindfulness, family systems, psychodynamic, and experiential therapies as needed. Taking the first step towards a healthier/ happier life can take courage and I am here to support you along this journey!
Sheila George
I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, serious mental illness, PTSD with both veterans and civilians and coping with addictions. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. An empathetic and supportive environment is priority. Active listening and communication are important qualities that I demonstrate. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Felix Vincenz
I am licensed in Missouri with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and family conflict, I also have experience working with professional coaching. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Lees Summit
Finding the best therapist close by in Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit. 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 Lees Summit, 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit, 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Lees Summit, 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 64063 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 Lees Summit counselor?
Before seeing your Lees Summit 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. Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit, 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.
Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit, 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit:
64002, 64063, 64064, 64081, 64082, 64086