Macon, Missouri is a city with a rich cultural heritage that’s always maintained a strong vision for its future. Over 275,000 maple trees grow strong and tall in the city that’s widely known as the “City of Maples.” It’s a city boasting with excellent opportunities for social, civic, and educational activities. When you’re not in your mental or emotional best health, it’s not easy to pursue quality of life, even in an awesome community like Macon.
Your mental health doesn’t have to leave you feeling like you’ve lost the vision for your own future. Confidential mental health counselors will match up with you today and help you feel as strong and tall as the maple trees that surround your world.
Karen Memhardt
Hi, I am Karen Memhardt, MA, Med, LPC, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Psychological Examiner. I have master’s degrees in Professional counseling, School counseling, and Psychological Examiner and teaching. I have certification in hypnotherapy, EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Psychotherapy, Christian counseling, CCTP Treating Complex Trauma. I have been practicing for fourteen years. My goal is to provide a safe supportive environment where clients can explore issues that prevent them from enjoying life to the fullest. Treatment is approached from a holistic spiritual basis to treat the whole family environment. Psychodynamic psychotherapy and educational counseling principals are integrated with various techniques and therapies to discover the cause of the psychological or behavioral disturbance, incorporating modalities of individual, family, and group counseling therapies to relieve stress and anxiety to a level of comfort desired in your family, work or school environment. Working together, we find the internal and external stressors and eliminate them or find ways to make them manageable for a successful life as measured by you. I use psychodynamic psychotherapy, a form of depth psychology, with the primary focus to reveal the unconscious content of your psyche in an effort to alleviate psychic tension. In this way it is similar to psychoanalysis. It also relies on the interpersonal relationship between client and therapist more than other forms of depth psychology. In terms of approach this form of therapy tends to be more eclectic, taking techniques from a variety of sources, rather than relying on a single system of intervention. It is used in individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, family therapy, and to understand and work with institutional and organizational contexts. CBT, Cognitive Behavioral and Neo Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to help you reframe thoughts to more effectively manage feelings and behaviors, and to restructure negative thoughts into a positive thought process to improve self-esteem and self-motivation. Brief therapy is used to address a specific issue in eight to ten sessions. I would ask you to participate in your therapy by asking you to do homework in-between sessions. For example I would ask you the following questions to prepare for our first session: Have you been to a counselor before? A counselor can be a useful tool. I would hope we can build a relationship that you would be able to trust in to discuss your feelings, hopes and goals to help you move forward with a new plan for your life. If you can use me as a sounding board, and use me to help you make some important decisions, this will help you have an easier time with all of your life issues. I am here to help you figure out what is best for you moving forward. What we discuss is confidential. What would you like to discuss with me today? What would you say is the main reason you are wanting to talk today? What are your long term goals for your living arrangement, relationships and your career? Do you have any techniques for helping you to relax? How are you feeling today? For a Brief therapy session I would ask you to imagine you go to sleep tonight, and while you are sleeping, a miracle happens so when you wake up tomorrow morning and everything in your life is exactly how you want your life to be, what would it look like?
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
Debra Younger
Greetings, I am pleased and excited that you have decided to consider me as a possible partner in your journey of discovery, growth, and healing and I look forward to having the opportunity to work with you. My name is Debra Younger. I have the claim to fame of being a 4th generation Californian, though I currently live in the mountains of New Mexico. I have been a professional therapist and Life Coach for 11 years. As a result, I am able to bring a wide breadth of learning and experience to my work. I am also a veteran and have a heart for working with our returning servicemen and women as they struggle to re-integrate back into civilian life from a combat or military environment. On a personal note, my many life experiences, such as being a single parent for 23 years, allow me to truly understand and emphasize with many of the adverse life events my clients have experienced. I have also been in my own personal therapy for 10 years, so I understand what it takes to admit that you’re human, that you can’t always handle what life throws at you, and be courageous enough to seek help. My areas of expertise lie in working with individuals who are struggling to deal with the adverse events they have experienced in their lives; including trauma, all forms of abuse, loss, grief, and attachment issues. My approach to therapy is founded on my belief that my clients are more than the problems that they are experiencing and bring to therapy. It is a holistic approach that sees them as a whole person consisting of mind, body, and spirit intimately intertwined and inseparable. A problem in any one area always affects the others. My preferred modality for counseling is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. This is a therapeutic approach that does not pathologize people, but rather takes a positive attitude toward the client’s issues and sees them as normal reactions to adverse life events, which events can create negative beliefs. These negative beliefs can then interfere with an individual’s ability to form healthy, adult relationships. Learning how to shift these negative beliefs to positive adaptive beliefs can enhance the ability to build healthy relationships. I am very excited about what IFS can offer you and would welcome the opportunity to introduce you to this powerful therapy and how it can help transform your lives.
Angela Kieler
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor/Art Therapist and I have a wide range of experience working with clients of all ages. I have worked with children in special education, elderly adults in hospice, and provided art therapy as well as individual counseling to patients who suffer from addictions and/or severe and persistent mental illness. In addition to working with psychiatric patients, I have provided education to family members through the National Alliance of Mental Illness. As an Qualified Mental Health Professional at Truman Medical Center in KC, MO I have worked with some of the most difficult cases in the community and also have personal experience with family members who suffer from mental illness. Having both professional and personal experience has made me very aware of how difficult it is to navigate mental health services for yourself or for a loved one when trying to access help for mental illness. As for my therapeutic approaches, I consider myself to be open minded, flexible, and willing to provide whatever would be best suited for each client I work with. I have a humanistic approach and can provide Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existential Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Art Therapy.
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.
Johnnie Ezell
I am a licensed Professional Counselor, licensed both in Arkansas and Missouri. I am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, licensed in Arkansas. I am a Master Addiction Counselor certified on a national level. I have been working with Depression, Anxiety, Addiction issues for over forty years. I work with individuals in a collaborative manner. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and elements of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy to find what works best with each person. My responsibility is to encourage each person to self evaluate their values, beliefs and behaviors in an effort to help them find a path to a more enjoyable life. Each person is different and one size does not fit all. To ask for help takes a great of courage. It is the greatest gift we can give another, is to ask for and receive help. I look forward to working with each person not only for the gift, but for the opportunity to learn a different view of life
Anita Cohn
I am licensed in Missouri with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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!
Jill Hazell
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with child abuse and trauma victims. I have over 20 years of experience in a variety of settings, currently in a middle school setting. I have worked with people from a variety of backgrounds with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, abuse, bullying and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced sexual trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, caring, and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I enjoy helping individuals learn to be their best selves. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, solution focused and mindfulness. 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 am excited to work with you!
Guerlene Warden
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 plus years of experience working in the mental health field and 6 plus years as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges and ADHD. I also enjoy working with children, adolescents, and younger. I have worked in school settings. The majority of my work as a therapist has been dedicated to working with teens struggling with depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My style of therapy is humanistic, warm, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect. Despite our differences or life experiences, we all have a story and it takes courage to take the initial step and seek help. In essence, I strive to create a safe space to help you through your journey to creating your desired life. My approach is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and understanding while incorporating various modalities tailored to meet your specific needs.
James Hunter
I am licensed in Missouri with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & executive and professional coaching. 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.
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.
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.
Ava Johnson Oleski
I am licensed in Missouri with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence. I work with teens, adults, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities and couples. I am the proud wife of a decorated Marine. 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!
Find a Therapist Near You in Macon , 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 Macon.
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.