If you’re looking for a therapist in Independence, MO, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. With BetterHelp, you can attend sessions from anywhere you have an internet connection and switch providers at any time for free until you find the right fit. All counselors who practice therapy via the BetterHelp platform have at least a master’s degree and meet all state licensing requirements.

Therapy can help with overcoming things like childhood trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, or the symptoms of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. A therapist can also help you if you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling with personal growth, or are just hoping to change your story. You and your therapist will work together to identify your strengths, discuss your challenges, and explore treatment options that may work for you. 

Whether you need help with trauma recovery or working through a significant life change, connect with a therapist in the Kansas City and Independence area below to learn more.

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Tamara Williams-Reding

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi! I'm Tamara and I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for 30 years. I have had a wonderfully varied career working with people of all ages and with all types of issues. The first thing to know about me is that I believe in change. I facilitate it, I see it everyday, and I myself experience it. When we are struggling to find our way, it is often hard to remember that change is a constant - it is the one thing we can count on! The tricky thing about change is that it can be very scary - we as humans like to know what is going to happen and how we can prepare for it! Life often just doesn't give a heads up - so each of us need to have the skills within to cope, and thrive, when change arrives. Counseling with me helps discover and strengthen those skills - all within a supportive and caring therapeutic relationship! Because people are different, I have a variety of treatment options in my counseling practice that is tailored to specific needs. I have training in Client Centered Therapy, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma and Motivational Interviewing to name just a few. At the base of all these theories is the relationship between the therapist and the client. This relationship is paramount to successful outcomes - I believe clients need to feel heard, supported and validated. I love my work, I love helping people change and feel better, and most importantly, I love connecting with clients. Hope we work together soon! Tamara Areas of Expertise: Depression Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Life transitions Psycho-Oncology I also have experience in LGBT and Queer issues, Family Systems, Trauma and Abuse, Grief, Sexual Health, Education, Higher Education Transitioning and Disability Access, Parenting, Coaching, Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care, Social Skills Acquisition and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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Gail Taylor

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed professional counselor licensed in the states of Missouri and Illinois. I have been in private practice since 2002. It is a big step to request counseling and I try to make the process easier by respectfully helping to identify the event or the main issue that caused you to seek help. Many of my clients have anxiety, depression, or just general life and family issues. Many people say they just want to be happy. Each person is unique and through therapy we set goals where you can see change and improvement to your daily life. I call myself a general practitioner because I work with all members of the family unit. I see many couples in my practice and enjoy helping improve relationships. I find that anxiety and depression can be helped with cognitive behavioral strategies and dialectical behavior therapy. Learning some of those strategies and being able to implement them when needed helps to lower anxiety and give a sense of peace. I enjoy listening and my goal as a therapist is to help my clients improve their lives according to their own vision. I look forward to working with you!

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Bonnie Define

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC,LMHC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I earned my Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Florida, and my Master's Degree in Counseling from Florida Gulf Coast University and have been working in the field since 2001. I have worked inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, non-profit agencies, and in private practice. My experience is extensive, having done much work with couples working to strengthen and preserve their relationship, supported clients who are healing from divorce or other traumatic life events, and worked with individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety or chronic stress. I have worked with clients who have a significant mental health diagnosis, as well as individuals who are in crisis. You will find me to be compassionate and thoughtful as we work together to sort through your issues and experiences in order to gain a healthy perspective and healing. Please message me if you're interested in talking before setting up a session.

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Debra Robinson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): MS, LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! My name is Debra Robinson. I am Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri. I have over 10 years of experience working in the field of counseling. As Life is Precious, my goal is to help individuals live a “quality” life. Quality living is when there is a balance between the body, mind and spirit; an unspeakable sense of peace. I am committed to helping individuals gain self-awareness so that they can begin to heal and see more positive emotional outcomes. I practice from an integrative perspective, meaning that I typically use several different therapeutic modalities in my work depending on the needs of the individual. I have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. My clinical experience has included working with individuals, families and groups. I have a special interest in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression and anger issues. I know that seeking therapy can be hard at times, so I would love to make this process as easy as possible for you. My goal is to help you build on your inner strengths and natural resilience.

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Madison Brawley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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

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Kathleen (Kathy) Malone

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Relationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, intimacy related issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and 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. 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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Natalie McQuinn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
12 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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! We will work together to develop the treatment that works for you.

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Stephanie Cooper

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Washington and Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, bipolar disorder, & 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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Mary Hall

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
40 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, increasing motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Sarah Patterson-Mills

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & 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!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Independence

Finding the best therapist close by in Independence 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 in Independence 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 Independence. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Independence, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Independence 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 Independence 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 therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers 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 Independence area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Independence therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Independence, elsewhere in Jackson, or in the greater state of Missouri.

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 Independence 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 Independence therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Independence due to a higher cost of living. 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 Independence 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 sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Independence online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Independence, 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. They 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, they 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 Independence 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 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 therapist, including the therapists in Independence 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 lead by a therapist in Independence 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. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Independence 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques 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 - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy 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 Independence therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Independence?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Independence 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 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 64057 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. 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 Independence counselor?

Before seeing your Independence therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They 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 in Independence.

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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A Independence 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 through therapy with a Independence 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 Independence, 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.

Independence has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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 Independence, 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 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 Independence.

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

64015, 64016, 64050, 64051, 64052, 64053, 64054, 64055, 64056, 64057

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