This is Barbara Fotsch's avatar and link to their profile

Barbara Fotsch

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Westwood
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

Hello. My name is Barb. I moved to southern California to be near my son, after living in St. Louis Missouri all of my life. I have always enjoyed my work with people and strongly believe we move forward when ready. My approach is mostly cognitive, psycho-educational, and supportive. I am rather casual & like to use humor when appropriate, as a tool, to help make the sessions comfortable. I believe no "one size fits all" in the therapeutic relationship; if something isn't working, we can back it up and try something different. I try to pay attention to a client's energy and offer techniques best suited; for example, some clients want more guidance, others more autonomy. My job is to "listen" and identify helpful movement toward understanding, growth, and healing. I check my emails 2x a day and will respond w/in 24 hours.

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Stephanie Heimann

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Westwood
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello and congratulations on taking the beginning steps of seeking support in your own life journey. Thank you for taking the time to check out my counseling profile! Let me tell you a little about myself so you can decide if we would be a good fit in what I believe is a partnership in obtaining your optimal emotional health and growth. I have worked as a licensed counselor for 15 years. I have worked in various settings, such as clinic, residential, hospital, and school. My time in counseling has been spent working with families, youth, and adults. When considering my counseling style, I strive to offer a warm, welcoming, non judgmental, honest, and empowering environment. I believe that everyone’s story is unique to them and your own held perspective is powerful in understanding how you interpret life events and experiences. I want to hear your story from your view point and then together create goals that you identify as a priority. I also want you to be aware that sometimes counseling can be uncomfortable. I strongly believe that we sometimes have to challenge our thinking and become comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to grow and emerge stronger. I use a person centered approach, which means you direct the goals and identify what you want to work on. I also use solution focused therapy (let’s look at what has ever worked or gone well for you) and cognitive behavior therapy because I believe that our thoughts strongly influence our behavior and held beliefs. I also include dialectical behavior therapy if you need support in accepting your thoughts and emotions and regulating emotions. I believe strongly in incorporating music, animals, humor, and connecting to the outdoors as potentially healing to the soul. Thank you for taking the time to visit my page and please let me know if you would like to connect further!

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Twynesha "Nicole" Reed

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Westwood
Counselor License Type(s): LSCSW ,LCSW,RPT-S
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Hello! My name is Nicole Reed, and I have over 20 years' experience in the mental health world. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in two States. I have successfully assisted children, adolescents and adults who have suffered a traumatic event in their life. For 12 years of my career, I specialized in helping survivors of sexual abuse and assault. Many people are able to express they feel depressed, anxious, low self-worth, parenting issues, sexual identify, sleep difficulty and grief. For many it is harder to understand how trauma affects and amply those symptoms. Sometimes even harder to admit a life experience was traumatic. I utilized Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focus Therapy, Trauma-Focus: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Procovery and Mindfulness to help you through this journey. I believe in healing the mind, body and soul. No matter what you have experienced if you are suffering there is a better way. I look forward to helping you find it.

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Steven Forsyth

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Westwood
Counselor License Type(s): MS, LPC, CRADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
25 years of experience

I began my addictions counseling career six years after entering recovery from alcohol/drug use, on 5/13/1982. My original counseling schooling was in Rational Emotive Therapy, which evolved into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and led to my schooling in Narrative Therapy and Transactional Analysis. Most recently, I have become interested in Miller & Rollnick's Motivational Interviewing, Prochaska & Diclemente's Stages of Change model of behavior change, Berg & Miller's Solution-Focused Therapy, Marlatt & Donovan's relapse prevention strategies and techniques, ACT therapy, and Internal Family Systems therapy. My most recent Certification is in Robin Shapiro's Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing-EMDR-, through the EMDRIA International Institute in November of 2021. As a Therapist, I necessarily became conversant in telehealth methodology during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. I approach counseling holistically: I understand individuals as "whole cloth", i.e., as the current product(s) of their total life experiences. I also firmly believe in all-ways maintaining a positively enthusiastic outlook on life and living!

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Christina Sharp

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Westwood
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hello, My name is Christina and I am a Licensed Clinician Social Worker in Missouri with 4 years of professional work experience in therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, women’s empowerment, parenting problems, substance abuse, and coping with life changes. Before becoming a therapist I worked as an Intensive In-Home specialist where I worked with families in establishing a safe and healthy living environment. I have worked with ages 3 and up, but find working with teens and adults to be my passion. I have been trained in EMDR and am in the process of being certified. 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 am here to help guide you through the journey of your life. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect and compassion. Every person is unique and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

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James Schrader

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Westwood
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Psychologist in Missouri with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, mood self-regulation challenges, interpersonal communication issues and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe counseling 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 fully support and guide you in that process.

This is Tiffany  Chaney's avatar and link to their profile

Tiffany Chaney

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Westwood
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Lisa Winn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Westwood
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
22 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with 22 years of professional work experience. I enjoy helping clients with a wide variety of life challenges including but not limited to: stress and anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship and parenting issues, motivation and self esteem. Life can certainly be difficult for all of us to navigate sometimes no matter what age we are and how far we have come, there is always room for further growth as we strive towards Self actualization. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 & empower you in that journey.

This is Shari Montague's avatar and link to their profile

Shari Montague

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Westwood
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.

This is Nathan Wright's avatar and link to their profile

Nathan Wright

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Westwood
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorder
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with bipolar disorder. 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 and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Westwood

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

Therapists in Westwood, 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 63131 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 Westwood counselor?

Before seeing your Westwood 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. Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood, 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.

Westwood 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 Westwood, 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 Westwood 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 Westwood.

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

63131

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