Waynesville, Missouri was named after the Revolutionary War hero, General “Mad Anthony” Wayne. Folklore abounds in Waynesville with tales of settlers and fur trappers. Historic Route 66 offers travelers a glimpse into yesteryear as the famous pathway runs right through the center of town. When you’re struggling with mental health issues, it can feel like there’s a mad war building inside you.
Just as Waynesville survived a couple of wars, you can be a survivor of the journey to mental and emotional wellness. All you need to do is match up with a professional counselor in the Waynesville area to get yourself back on the road to living the best life of today.
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.
Juanita Holmes
I am licensed in California and Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
Michael McGaugh
I have about twenty years work experience in the field of mental health services, I have worked as an adult case manager in community support services. I have also been an intake specialist; but the one area I have found the most rewarding is working as a mental health counselor. I enjoy working with people in helping them to see issues and problems from different perspectives and helping them to make better choices that will help them with feeling better about themselves and to overcome their personal problems. I hold advanced degrees in psychology and mental health counseling. From my education and work experience, I have found CBT and positive center approaches along with solution based therapy to be effective in helping clients to become more mindful along with helping them to build coping skills that they can utilize to help them to be more empowered in making healthy decisions in their lives.
Lora Newman
I am a licensed professional counselor as well as a business leadership and mental fitness coach. I have worked with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns including stress, money stress, time management, and communication. I offer performance EMDR and Equine Assisted Learning to help business owners and leaders move beyond blocks and barriers holding them back from optimal results. My coaching and counseling style is warm, direct and interactive. Each session is designed to support you right where you are. It takes courage to put yourself out there and sometimes a little support is needed to get through the rough patches. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
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
Danielle Nielson
Thank you for checking out my profile, and congratulations on taking the next step improving your quality of life! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri. I completed by BSW at Missouri Western State University in 2013, my MSW from Park University in 2015, and my clinical supervision in 2020. In my time as a social worker I have worked in foster care, domestic violence, and outpatient mental health. I previously worked as an outpatient therapist 8-5 Monday through Friday, but I noticed something- so do a lot of other people. By providing services through BetterHelp, I can help those who have been left out of traditional therapy due to the struggle of scheduling therapy during work hours. This also applies to those of you who are parents- I am a single mom to two amazing kids... so I know about the work/ parent/ self-care balance. I also spend a lot of time reading, and have probably cried/ laughed/ loved some of your favorite characters and authors, so lets chat about it. Sometimes the way art imitates life can be a great path towards healing. My passion is teaming with individuals to help them identify triggers that are negatively impacting their quality of life, and then identifying and developing skills for managing those triggers. Whether it is trauma, behavioral, or mental health, I believe therapy is a great tool to help bridge the gap between where life is now and where you would like to see life go. I have experience with CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, all which showcase themselves in my warm, strengths based approach. I believe therapy is a partnership, and that success is best found when both of us are committed to the goals you identify for yourself! Thank you for considering me as your partner in this journey.
Novella Keyler
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri for over 25 years. I have recently moved to New Mexico but retain my Missouri license. . I have a Masters degree in Psychology (from a Systems perspective) from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Kansas. I am quite holistic, aware that we are all multi-faceted. I have accumulated a lot of "tools in my toolkit" along the way and work to find the best approaches and strategies for each client. Talking about the problem is only one approach to make changes. I have worked a lot with people who have depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and trauma. I also have experience working with people in the LGBTQ+ community. I am compassionate and believe every person has dignity, strengths and value. I love to help people find ways to help them thrive, instead of just survive. I look forward to working with you.
Debra Robinson
Hello! My name is Debra Robinson. I am Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri. I have over 10 years of experience working in the field of counseling. As Life is Precious, my goal is to help individuals live a “quality” life. Quality living is when there is a balance between the body, mind and spirit; an unspeakable sense of peace. I am committed to helping individuals gain self-awareness so that they can begin to heal and see more positive emotional outcomes. I practice from an integrative perspective, meaning that I typically use several different therapeutic modalities in my work depending on the needs of the individual. I have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. My clinical experience has included working with individuals, families and groups. I have a special interest in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression and anger issues. I know that seeking therapy can be hard at times, so I would love to make this process as easy as possible for you. My goal is to help you build on your inner strengths and natural resilience.
Gina Sokolich
Hi i'm Gina, I'm so glad you've decided to seek help or at least obtain information for your mental health. I recently retired from the EMS field so I'm very familiar with trauma in multiple situations. I work with a lot of people in narcissistic relationships, First Responders with PTSD or other work related struggles. Not everything has to be heavy and traumatic, maybe you just have questions about your life direction. What ever the situation, I can help you with perspective. I am client lead, so I meet you where you are. I give you the space to think and figure things out but will also challenge a perspective. I use EMDR, CBT and Brainspotting most often for situations and discuss things you can do in between sessions. I may also offer information on mindful meditation, stress relief. I'm here to help, let me know what you have going on!
Nina Escobar-Petersen
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on compassionate, personalized care that honors each person's unique journey. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, particularly focusing on mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. My therapeutic practice is deeply committed to creating a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals, young adults, and those experiencing workplace stress, relationship difficulties, and personal identity exploration. I draw from evidence-based approaches to help clients develop stronger self-understanding, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful connections. With a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens, I support clients in addressing challenging experiences such as social anxiety, attachment issues, and self-esteem concerns. My goal is to empower individuals to develop healthier coping strategies, embrace self-compassion, and move toward more fulfilling lives.
Heidi Brown Stratton
I am licensed in Missouri with multiple years of experience working in different fields of social work: from women’s health, to alternative sentencing to hospice. I also have connections to the special needs and lgbtq+ community. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. 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, time, and support to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I look forward to helping you find your path.
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.
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!
Amanda Keys
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I bring over two decades of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My clinical focus centers on women's mental health, addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders. I specialize in helping clients develop self-compassion and resilience, particularly for those navigating posttraumatic stress, seasonal mood shifts, and family dynamics. My approach is deeply empathetic and tailored to each individual's unique journey, emphasizing healing, self-understanding, and personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate meaningful transformation. My commitment is to support you in developing stronger self-love, emotional regulation, and a more balanced relationship with yourself and others.
Find a Therapist Near You in Waynesville , 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 Waynesville.
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.