Independence has one of the lowest residential and business tax rates in the state, with exceptional services at little or no cost to residents. Yet even though the cost of living in the suburb is low, there are many other costs to life that are not as tangible. If you are experiencing the emotional costs of runaway thoughts and emotions, you should seek help to recover.

Independence-area counselors are available now to offer this type of assistance. These confidential therapists can help you examine the emotional costs of your thoughts and feelings and overcome them to be happier. Contact a counselor today.

This is Larry Bell Jr's avatar and link to their profile

Larry Bell Jr

Offering therapy in KS
License: MS,LCMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I am a South Carolina native who after serving my country in the U.S. Air Force, completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wichita State University, a M.S. in Family Therapy from Friends University, and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Kansas. I have spent over 15 years working in the mental health industry in different roles and over 10 years as a clinician. I have provided mental health services within public school settings, for youth in the foster care system, for active duty military service members, for veterans through the VA hospital, as well as for individuals, groups, couples and families within private practice, both in-person and virtually. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, PTSD, grief, communication problems, conflict management, and those navigating microaggressions. My clinical style is anchored in understanding your story, being invited into your world, identifying your goals, and walking alongside you on your journey. My approach includes supportive, solution-focused, intergenerational, strategic, structural, and process models of therapy. I am a resource and tool here to assist you along your path, process, and progress.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Michaela Hammer's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Michaela Hammer

Offering therapy in KS
License: LCSW, PsyD
Relationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
30 years of experience

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..."

Get started View profile
This is Cara Payton's avatar and link to their profile

Cara Payton

Offering therapy in KS
License: LSCSW
Trauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 6 plus years of experience in mental health. I have experience working with those who have experienced abuse/neglect, trauma, and grief/loss. I have helped people who are struggling with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I have additional training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I like to work with the client to identify goals and work towards those goals together. Sometimes this means a little homework in between sessions. Personally I am a mother and widow. I have experienced some big joys and losses in my life. Through this experience I've gained some great insight into grief/loss and life's twists. I look forward to working with you! Please send me a message if you have any questions.

Get started View profile
This is Melissa Winston's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Winston

Offering therapy in KS
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Melissa Winston, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Missouri. With a Bachelor's Degree in education and many years of work with teens and families in the non-profit sector, I found myself feeling compelled to help more but not having the tools to do so. I went back to school to get my degree as a Marriage & Family Therapist from Capella University and have been working in various treatment settings for the past 10 years. The last five years have been specifically in residential work with adolescents and their families. I have a combined total of 22 years of experience working with teens and families. I specialize in work with complex family systems that have experienced trauma - adolescents, individuals, couples, and families - learning to unravel that trauma and re-engage in healthy relationships with one another. Using a mix of systems theories, I work to meet clients where they are to help them find their own solutions to the problems they are facing. Therapy should be a safe space to process and be honest about whatever you're thinking and feeling without judgement. Once we feel heard and seen, then we have the courage to go towards the healing we long for in our lives. I believe that all people have the capacity to change and that as we each work toward our own individual wholeness, we can then have deeper, more meaningful relationships. I am trained in trauma-informed care and primarily use Narrative, CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused modalities in the counseling room. I believe there is hope for even the most broken and painful relationship - if the individuals are willing to do the work on themselves. I am extremely passionate about people and will work as hard as you will to help you get where you want to go. Outside of therapy, I love to decorate, to hang out with my husband and two teenage sons, and to spend time with my community. I also have two dogs (a sweet old Pit/Lab mix, Piper, and a one year old Havanese fluff-ball) who keep us all running. I am also passionate about organizational leadership and community development.

Get started View profile
This is Lana Jamison's avatar and link to their profile

Lana Jamison

Offering therapy in KS
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri and have over 20 years of experience working with adult and pediatric populations in hospitals, outpatient medical and mental health clinics and schools. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and those with Veteran status. I have extensive experience using teleservices. I understand that life can be challenging. We are pulled in many directions and often give so much of ourselves to other people and other activities in our lives. Sometimes we need to allow ourselves time to stop, even for just a short time, to re-center and evaluate why we might be feeling the way we are feeling. Giving ourselves the grace, attention, and opportunity to get our day-to-day lives back to a more comfortable, happy, positive place can be an essential part of the journey. Engaging in a strengths-based approach to therapy can help us uncover and utilize the abilities we have, to keep ourselves in that more positive place, most of the time. I look forward to learning about you and working together to create a plan for the improvements you desire and deserve.

Get started View profile
This is Kirsten Davis's avatar and link to their profile

Kirsten Davis

Offering therapy in KS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed clincal social worker with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Matthew McGhee's avatar and link to their profile

Matthew McGhee

Offering therapy in KS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas, Arizona, and Nevada with 16 years of professional work experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Christina Kohn's avatar and link to their profile

Christina Kohn

Offering therapy in KS
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Bambi Burgard's avatar and link to their profile

Bambi Burgard

Offering therapy in KS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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 here to support you in this process.

Get started View profile
This is Jolene Savolt's avatar and link to their profile

Jolene Savolt

Offering therapy in KS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona and Kansas with 15 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Independence

Finding the best therapist close by in Independence 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 Independence. 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 Independence, 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence, elsewhere in Montgomery, 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 Independence area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence, 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence 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:

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 Independence 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 Independence 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 67301 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence, 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.

Independence 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Independence.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Independence:

67301

Popular cities near Independence, KS

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist