This is Dr. Rebecca Lester's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Rebecca Lester

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Sunset Hills
Counselor License Type(s): PhD,MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! Thanks for stopping by. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I also hold a PhD in Cultural Anthropology (you can read more about how these two things go together on my website at www.rebeccalester.com). I have been in private clinical practice for over 10 years. I am passionate about helping people and I would love the opportunity to work with you. In my work, I engage the whole person--not just a "disorder." My therapeutic approach is characterized by compassion, warmth, and respect. My work is eclectic and personalized--I prioritize working collaboratively with clients to discover what best works for you and your needs. In addition to having proficiency in psychodynamic humanistic, existential, and cognitive-behavioral therapies, I have pursued additional trainings in DBT, IFS, and Sensorimotor Therapy. But I follow psychiatrist Irvin Yalom's philosophy: "for each new client, a new psychotherapy," meaning that every person is unique, and you deserve an approach specifically tailored to you. I specialize in the following areas: • eating disorders • mood disorders (depression, bipolar) • anxiety • self-harm • stress and coping • trauma/PTSD • personality disorders • LGBTQIA+ issues • sexual/relationship concerns Choosing a therapist is an important and courageous decision. I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about the process or my approach. I look forward to working with you!

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Katy Hamilton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Sunset Hills
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri with over ten years of experience as a therapist. I have worked with adults and adolescents with severe and persistent mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, ODD, ADD/ADHD, and marriage and family therapy. I believe every person should have access to quality mental health services regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status, lifestyle, or other demographic. While I have training in many therapeutic styles, my approach closely resembles person-centered therapy and psychodynamic therapy techniques. I feel that if we understand our past and come to terms with it through self-actualization, we can live a more fulfilling life.

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Raymond Butts

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Sunset Hills
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed, Counselor Ed.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficulties
30 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor, ( NCC) with other 30 years experience in both counseling and education. I started my professional career as an elementary special education teacher in the early 80's. I obtained my M.Ed in counselor Education in 1989 from the University of Arkansas and in 1989 I went to Alaska for the first time as along term substitute teacher. I worked in the Bering Strait School District, in Unalakleet, Alaska. I would return a year later, and work a total of 11 years as a teacher, itinerant school counselor, and village school principal in the district. I would go on to work in two other school districts before retiring from Alaska in 2004. After returning to Arkansas, and home, I worked as a kindergarten counselor in a center with 180 kids and 18 teachers. I fully retired in 2007. In 2009, I became a military and family life counselor and have been doing this for 10 years. My treatment approach is based on my training and my personality. I was trained in CCT and it fite my style, even though I so specialize in crisis counseling. I have found helping the client, and not necessarily directing the client is more effective for me. As I stated I specialize in crisis and PTSD counseling right now with the military, and their families.

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Shawnean Callihan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Sunset Hills
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesADHD
29 years of experience

Welcome to BetterHelp! My name is Shawnean Callihan and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri. I have over 24 years of experience working with families and children ages 5-18. As a retired school counselor, I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults and families around issues of behavioral concerns, parenting, anxiety/depression and relationship issues. During our time together you can expect to have a safe environment where we work together to understand and find solutions to current or long standing challenges . I look forward to support you through this journey

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Kelly Fitzgerald

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Sunset Hills
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri, holding this credential since 2001. I've worked with people at various stages of their lives, with various issues; the common denominator has been a sense of feeling "stuck" in some aspect. My approach is integrative, attending to the whole person, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. I use meditation and relaxation techniques as well as cognitive approaches. I believe all healing is self-healing; Client and Therapist work together toward client goals. I am a proponent of 12-step programs, Energy Medicine, Positive Psychology, Journaling, and Movement. I look forward to working with you.

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Helene Platke

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Sunset Hills
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersDepression
3 years of experience

Hi! I am Helene F. Platke, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri. My approach to therapy is very personalized to each individual and I use elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, DBT and EMDR therapeutic interventions to help clients find relief from their symptoms. I help clients look into their reasons for seeking therapy and what they hope to achieve through treatment to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. In addition, I work with children and teens to help them work through the tough issues they may be facing in their lives. After receiving my Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1992, I provided individual, family and group therapy in a variety of different settings. My main focus in my early years was working with the victims of childhood trauma and violence. As my practice has developed, I have broadened my practice to focus on individuals struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, depression and grief. The relationship between the therapist and the client is one of the most important aspects of successful therapy. I hope to help you find the answers you are looking for by finding and eliminating the roadblocks put in your path to success. Together we can help you overcome your problems by focusing on your goals, dreams and aspirations.

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Jennifer Wotka

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Sunset Hills
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri with over 5 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients of all ages and a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, ADHD, OCD, food and body image related challenges, motivation, self confidence, trauma, and family system disruptions. Additionally, I have supported and worked with many clients through difficult life transitions such as divorce, loss of a beloved family member or friend, and pet loss. 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. Too often, our mental health challenges hold us back from living the life we deserve. Difficult thoughts, feelings, and emotions can push us around, run the show, and interfere with our ability to live a life that aligns with our values and goals. In addition to providing a supportive, caring space to process these challenges, I want to help you develop news skills and tools to navigate the many stressors and challenges that life can throw our way. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes a tremendous amount of courage. I look forward to supporting you on your journey towards a more fulfilling life!

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Cassandra LaBahn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Sunset Hills
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBT-related issues & trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Luanne Sullivan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Sunset Hills
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
24 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri with 24 years of professional work experience as a therapist. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting skills and family issues, & improving motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Together we will creat a 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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Mellani Hudson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Sunset Hills
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling, peaceful and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Sunset Hills

Finding the best therapist close by in Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills. 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 Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 63128 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 Sunset Hills counselor?

Before seeing your Sunset Hills 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. Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills, 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.

Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills.

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

63127, 63128

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