Columbia 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 trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change 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 treatment.
For those who are looking to find relief from overwhelming stress, or are simply on the search for a more meaningful life, therapy can offer the tools necessary to achieve your goals. When it comes to finding a therapist, Columbia, MO can offer a wider variety of choice than many surrounding rural and suburban areas, but finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, even in populous metro areas.
One major challenge can be that there are a number of evidence-based approaches in psychotherapy, and how effective they are can depend on the mental health challenge that you’re experiencing. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective at treating anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, but may not be as effective at treating complex personality disorders (which may need another form of therapy like dialectical behavioral therapy). What you need may not be readily available or accessible in your area.
That’s where online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can come in. BetterHelp offers access to over 30,000 mental health professionals who specialize in many different areas of therapy like ADHD coaching, solution focused therapy, and a holistic approach, and have experience working with diverse populations. By filling out an online questionnaire, BetterHelp will connect you with a therapist that meets your individual needs. And because it can be important to feel confident in your client/therapist relationship for the most effective therapy, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
Online therapy can also be a convenient solution for busy professionals, parents, or students. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, or text messaging options, you can talk to your therapist from the safe haven of your own home or office.
Therapy can be beneficial for any number of reasons. Whether you feel stuck in your life, are experiencing low self-esteem, or simply want to explore personal truths, move forward in your personal growth with the help of therapy. Reach out to BetterHelp for a simple way to get started on the wellness journey you deserve.
Ty Thornton
Hi! I'm Ty! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and have been working in the mental health field for 20 years. I have a wide range of experience, counseling adolescents and adults, as well as conducting marriage and family therapy. I have extensive training and experience in the areas of mood and personality disorders, trauma, family dynamics, and addiction. I have a keen understanding of how these, as well as other life issues impact an individual and his or her family. I am passionate about helping others and my fun personality and sense of humor assure your counseling experience will be helpful and enjoyable. Whatever the issue or situation you may be experiencing, I think you will find that I'm easy to talk to. I tend to use a client-centered approach to ensure that clients feel comfortable, understood, and accepted. I also work from a cognitive-behavioral framework to help clients understand how their negative and unhelpful thinking can impact their behaviors and life choices. In my time away from counseling, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children as well as other family and friends. I am an avid runner and yogi. I like most outdoor activities, and music of all kinds, especially country. I value hard work and keeping commitments. I am also very enthusiastic about cute shoes and big jewelry. I commend your courage for seeking help to reach your life goals, and I look forward to working with you!
Kerry Branum
Kerry Branum is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri, Lincense #2012022789. and Life Coach, and teacher, with expertise in individual and family relationships. With over 10 years of experience as a therapist, educator, and coach, Kerry is a graduate of Missouri Baptist University with a Master's in Counseling and Ole Miss with an Educational Specialist degree in Counselor Education specializing in Play Therapy. In addition to counseling, Kerry provides coaching and teaching services to help clients achieve their goals and create a more fulfilling life. As a coach, Kerry helps clients identify their strengths and develop strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. As a teacher, he provides clients with practical tools and techniques to navigate challenges and make positive changes in their lives. Kerry's approach to therapy, coaching, and teaching is grounded in the belief that every individual has the potential to achieve their full potential and create a meaningful life. He works collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies and techniques to help them cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and well-being. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Kerry is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. He holds certifications in various therapeutic approaches, including Registered Play Therapist (R-PT) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), and is equipped to provide effective and evidence-based treatment to clients of all ages. So whether you're seeking counseling, coaching, or teaching services, Kerry is here to support you on your journey towards personal growth and fulfillment.
Floyd Smith
As a licensed therapist with over four decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional circumstances. My practice centers on helping clients heal from trauma, manage grief, build self-esteem, and develop healthier communication patterns through trauma-informed care and client-focused treatment. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy, with deep expertise in addressing challenges like isolation, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress. My work is particularly focused on supporting young adults and individuals from diverse backgrounds through nuanced, personalized therapeutic interventions. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, work through shame and guilt, and develop strategies for personal growth. My approach honors each person's unique journey, emphasizing understanding, healing, and empowerment. I am committed to providing affirming, thoughtful care that respects individual experiences and supports meaningful personal transformation.
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.
