Laurie Black
Hello! My name is Laurie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing in the State of Missouri. I am able to work with members from Missouri. I have been working as a counselor for 12 years. I have worked for better help since 2019. I have worked with individuals facing major life events, job stress, anxiety, depression, workplace stress and grief. I believe in starting where the individual is at that moment and working from there. I believe treatment should be highly individualized. I am nonjudgmental and empathetic. I use cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices to assist individuals in bringing out their strengths and reducing their stress level. I believe in taking control of negative thinking. I believe we can work together to achieve a balanced, positive life. I believe that we all have the potential within to achieve satisfaction in life. I want to assist in identifying these strengths. I want to help find those obstacles and assist in resolving them. I am an active and empathetic listener. I offer practical tools to help keep you moving in a goal-oriented direction. I draw upon a range of therapeutic strategies including cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic approaches, strength-based approaches, solution focused techniques, and mindfulness. I treat everyone with empathy, respect and dignity. I look forward to working together.
Steven Buck
I am a therapist licensed in the State of Missouri as an LCSW ( Licensed Clinical Social Worker). I have been a therapist for approximately 30 years working in various settings including a psychiatric hospital for almost 20 years, private practice and various mental health agencies. My specialties include treating depression, mood disorders, anxiety, phobias, anger, ADHD, relationship and self esteem issues. I have worked with individuals, couples and families. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy with a systems approach considering structure, boundaries, communication, and various family dynamics. I am non-judgmental is my approach with an emphasis on "seeing" your issues through your eyes. My goal is to demonstrate that I am listening and thinking about your feelings and concerns with an attempt to assist you with healthy options and solutions. I focus on Strengths not weaknesses, and consider it a strength that you sought counseling with a therapist. I believe mental health is as important as physical health and applaud you for seeking to improve your mental health. My entire career has been about mental health and believe I have learned as much from my clients as I have from books. So, here is to learning more about you.
Dr. Paula Alvarez
Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021. I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.
Darla McAdams
I am a licensed Counselor in the State of Missouri with close to 7 years of professional experience. I enjoy working with any age range as well as a broad variety of concerns, including LGBTQ and people of color.. Part of my work has been with young women age 17 to 30 who struggled with substance use, abuse, eating disorders and self esteem issues. I have also worked for over three years with adults and elderly who struggled with substance use, anxiety, depression, homelessness, trauma, emotional abuse, family and relationship issues, co-dependency, loss and grief. I believe that each client be treated with warmth, respect and value. Each session is a safe place without any judgment. My approach varies depending on the specific needs and goals of each individual. I utilize mindfulness, CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy the most. I also believe strongly in the approach of Person-Centered Therapy and that each individual has within them the ability to create change and move towards being the best that they can be. I am here to listen and help guide you in that process. I know that with the added challenges we have all faced from COVID, life has been more difficult for many. I commend you for reaching out to seek assistance in navigating your daily challenges and seeking a happier life. I would be honored to work with you in reaching towards whatever changes and goals you desire. I look forward to having the opportunity to work with you.
Jennifer Fuller
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Louisiana, Missouri, and Georgia. I have worked in various areas including substance abuse, co-occurring, and general practice counseling centers for over 10 years now. 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 counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Elva 'Julia' Garafola
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice is deeply rooted in understanding the nuanced experiences of diverse clients, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I offer a compassionate, holistic approach that honors each individual's unique journey. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas, including self-love, communication challenges, life transitions, trauma recovery, and personal empowerment. I am particularly committed to supporting clients navigating complex emotional landscapes, from workplace stress to interpersonal dynamics. My approach is collaborative and person-centered, designed to help you develop meaningful insights, build resilience, and create positive change. Whether you're experiencing relationship difficulties, struggling with personal identity, or seeking guidance through significant life transitions, I'm dedicated to providing supportive, affirming care that respects your individual experience and goals.
Bruce Miller
As a licensed therapist with extensive experience serving individuals across Missouri, I specialize in supporting clients through complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, stress, family conflicts, and grief. I offer a compassionate, nuanced approach that helps individuals navigate difficult personal experiences, including issues related to guilt, shame, trauma, and interpersonal dynamics. My therapeutic style is adaptable and respectful, recognizing that each person's journey is unique. Whether working with clients seeking faith-based perspectives or those preferring a more secular approach, I strive to create a supportive environment that honors individual beliefs and experiences. I have deep expertise in helping people work through mood disorders, relationship challenges, and personal growth obstacles. I am committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based guidance that empowers clients to understand themselves more deeply and develop meaningful strategies for emotional wellness and personal transformation.
Wesley Hirst
As you search for just the ” right” counselor, the task may seem overwhelming. ” Will I like them?” ” Will they like me?” ” Will anyone ever understand?” ” Will they really be able to help me?” The list of concerns may seem exhausting. I have over thirty years of experience but I don’t have all the answers. I have never met YOU. I have never heard YOUR hopes and dreams and life story. What I do know from my training, professional experience, and life experience is that counseling works. There is no magic pill to ” fix ” your issues but with honesty, understanding, empathy, and proven methods, we can work together to make positive changes. Probably the most important element in a client/counselor relationship is trust. I want you to feel secure in the knowledge that you are entering a safe place. You will not be judged. I will treat you with compassion, understanding, and respect. I have been a son, brother, husband, father, employee, employer, and friend. I know how complicated life and relationships can be because I’ve been there. In my spare time, I enjoy camping, backpacking, music, biking, and photography. I have frequent visits from wildlife and I’m a pet lover. I have a Master’s degree in Psychology and have extensive training in trauma. substance abuse disorders, marriage counseling, mindfulness, and adolescent behavior disorders. I look forward to meeting you.
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.
Christina Schulte
I am licensed in Missouri with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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.
Stacey Walsh
I am licensed in Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, ADHD & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Lacey Davis
I am licensed in Missouri with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. 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.
Heather Nash
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and healthy relationship dynamics. I have extensive experience addressing challenges related to stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and personal growth. My therapeutic work focuses on creating compassionate, collaborative spaces where individuals can explore their experiences with trauma, self-esteem concerns, and interpersonal dynamics. I'm particularly passionate about supporting clients through adoption, foster care experiences, communication difficulties, and healing from relational wounds. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to empower clients to cultivate self-love, overcome commitment barriers, and develop stronger emotional skills. My practice is rooted in understanding each person's unique journey, offering personalized support that honors individual strengths and experiences. I approach therapy as a collaborative process, believing that every client has the innate capacity for healing and transformation. Together, we'll work to understand your challenges, build meaningful strategies, and support your path toward personal growth and emotional well-being.
Christopher "Chris" Noll
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address challenges like self-esteem, grief, career transitions, and life changes. I offer compassionate guidance for those experiencing social anxiety, isolation, guilt, and shame, with a deep commitment to supporting personal growth and self-discovery. My therapeutic approach is grounded in understanding each person's unique journey. I work collaboratively to help clients develop resilience, explore life purpose, and cultivate meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. Whether you're struggling with midlife transitions, caregiver stress, or seasonal emotional shifts, I'm dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space for healing and transformation.
Find a Therapist Near You in Howardville , 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 Howardville.
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.