Amanda McCarron
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a direct approach using eclectic interventions, with a strong focus in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. For over 10 years I have had the privilege of working with a multitude of diverse individuals with many backgrounds. Reaching out for therapy is a big step, and I'm here to guide you through this process at the pace you're most comfortable with. I will meet you where you are in life, regardless of what situation has brought you here. Together we can tackle any situations you're facing, whether it be general adjustment to life changes, just needing someone to lean on, to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. I'm looking forward to getting to know you, and getting you another step closer to feeling better and more confident! I offer services via text (live and asynchronous), phone, and video. Live sessions are booked in half hour increments by the BetterHelp system. If you don't see times available but you have a specific request, send me a message and I can see if I can make accommodations for you!
Dr. Juanita McGowan
Dear Client: I have been a licensed clinical social worker in Kansas for more than 40 years. As an African-American, faith based woman, I am a seasoned professional counselor, life coach, teacher, consultant, and administrator. Experiencing the journey of life can be challenging and difficult. Finding peace can be overwhelming, therefore, I applaud you for taking the courageous step to seek counseling support. You deserve to live your best life. If you desire to achieve a healthy state of mindfulness and wellness, it is important to gain insights about how your mind, thoughts and consciousness play a powerful role in helping you see beyond your current issues and struggles. If you desire, I will support you to include your faith within the therapy process. My counseling style is warm, engaging, positive, but yet focused, and goal oriented. I will encourage you to utilize your strengths and personal resources to help guide your treatment plan. I have worked with a wide range of multicultural clients including, children, adolescents and adults. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas, and a Doctorate of Philosophy degree from Kansas State University in Adult and Continuing Education. If you are ready to make the commitment and take the time to becoming your best self, I would be delighted to be your counselor. Remember your future is always beginning now! Dr. Juanita McGowan Specialties: Multicultural Counseling Coping with Racism and Prejudice Race and Ethnic Identity Development Faith-Based Counseling Stress and Anxiety Depression Spiritual Wellness Grief and Loss Emotional Management Lifespan Transitions Clinical Approaches: Motivational Therapy Holistic Counseling Relational Based Therapy Solution Based Brief Therapy
Kimberly Norwood
I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist currently in private practice for 10 years in Kansas including telehealth services. I have 23 years of clinical experience assessing, diagnosing and treating individuals, couples, and families. And I have an additional 17 years as a professional serving in a variety of ways in my community. My approach with clients is to enhance their own strengths and help build resilience within their own framework for change using the client's personal beliefs, values, growth, life experiences, along with my clinical (or faith based if desired) efforts according to the client's own personal preferences. I am of the Christian faith, yet I am sensitive, understanding of other faith practices to give support in those areas identified by clients. Some of my work recently has been in the area of trauma healing, grief and loss and psycho-education and basic awareness using the Polyvagal Theory. This approach along with my direct, yet friendly, personal engagement style builds rapport which is at the core of the therapeutic relationship. Ultimately, my goal is to offer support & resources in order to facilitate healthy change toward a happy and healthier balanced life! I would like to encourage you after reading this profile to take the next step toward your personal growth and create a new journey for yourself with changes on the horizon and a better outlook on life. There are several options on this platform to converse from live chat, phone, or video or just using the message feature all available at your convenience or upon request. If you would like for assistance from me to schedule a session time for you let me know.
Dr. Michaela Hammer
My specialty & love are helping individuals at transition points of their lives, with a focus from Adolescence to Mid-life and beyond. These are times of dealing with many changes in one's life. These changes may include family, friends, and your role in community. This is also a time when we are surrounded with "Transition Myths" ie; How we SHOULD be feeling, acting and thinking. Some of these are Memory Loss, Depression, Physical Fitness, Sexuality. My goals are to educate and separate myth from fact while helping YOU ease life's transitions so YOU can continue YOUR life with new hopes and dreams, respect and dignity. Each person is UNIQUE! Issues are NOT AGE SPECIFIC and can impact ANYONE at ANY age! With advanced education & experience, I offer Memory Loss & Cognitive functioning assessments. Not all memory loss is permanent. I offer counseling for Pet Grief & Loss. Some individuals have family members with 4 legs vs 2. Those losses are devastating as well and rarely understood by the general public. I have been providing counseling to individuals from many races, religions, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds for over 30 years. I work with preteens to those over 100 years young. I have provided therapy in my office, in individual homes, in schools and in retirement communities, nursing homes and hospitals. I have provided instructional in-services on cultural awareness and aging issues. I have set up memory clinics and performed routine depression and anxiety assessments. One of my newer areas of focus, which was a great unmet need has been providing counseling for those who have lost a "4-legged" family member. This is an area that I receive referrals not only from veterinarians but also family doctors and OB/GYNs, "I am referring Mrs. Smith as she recently lost her only child..."
