For most of us, some days feel like there's a storm looming ahead, while other days clear sun and great puffy clouds are in the forecast. For Pleasant Hill, home of the National Weather Service Kansas, getting the forecast right is serious business.

If you're having more stormy days than sunny ones, however, your internal forecast may be off kilter. Please don't hesitate to reach out to a Pleasant Hill-area mental health professional to get the support you need so that your mental forecast can be once again filled with far more warm pleasant days than dark and stormy ones.

This is Dr. Alwyn (AL) Whitehead's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Alwyn (AL) Whitehead

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Pleasant Hill
Counselor License Type(s): Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

My 20 years as a clinical psychologist working with adult men and women have taught me a lot. First, that we all carry a burden. Second, our burdens are lighter when we share them with others. And finally, we can be set free from our burdens, or, regardless of them, live happily. I enjoy working with clients wanting to overcome depression, anxiety, alcohol and/or drug addictions, posttraumatic stress disorder, stress, panic disorders, or relationship challenges. My clients say that I am easy to talk to and give them a sense that “there is a way out.” Most clients leave the first session feeling greatly relieved that they have been understood. And, have the beginnings of a mutually agreeable plan of action that will give them relief. I have great respect for my clients. They have courageously come forward in spite of their burdens and made the first step toward getting the help and relief they desire. My therapeutic techniques are based on the American Psychological Association’s “Professional Practice Guidelines”. These criteria are designed to assist in the use of the best methods for addressing mental health issues. Let’s walk this road together.

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Kelli Murphy-Small

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Pleasant Hill
Counselor License Type(s): Ed.S.,LPC-S,NCSC/NCC
LGBTFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Greetings: My name is Kelli Murphy-Small, I am certificated as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from Missouri. I have provided mental health services for the past 30 years. I started in the public school system as a School Counselor. Later, I became a Supervisor of School Counselors and concurrently taught at the university level to assist college students to become counselors. While I was a School Counselor, I completed the requirements for LPC. This knowledge was extremely helpful for the years I worked in schools and private practice. I was able to transition those skills from school easily to exclusively private practice. I have worked as a private practice or agency counselor for the past 15 years. I find both environments equally enjoyable. Providing guidance to help you become a better you makes me happy too. My approach to counseling stems from a theoretical background of Client Centered Therapy. My belief, in human kind, tells me that at times we all have obstacles in our path that are stopping us from being our “best self”. “Client Centered Therapy” method utilizes the term "self-actualized". This term is actually fancy talk for, "I am happy with who I am and where I am in my world”. Many times that is easier said than done, so I am here to help you to that place. I enjoy working with people of all ages but find that I have the greatest experiences in working with families and young adults. I am able to assist with frustrated parents that need parenting assistance or are struggling with their role as a parent/spouse/significant other. I work with teens that need help finding their path, whether that is in the LGBQT+ Community, the academic community or the difficulties that accompany a young person as they grow and develop into happy productive adults. For the adult population, I will provide a sounding board for men and women as you navigate this world. I offer unbiased reflection to your emotions and what I see as roadblocks for your growth. The teamwork between the two of us helps you get that “best self” back on track. You have come this far in reading my general profile. Just do the next step and sign up. If not with me, find someone that fits you. YOU are looking for help. Now, trust that you are in a safe place to find the RIGHT person for you.

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Madison Brawley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Pleasant Hill
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri, Utah, and Idaho with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with depression. 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. I specialize in EMDR, women’s issues, and LGBTQ+ populations. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Note: I only have live sessions available on Friday afternoons. If this does not work with your schedule, please rematch with another therapist. Thank you!

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Vanessa Albergo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Pleasant Hill
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! My name is Vanessa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico & South Carolina. I am bilingual(English & Spanish) and can provide counseling in both languages. I am originally from New York and moved to South Florida for college and never left.   I have lived in South Florida for over 15 years and have built both a family and career here, I guess the sunny warm weather made it hard to go back :-)   My clinical background in Mental Health began as an undergrad and continued through grad school, working for the public sector for the Department of  Children & Families where I worked with children, then the elderly in skilled nursing facilities and with adolescents in group homes.  I then went on to work and provide services that include counseling and advocacy for oncology patients at one of the largest cancer hospitals in South Florida. In addition to this, I have also worked with adults in inpatient rehab for substance abuse and court ordered treatment, and served outpatient clients in the LGBTQ community. My training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),  Psychodynamic, Solution Focused,  and many others that include treatment planning; where my goal is to get my client back to a normal baseline that they are comfortable with and can function in their daily life. I am an open minded, kindhearted and empathetic individual, where my mantra is that I am here for YOU, my job is to assist you in anyway that I can, and help you manage life's daily stressors that may be recent or long-term.  I work daily to remove the stigma that Mental Health has in our society, because the reality is, we all have good and bad days, some just need some assistance and guidance on how to manage it better. I believe we are all one step away from a mental health crisis, life is one big roller coaster of stress, worry, emotion that all revolve around something changing in our life that we were not prepared for and do not know how to adjust to it. So my job is to help you navigate all of that and achieve happiness, peace and overall well being.  You are more than welcomed to message me through Better Help, and be proud that seeking assistance for yourself is one of the bravest things we as human beings can do for ourselves is admit when we need help. My schedule is flexible and am able to provide services in the evenings to accommodate the working person.  Session hours: EST I look forward to working with you! 

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Dawn Shelley Wann

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Pleasant Hill
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Missouri with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping, adults, adolescents, and teenagers with stress and anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. 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. I have experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Person Centered, Client Centered, and many more therapeutic genres. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Dr. Dwight Eisenman's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Dwight Eisenman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Pleasant Hill
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida, Kansas, and Missouri with over 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & relationship issues. 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.

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Mary Cooley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Pleasant Hill
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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This is Dr. Dara Gill-Fletcher's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Dara Gill-Fletcher

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Pleasant Hill
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. 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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This is Nicole Shaddix-Olsen's avatar and link to their profile

Nicole Shaddix-Olsen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Pleasant Hill
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. 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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This is Luqretia Stuckey 's avatar and link to their profile

Luqretia Stuckey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Pleasant Hill
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
19 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I began my experience working with individuals in families in 2003. I have the honor of working with all populations including children, adolescents, young adults, middle age adults, older adults and seniors. I am trained to look at situations in a holistic way, bringing people together with others & their communities. As a practitioner, I help individuals address personal & systemic barriers to optimal living. I'm determined to effect positive change with individuals, families, groups and entire communities. I have had the honor of helping individuals live with various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, high risk psychiatric conditions and personality disorders. My mission it to help individuals & families conquer their personal journey of connecting with their best self through their challenges & truly be honest & genuine with themself as they navigate their life.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Pleasant Hill

Finding the best therapist close by in Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill. 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 Pleasant Hill, 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill, elsewhere in Cass, 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Pleasant Hill, 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 64080 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 Pleasant Hill counselor?

Before seeing your Pleasant Hill 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. Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill, 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.

Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill, 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 Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill.

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

64080

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