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.
Casey French
Hello, my name is Casey French and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Through guidance, encouragement and support, I have helped clients of all ages and backgrounds discover a better quality of life. My main area of focus is first responders; police, fire, EMS, and military personnel that work in crisis everyday and that live in a constant state of alertness. Transitioning back into "normal" life with family and friends can be difficult. Not only can asking for help be stressful, but finding the time can be all but impossible. Being able to reach out to someone at times that work best for you is critical and is why I began working with Betterhelp. Are you seeking relief from depression, anxiety, frustrations in relationships, low self esteem? My goal is to provide a safe and supportive setting where you can explore your deepest questions and to help you find ways to become more confident and comfortable in the world. My approach is collaborative and eclectic although I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I will seek to understand you as a unique individual and tailor my approach to what works for you. I am experienced and dedicated to working with you in overcoming the obstacles that cause you distress and to create a more balanced and satisfying life. Let me help you take the first step in accepting your past, living in your present, and changing your future.
Dr. Evalyne Ekesa
Hello! My name is Evalyne, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor both in the State of Wisconsin and State of Missouri. I went to Alverno College for my BA in Psychology, Social Science, and Professional Communication. Then, I attended Marquette University and obtained my MA in clinical psychology. Finally, I earned a PhD in Education and Leadership for the advancement of Learning and Services from Cardinal Stritch University. Besides my helping profession, I am also a lecturer at college level. I have been providing therapeutic services since 2009. I have worked with varied populations across ages, including geriatrics, people with multicultural backgrounds, those who are incarcerated or in conflict with the law. I also worked with the half-way home, and physically challenged populations in group-home settings. I will be happy to walk with you in pursuit of your goals toward wholeness. I practice from an eclectic approach since each client is unique and responds to different Technics and approaches depending on the issue at hand. I also believe in attending to a client, as a “whole”, person because I believe problems are often caused by a host of things. My part as a therapist is to guide, support and empower that individual through the healing process without judgement. My services encompass benevolence, and empathy to my clients. After all, it is all about the client and what he/she needs. I am caring, yet firm when necessary, since we all need a nudge at times to move on. I love to work with people who are committed to unfolding a baggage in their life-stories as they work towards life's happiness and self-fulfillment. I utilize integrative therapies, such as humanistic/client-centered approach because I believe that clients have strengths to build-on during therapy and after therapy. I also employ Cognitive Behavior Therapy because I find it useful for many emotional cases. Together we can address client’s concerns/issues in the most helpful manner that can bring healing/relief to that individual making life better and peaceful. I purposely say “we” because I firmly believe that a client has capability to explore and work through issues. While working through the sessions, I like to reinforce the elements of positive psychology. If you and I can make a good “team,” I am here for YOU. Let us walk that mile together. My therapeutic approach Include but not limited to: Humanistic/Client - centered approach Cognitive behavior therapy Mindfulness-based therapy Faith integration for (those who need it) Specialties Anxiety Stress Grief and Loss issues Parenting Career decision -making Self-esteem Also, I have experience in: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), coping with life changes Aside from my professional activities; I like reading relevant literature, attending workshops and seminars for CE to keep myself abreast with the current findings in the field. One of the things I do to give back to the community is, teaching, mentoring upcoming Counselors, and enjoying peer advising group discussions. Additionally, I also do research and sometimes just chill out. Years of Experience: 15
Colby (CJ) Green
I am an individual and family counselor licensed in the state of Missouri. I have over 15 years of experience as a clinical therapist in both inpatient and outpatient settings along with treating both adolescents and adults. Over the years I have worked with individuals, both adolescents and adults, with a wide variety of struggles including depression, anxiety, behavior modification, relationship issues, and anger management just to name a few. My counseling style is welcoming and adaptive. I strive to treat individuals with respect, compassion, and a holistic approach without judgment or bias. I may not always tell you what you want to hear, but will always remain committed to telling you what you need to hear. I will always work to have our communication and treatment expectations adapt to you as an individual and your specific needs. It is never the easiest thing to take the first step towards change and humbling ourselves. With that in mind, I am here to help be a guide, coach, teacher, cheerleader, and a library of tools to help you tackle whatever life may throw at you. I look forward to working with you.
Amber Kwentus
I am an LPC and have been working full time in this capacity for over 5 years in St. Louis, Missouri. My background is extensive in working with substance abuse and trauma. Prior to working as an LPC, I had 5 years of experience as a social worker. I am an intuitive healer as well and incorporate this into my counseling based on a client's comfort level. I believe in a person-centered and holistic approach. I am passionate about leading clients through their pain to find their purpose and to lead an inspired life! My approach is a blending of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Person Centered, and Trauma Informed Therapies. Together we will create a plan and goals that best fit your life. Technology has the capacity to help us all learn how to integrate healthy self-care into our busy lives. BetterHelp may not be the only support you access, but it can be an important piece of your life. Congratulations on taking a courageous step toward recovery and for being a pioneer in the virtual counseling arena. If you choose to work with me as your BetterHelp counselor, I look forward to joining your support network.