Christina Rydeen
I am licensed in Missouri and Kansas with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Mary Hall
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.
Louis Koch
I am licensed in Missouri with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & relationship issues. 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!
Natasha Clark
“As a therapist, I hold on the vision of your possible future even when you are in so much pain you cannot see beyond today. I wait patiently for the day when you can see the beauty inside yourself that I saw from the first day we met." (asiansformentalhealth) My therapeutic style is warm, engaging and genuine. I take an eclectic approach to counseling in which I enjoy working with people from all different lifestyles. I enjoy helping people work through variety of life challenges from depression and anxiety to addictions, relationship difficulties, stress management, identity challenges, coping skills and emotional awareness. I work with individuals, couples and families in distress. I love helping my clients work through conflict while finding inner acceptance. As a counselor I provide an open minded, compassionate, nonjudgmental space where life can become easier and more manageable. My goal is to help discover and explore who you truly are, clarify perspective and establish a deeper relationship with yourself. I believe as humans we hunger for a deeper connection and meaning. Through therapy we can gain and understanding of self and relationships.
Chad Johnson
I am licensed as a clinical marriage and family therapist in Kansas with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & at risk youth and children. Every person has a story that is unique and worth telling. When that story takes an unwanted turn, it is normal to want to erase certain parts or just stop writing it altogether. Taking the first step to change the story for the better takes courage and a great act of sure will. I am here to support you in creating a more positive and fulfilling story that is felt and experienced in the now.
Robert Good
I am licensed in both Missouri and Texas with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Barbara Edelman
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, holistic approach to therapy, focusing on areas such as self-love, communication, social connections, and life purpose. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of experiences, including women's issues, young adult transitions, workplace challenges, and family dynamics. I'm particularly attuned to supporting individuals through significant life changes like pregnancy, divorce, and aging. My approach is deeply empathetic, creating a safe space where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I'm committed to providing personalized, supportive guidance that honors your individual experiences and goals. Together, we'll work collaboratively to help you build stronger emotional well-being and discover your inner strengths.
Adam White
I am licensed in Missouri with 6 years of professional work experience. I primarily use Internal Family Systems and mindfulness approaches to help people learn about themselves and find their own strength. This approach is about looking inside yourself and learning about the meaning behind all your thoughts and feelings. It's about learning your needs and developing your own ability to meet those needs so you can be more in control of your choices. If this is a step you think you want to take, I'm excited to meet you and help you on this stage of your journey.
Denise Mason
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I bring a decade of compassionate, client-centered experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique experiences of each person, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and navigating significant life transitions. I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals through personal growth, helping clients explore self-love, communication challenges, and healing from past experiences. My therapeutic practice focuses on creating a supportive, affirming environment where clients can work through feelings of isolation, shame, and uncertainty while rediscovering their inner strength. I am LGBTQ+affirming. My professional background encompasses a wide range of focus areas, including women's issues, workplace challenges, sexuality, chronic health conditions, and midlife transitions. I strive to offer empathetic, personalized guidance that honors each client's individual journey and supports their path toward emotional wellness and personal empowerment.
Lauren Moret-Glass
I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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. 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 licensed therapist serving clients in Columbia, Missouri
Finding the best therapist close by in Columbia can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. 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, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
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 clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Columbia 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 professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Columbia or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A 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 Columbia area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
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 Columbia, elsewhere in Boone, 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 licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Columbia area can be found below:
Does BetterHelp take insurance?
Yes, BetterHelp has joined with major insurance carriers in select states to provide in-network therapy coverage. Coverage may vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability. Insured members pay an average co-pay of around $19 per session. Average co-pay is based on current insured BetterHelp members. Explore insurance coverage in major Texas cities like Arlington, Lubbock, Plano, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Austin.
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
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 Columbia 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:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Columbia 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 $70 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Columbia online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in 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.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Columbia psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy 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 professional, including the therapists in Columbia 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 for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, 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, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
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.
Columbia therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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.
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 therapy in Columbia 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 therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of 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 65201 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 around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Columbia therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, 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. therapists near you 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 how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Columbia 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 Columbia 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 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.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy 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. An experienced clinician 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 licensed clinician in Columbia, 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.
Counseling with an online Columbia provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of 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 therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp 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.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - 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.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
