Nestled in the Ozarks, Salem, Missouri, is full of natural resources, including a state park, where people like to fish for trout, all while enjoying resplendent Mother Nature. Fishing is a sport that takes a lot of time and patience. So, there’s no question that fishermen have a lot of time to observe the natural beauty around them.

Living with mental health struggles takes a lot of time and patience, too. And it’s not always easy to enjoy your community when everything around you feels so negative. But a Salem area counselor can help you. They understand what you’re going through and are committed to helping you make your life better. Match with a licensed, confidential mental health professional today for a better tomorrow.

Psychologist Michelle Watson providing different types of therapy in Salem

Michelle Watson

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: GriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
10 years offering treatment

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." And today you've taken that one most important step. Hello! My name is Michelle Watson and I'm excited about the opportunity to go along on this journey with you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Missouri with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with a diverse group of clients with a wide range of concerns including self-esteem, anger management, stress management, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, ADHD and simply learning to cope with life changes. I find that relationship plays a large role in a client’s willingness to go down this path. It’s essential that clients work with someone they feel they can trust and someone who aligns with their particular needs. Therefore I believe it would benefit you to know a little about me and understand my philosophy of counseling. This is a nonjudgmental and safe place to express yourself. I take a collaborative and supportive stance in my approach to therapy. I strive to empower clients using a strengths-based approach; meaning I believe we all have positives attributes we can draw on to help us cope with difficult times. Therapy is a process. And yes change can seem hard and scary; but through partnering together, we will work on your identified goals and you will feel empowered to move forward. The ultimate goal will always be for you to get to a place in which you feel like you don’t need me anymore; that you have gained a better sense of self and coping. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal psychotherapy, solution focused counseling, and mindfulness based interventions. Please know there is no "one sizes fits all in counseling" so rest assured I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Change can be hard. And it takes courage to take actions towards a more fulfilling and happier life. Happiness is always possible! This is your first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to partnering with you along this journey!

Psychologist Aisha Gilliam providing different types of therapy in Salem

Aisha Gilliam

Clinician
License Type(s): M.Ed,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment

Welcome! My name is Aisha and I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri. I am also certified in Cross Categorical Disabilities (K-12). In the past, I have worked in the school system, private practice, and in the pediatric hospital setting to support individuals and families. I have experience in working with a wide range of concerns and mental health issues, but a few examples are chronic illnesses, Women/Men Issues, relationships, anxiety/depression, school/career issues, and family dynamics. I have serviced clients of various ages and backgrounds. I feel it is a gift to offer light in those times of darkness. Utilizing evidence-based practices, I strive to support, encourage, educate, and empower my clients. Compassion, patience, acceptance, and understanding are only a few of my qualities. I am easy to talk with and aim to create a safe and non-judging environment. My counseling approach ranges from cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, solutions focused, and reality. However, I focus on the client and tailor what is necessary to help you accomplish your goals in therapy. Welcome to the first step in making a positive change in your life. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Christy Crane providing different types of therapy in Salem

Christy Crane

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years offering treatment

I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Missouri, and I have studied both family and marriage counseling and the regular professional counseling. I have 8 years of experience working as a counselor in various settings. I have worked with children, adolescents, families, couples, individuals, and groups. I have worked in private counseling and outpatient community mental health settings as a counselor. I have also worked inpatient as a psychiatric technician. I have worked a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, change of life concerns, OCD, ADHD, anger management, grief, and personality disorders. My counseling style is warm and genuine. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in control or coercion. I will voice my belief in what may help you feel better, but you are in the driver's seat. I have long observed that real improvement and changes come when the individual makes decisions and does the work involved. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, narrative, EMDR, DBT, and trauma-informed counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Lisa Travis-Johnson providing different types of therapy in Salem

Lisa Travis-Johnson

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

I am a licensed therapist in Missouri with over 6 years of professional work experience. I also have an extensive background in the field of corrections. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including addictions, trauma and abuse, lack of motivation self-esteem and confidence issues, anxiety and depression. I also focus on gender specific/sensitive issues. I take a warm, empathetic, and compassionate, respectful and interactive approach to therapy. My therapy approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and trauma focused approaches. I tailor sessions to meet the individual needs of the client. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I encourage and invite those with whom I work to enter therapy with an open mind and curiosity to learn about oneself. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Adam White providing different types of therapy in Salem

Adam White

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I like to help people understand themselves better and gain more control over their experience and actions. I want people to feel like they know what they're trying to accomplish and why they make the choices they make. I primarily work with IFS (Internal Family Systems) and mindfulness techniques. I'd love to help you reach your goals and feel like you're in control of your own choices.

Psychologist Bobby Hines providing different types of therapy in Salem

Bobby Hines

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
13 years offering treatment

I am a licensed professional in Missouri with over 13 years of experience helping clients navigate a variety of challenges, including stress and anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship concerns, and family conflicts. My approach centers on creating an open, safe environment where clients can express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. I understand that seeking change and striving for a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support and empower you on that journey, every step of the way.

Psychologist Bethany Besand providing different types of therapy in Salem

Bethany Besand

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
13 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan and Missouri with 13 years of professional work experience as a licensed therapist though I have been in the social service field for over 25 years. 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.

Psychologist Lawrence McDaniel providing different types of therapy in Salem

Lawrence McDaniel

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Family conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
13 years offering treatment

I have worked with foster children and families in crisis for over 33 years. My counseling focus is on working with male teens and men of all ages address anger management, stress, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, grief, religious trauma, and other behavioral and relationship issues with specialized therapeutic approaches that can significantly impact individuals' lives, helping them to heal and grow. In a world that often demands us to mask our struggles, having a space where your feelings are validated, and your experiences are understood can be transformative. My approach is centered on building a trusting relationship where you can feel safe to explore your deepest concerns and aspirations. Together, we can work towards understanding the root of your emotions and behaviors, developing strategies to manage them, and paving the way for a future where you feel more in control, connected, and fulfilled. Your story matters, and I am here to listen, understand, and help you write the next chapter—one where you feel empowered and at peace. Together, we can explore the possibilities that lie ahead and take steps towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. We can't undo the past, but we can work together to get to a place where you can finish well.

Psychologist Paul Dohearty providing different types of therapy in Salem

Paul Dohearty

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issues
3 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Missouri with 3 years of professional work experience. I have the most experience in helping clients with sexuality issues, such as LGBTQ+, queer, polyamory, ethical nonmonogamy, swinging, kink or fetish issues & intimacy related 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 steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Kendra Davis-Leighty providing different types of therapy in Salem

Kendra Davis-Leighty

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

Find a therapist serving clients in Missouri

What types of therapists are available to clients in Salem?

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

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

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

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

Therapists in Salem can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Salem may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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

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

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