Molly Traffas
Welcome. My name is Molly Traffas. I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker who is committed to tracking the nuggets of an individual’s core strengths of self and deepest values that have shown themselves over one’s lifetime. I am committed to being a companion in restoring balance to disturbed landscapes of hearts and minds. My work has included extensive experience working with trauma, attachment, and recovering internal resources. That training also has included working with individuals in claiming their deeper strengths and dreams through work in the wilderness. As I have wandered in wilderness areas, I have deepened my understanding and passion for how all life moves toward balance and wholeness, toward life itself. My focus continues to shift from pathology toward what gives life, what calls life forward, what opens and sustains each of us. I carry in my satchel of skills a connection to the earth along with my own wisdom and experience, which encompasses an understanding of the impact of trauma and neglect and the ability to aid individuals in calming and soothing those places in themselves enough to move forward into connecting with inner resources and outer landscapes. I am a lover of poetry, with deep value and aliveness found in speaking poetry. My own immersion into poetry has been one of my own personal tools for self discovery and awareness. For those who have an interest or an affinity with poetry, it is one of a variety of ways in which I am able to join with another and aid them in going deeper into their own story and life. Poetry, as well as work with dreams, can be a vehicle and a portal, for some, to gain personal understanding and insight. Poetry and/or dreamwork can be particularly helpful in working with stuck places in an individual’s life. Prior to my degree in social work, I was a Montessori guide working with young children ages 3 to 6 in a classroom setting. After 10 years, it was time for a career change. I returned to school for a social work degree, as well as, studying addiction counseling. I worked as a drug and alcohol counselor, as well as with individuals and families living in homeless shelters. This work led me to recognizing the depth of needs of these populations. I returned to school for my. post graduate clinical training at Washburn University. Following graduate school, I worked with inmates who had high recidivist rates, histories of addictions, and most often histories of childhood abuse. Following that experience of working with the inmate population, I worked at a local community mental health center until in 2004, when I began a private practice. Because of the persistent exposure I had working with individuals who had histories of significant trauma, I developed a strong desire for deeper understanding of: the impact of trauma on the daily functioning of individuals and of the physiological impact of trauma on the body and on the brain. I pursued substantial exploration and training in effective treatment modalities for trauma. Congruent and interwoven into the understanding of the impact of the trauma itself is the understanding of the impact of early childhood experiences on an adult’s view of self, other, and world, not to mention, the impact on the individual’s manner of functioning in the world. In addition to studying the impact of trauma and abuse, I also sought insight into the impact of early neglect on an individual’s view of self and world and on their daily functioning. Therefore, much of my work with individuals has been to assist in heightening awareness and acceptance of each individual’s own strengths, gifts, and values. In addition, my work with an individual has also focused on strengthening their ability to consistently make life choices that honor their own value system and their ability to pursue their own gifts and talents. Those skills, values, and insights still underlay and support my work in guiding others toward their deeper callings. Since one frequently experienced consequence of trauma or neglect is difficulty with relationships, I became fascinated by the dynamics of relationships (such as, the relationship to self, the relationship to others, the relationship to the external world), as well as difficulties in how to verbalize and communicate effectively without aggression or threat to self or other. This hunger for deeper insight, for healing, for tools or skills to offer, ultimately, led me to the study of Compassionate Communication, the Right Use of Power and the Power Spiral (the work of Cedar Barstow), and ultimately to the Animas Valley Institute and Soulcraft. My involvement with my community has been varied. When initially entering into my private practice, I offered free public presentations on the impact of abuse and neglect in early childhood on attachment styles, and upon that individual’s current functioning as an adult. I volunteered for 5 years with a local company on a committee to review requests submitted to the employee benefit program for financial assistance to employees in unexpected financial hardships. I offered a free series of groups on power, boundaries, shame, and personal power for women survivors of domestic violence. I was a member of the Sedgwick County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition for 10 years. I served for two years on the Board of Directors of the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center. For 3 years, I facilitated and co-facilitated multiple free will offering study groups on Compassionate Communication. I offered free book study groups. I hosted, for approximately 2 years, a local practice group for Compassionate Communication. I offered local poetry concerts and other ceremonial practices at events calling for ceremony and deep honoring. I have offered daylong or 2 day retreat gatherings for deepening connections with oneself and the earth. Since I have retired, I have offered 5 poetry concerts as fund raisers for refugees.
Katie Light
I am a licensed specialist clinical social worker and licensed clinical addictions counselor in Kansas. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri with 9 years of experience working as a social worker, therapist, case manager and client advocate. My experience has allowed me to work with all different types of mental health disorders allowing me to gain a very wide range of skills. I like to work with each client focusing on your strengths. I have worked as a therapist in a psychiatric hospital, within a community mental health center, at an outpatient addiction rehab facility and as an advocate for a domestic violence shelter as well as within group homes for individuals struggling with disabilities. I specialize in working with adults and young adults. I do many different types of therapy and will individually work with each client to see what works best for them. I utilize solution focused brief therapy (SFBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapies most frequently. I am not afraid to mix approaches and styles so I can be most helpful to you! My passion lies in helping those with trauma. Each individual experiences trauma in their lives that can affect them consciously or unconsciously. It can manifest as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive behaviors, PTSD, anger outbursts, addictions, isolation and quickly shifting moods. I would be so honored to help you overcome this in your journey. I truly believe trauma can be healed! For more information about me and my practice find me on psychology today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/935408
Cami Cocke
I am licensed in Kansas, Texas, and Florida with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. https://licensing.ks.gov/Verification_BSRB/Search.aspx https://www.bhec.texas.gov/verify-a-license/index.html https://www.flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/
Elisabeth Shaw
Many experiences in life can leave us feeling lost and alone. This often leads to seasons in our life where we experience emotional or physical distress. It is during these seasons where navigating and asking for help can sometimes be difficult. Maybe you're asking "what's wrong with me?" You are not alone in whatever struggle you are experiencing. I'm not here to fix you, but rather to provide a safe place to process, support, empower, and discover what it looks like to live a more authentic life. Many experiences in life can leave us feeling lost and alone. This often leads to seasons in our life where we experience emotional or physical distress. It is during these seasons where navigating and asking for help can sometimes be difficult. Maybe you're asking "what's wrong with me?" You are not alone in whatever struggle you are experiencing. I'm not here to fix you, but rather to provide a safe place to process, support, empower, and discover what it looks like to live a more authentic life. As your therapist I will help provide skills and tools to help enhance your life and relationships. Therapy is an individualized journey in that everyone heals differently. I believe healing occurs through an authentic and collaborative process between both client and therapist. This process is done so in a compassionate and judgement free environment. I enjoy working with individuals from all backgrounds and belief systems, and to help find one’s sense of self, however you may define it. Through experience in private agencies and clinical private practice settings I have knowledge in addressing a variety of mental health concerns.
Amber Thomas
I am licensed in Kansas with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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.
Cynthia Cochran
I am licensed in Colorado, Florida, Missouri and Tennessee with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!
How to find counseling in Bentley
Finding the best therapist close by in Bentley can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist 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 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 in Bentley. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Bentley, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
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. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Bentley or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. 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 Bentley area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Bentley, elsewhere in Sedgwick, or in the greater state of Kansas.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Bentley area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bentley therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Bentley due to a higher cost of living. 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:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Bentley may not take health insurance, some in the state of Kansas may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Kansas you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Bentley, Kansas 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. They 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, they 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 in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.
How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Bentley 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.
Through BetterHelp therapy, 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 lead by a therapist in Bentley helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?
BetterHelp's verified Bentley 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. See below for examples.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Bentley therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?
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.
A psychologist 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 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 Bentley therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.
With a lot of people in KS, providers 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 67016 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Bentley counselor?
Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Bentley 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 through therapy 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.
Is mental health care and therapy worth it?
Therapy 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. A psychologist 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 professional 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 psychologist in Bentley, Kansas 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.
Bentley has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists 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 therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?
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 the leading online counseling platform
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 therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out 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.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 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.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Bentley:
67016