Brandon Thoma
My name is Brandon Thoma and my focus is on your overall well being and feelings of life fulfillment. I believe that the you come first in the therapy process and is most successful when met with unwavering support. It is my goal to help you overcome your obstacles and pursue your goals by working towards a growth and "Excellence" mindset. I will challenge the negative thoughts and behaviors that are holding you back as well as empower you by teaching you the tools needed to tackle issues with confidence so you can succeed in your daily life. My approach focuses on Person Centered Therapy with other effective techniques from Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, and CBT. I primarily work with adults and teenagers who struggle with depression, anxiety, and relationships. However, I also have experience with other severe mental illnesses, substance abuse, and trauma. I am a LPC originally from St. Louis, MO. I have been practicing mental health for 5 years, currently live in Manhattan, KS, I am married with 3 children, and am a Military Spouse. I received my Masters degree in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University and my Bachelor's in Psychology from Southeast Missouri State.
Courtney Groce
Hello- I am Courtney Groce, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Jefferson City, MO. As a counselor for the last 7 years and a mental health professional for the last 10 years, I have experience in a variety of areas such as: Substance Abuse Counseling, Co-occurring, Trauma, Grief, and as well as many other areas. I started my journey as therapist at the Lincoln University of Missouri counseling students in a transitional stage of their lives. During that time I learned the importance of having support in the most difficult times of your life, due to the high rate of people struggling with anxiety and depression. It is my goal that through therapy I will be able to help you overcome any struggles that you may be facing in your life's journey right now. The counseling approaches I use are mindfulness based, because I truly believe that once we get out of our head and into our lives we will not just survive but we will start to thrive. We also know that change is hard, and sometimes it takes times and support to make a sustainable change that will really impact our lives. So I am here to walk through this journey with you for a better tomorrow.
Nicole VandeLinde
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional counselor in the state of Missouri with over 10 years of experience. I I feel honored to be able to walk with people through some of their most difficult times and help them find hope and healing in their lives, which may have felt impossible at the start. My approach to counseling is to create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable enough to be genuinely known, safe enough for honest exploration, and supported enough to take new steps. I am a person dedicated to Christian faith and committed to helping each person find the wholeness and healing they desire. I glean from several counseling theories to tailor an approach that works best for you. I have worked with individuals and families facing a variety of challenges such as depression and anxiety, relational and communication difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, marital and parenting struggles, and many other life situations causing people to feel stuck or empty. Taking the step to try counseling requires a lot of courage, and I appreciate your consideration in allowing me to walk alongside you toward the change you desire.
Jade Depue
I began my journey to becoming a therapist when I entered Mizzou as a freshman in August of 2004. I continued to further my education and pursue my passion of helping others in a myriad of ways throughout the years. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies in 2009 with a minor in Psychology. After taking a break to work in the People Management field, I then completed a Master of Education in Professional Counseling with a dual emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling through Stephens College in 2012. Attending to multiple demographics and having the opportunity to work in diverse settings throughout my educational and professional experience has allowed me to provide individualized care to those I work with. I have had the privilege of serving individuals throughout their lifespan, including those with developmental disabilities, severe and persistent mental illness, and in various transitional phases of their life. I believe that fostering and developing relationships are important components of leading a well balanced and healthy lifestyle. My role as a therapist is to guide and support those who seek out my services. I do this in a way that allows them to explore, process, learn techniques, gain perspective and follow through on ways to achieve those goals. I have a passion for helping others and enabling them to grow and develop by providing resources and assistance that aids in meeting those goals. My specialties and experience include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused, PSB-CBT, Illness Management and Recovery, and IDDT. I am skilled in Career Development, Individual and Family Therapy, Couples/Marriage Therapy, Coaching, Conflict Resolution, and Training
Mallory Langkrahr
Hello! My name is Mallory. I live in rural Missouri and work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Historically I have worked with individuals, groups, and families experiencing symptoms of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. I have also worked with hospice and home health agencies, providing case management and short-term therapy services. Currently, I work with veterans in a residential setting. I believe I have a wide variety of skills and expertise due to my work place and personal experiences. I enjoy utilizing Strengths Perspective, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing. I believe each person is the expert of their own life and has the ability to grow. I look forward to engaging, challenging, and supporting people throughout their journey.
Miriam DeBerry
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Missouri. I’ve empathetically cared for those I served for over 17 years in assisting individuals, parents, families, couples from various phases of their lives to gain clarity, perspective, and resolution. My integrative therapeutic approaches of solution-focus, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, systemic, client-centered, and acceptance & commitment interventions helped my clients create healthier life choices for a positive present and future. With an open heart, mind, and soul, I will support you into the next stages of your life. Currently, I'm accepting clients who are able to meet mornings and afternoons, Tuesday - Thursday. Evening and Saturday appointments are based on my weekly availability, and upon requests.
Madison Brawley
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!
Robert Mace
Keep it Simple! Over several decades of studying and practicing a variety of counseling styles, I came to the conclusion that there is not just one “correct” way to understand human behavior. Each path has a unique focus, but no single framework could claim to deal with the wide variety of problems and challenges that people faced. During those years, I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and so forth. However, while the theories of psychotherapy were getting MORE complicated, the daily practice of working with the clients actually became simpler! I began to create a simple program that demonstrated that search for simplicity. With my current BetterHelp clients, we started to call this program “the Four SuperPowers”! Step One: listen to the client’s challenging stories Step Two: teach a simple exercise (superpower) to address those challenges Step Three: practice, and then repeat the first two steps! As a Licensed Professional Counselor and a licensed school teacher and counselor, I had always been a counselor at heart. Long before “Mindfulness” became popular, I served as the "Relaxation Therapist", having devised a pretty simple, yet universal, set of basic exercises to calm down any and all clients in the facilities in which I worked. My counseling sessions might combine the standard "Western" therapy models with more universal techniques. Also, a touch of humor and artistic creativity can be very helpful in the process. I look forward to traveling that Search for Simplicity with you!
Steven Hahne
Hello, my name is Steven Hahne, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. I have 11+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients cope with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, past abuse and trauma issues, and also increasing their motivation, self-esteem, and self-confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs and goals. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and inner strength, and you have shown this by reading my profile. I am here to continue to support you in that process.
Farin Swan
I am a licensed therapist in Missouri with 12 years of professional experience. I have experience in supporting clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, perfectionism, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that therapy should be a place for you to be heard, validated and challenged. In my sessions I aim to continually learn and grow with my clients, while supporting them through life's changes and challenges. Therapy can be an intimidating thing to start, so it takes strength and courage to take these first steps - I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey to wellness!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Waco
Finding the best therapist close by in Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco. 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 Waco, 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco, elsewhere in Jasper, 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Waco, 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 64832 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 Waco counselor?
Before seeing your Waco 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. Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco, 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.
Waco 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 Waco, 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 Waco 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 Waco:
64832