Elizabeth Tsahiridis
Hello Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to learn a little more about me. I truly appreciate you reaching out. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Psychotherapist, and Life and Wellness Coach. My practice has been eclectic throughout the years, and I have had the opportunity to work with individuals experiencing family dynamics, stress and anxiety, depression, grief, and many other life challenges. Life is not always easy. There are times when you may feel sadness, anxiety, fear, or confusion about what to do next. During those moments, it can be helpful to have someone walk alongside you. I want to be there with you through those struggles, and together we can work on a plan to help you feel better and move forward in a healthy, meaningful way. I support clients by offering coping skills and practical strategies that can be used in everyday life. I focus on the whole person, not just one part, because mental health is deeply connected to many aspects of who you are. My goal is to help you grow, find balance, and move toward a place where you can feel more at peace and confident in your life. It would be an honor to work with you. Thank you again for reaching out, and I look forward to supporting you. Love Wins~ Liza
David Markowitz
As a Missouri Licensed Counselor with over 25years experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Christopher Massey
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with four years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting problems, addictions, and other mental health diagnoses. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect in their life. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, empathy, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused modalities. I will meet you where you are at in your life and assist you in determining what changes you would like to see in your life. Based off of this, we will create an individualized treatment plan with goals that are important to you. I can teach you coping skills and strategies to manage your mental health, and encourage you along the way to recovery. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help and to take the first steps towards making changes in your life. It is a sign of strength and not a weakness. I can assist you in your journey towards a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Patrick Shanahan
My belief and approach to therapy begins with the idea that humans are generally self- correcting. This follows the teaching of both Carl Jung and Milton Erickson. We can get stuck for a variety of reasons and if able to get past that point, it can lead to us moving in a healthier direction. I believe that our value systems are extremely important to finding direction and solutions. I have studied comparative religions and cultures to be able to understand and work with a wide variety of people. I have worked in many different settings with a wide range of cultures and values. Currently my greatest strength is in working with individuals and couples. I started my career by creating and running an outpatient clinic as part of a runaway and homeless youth shelter. I did this for my first 18 years. We provided case management, individual and family therapy to youth and their families. We did this both in the shelter and in the community. My personal approach includes brief family therapy, problem solving therapy, structural and strategic systems theory, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral, communication theory and addiction therapies. I trained and supervised paid staff and graduate students. I worked in conjunction with a local university to conduct research which enabled us to improve our working therapy model and process. During this time, I completed 29 hours towards a PH. D in family therapy. I was offered a fellowship with Washington University's Ph. D program. I worked part time for New Life Christian Counseling, an outpatient therapy group, providing professional Christian therapy. I then worked 18 years for managed care helping members utilize their mental health benefits, providing phone therapy and crisis intervention. My other experiences were in outpatient office settings.
Natalie Alepin
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio and California and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Arizona with 28 years of experience working in crisis, outpatient and inpatient settings. I have worked with clients from 3 to the 90's with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, anger management, career challenges, existential crisis, and ADHD. I also helped many people with debilitating medical illnesses and chronic pain. I am flexible and available for reality therapy if requested. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with unconditional positive regard. I am respectful, sensitive, and compassionate. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, mindfulness and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. You are taking steps towards change and I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Belinda Timm
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I bring a compassionate and dedicated approach to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My professional background centers on helping clients navigate emotional wellness, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and personal growth. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey. My therapeutic approach is rooted in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for emotional resilience. I have extensive experience working with individuals facing diverse challenges, including relationship dynamics, self-esteem concerns, and grief. My practice honors each client's unique background and perspective, with particular sensitivity to those seeking a faith-aligned counseling experience. I strive to provide thoughtful, empathetic guidance that respects individual values and supports personal transformation. Through evidence-based practices and a client-centered approach, I am committed to walking alongside you as you develop stronger emotional tools, cultivate self-understanding, and move toward greater personal well-being.
Stacy Freeland
I am licensed in Missouri with many years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Millicent Odhiambo
I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Martha Green
I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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.
April Vandiver
I am licensed in the states of Missouri, Oregon, and Louisiana in professional counseling. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, career difficulties, confidence-building, life changes, coping with stress, time management, grief, goal-setting, and more. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I have a warm client-centered approach. It takes courage to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support you in that journey. You can message me 24/7. I will respond at least twice a day.
Find a Therapist Near You in Independence , Missouri
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Missouri can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Missouri is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Missouri, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Missouri (MO). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Missouri, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Missouri with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Missouri
When searching for a therapist near me in Missouri, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Missouri, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Missouri.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Missouri want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Missouri
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Missouri without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Missouri (MO)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Missouri
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Missouri, including residents in Independence.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Missouri do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.