This is Dr. Emily Christensen's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Emily Christensen

Offering therapy in KS
License: PhD,LPC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
22 years of experience

*NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ON BETTERHELP.* I am a doctoral level licensed clinical professional counselor, with twenty years of experience as a counselor. The most transformative aspect of counseling is feeling safe and supported by a knowledgeable therapist who will listen empathetically and without judgment, and I will help nurture and draw out your best self. I believe that your answers lie within you; my job is to help you discover your inner wisdom and identify and overcome the obstacles to self-actualization - whether they are internal (for example: low self-esteem, critical inner voice, shame, childhood traumas) or external (for example: illness, loss of a loved one, partner betrayal, family issues, financial troubles). My counseling approach is therefore client-centered, strengths based, and solution-focused. My education background includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Development, a Master of Science in Professional Counseling, and a Doctorate of Psychology in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have provided counseling online for seven years, helping people navigate life, its hardships, and its challenges. I've worked in private practice, specialty clinics, community mental health centers, and hospitals. My clients come from varying ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. Some of my specialties include chilldhood issues, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. I have also a great deal of experience working with those who have endured trauma and abuse, including dissociative disorders. I also have extensive experience with VIP clients and high profile cases. My counseling style is warm and interactive, but with positive accountability to encourage healthy changes. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion - no matter what emotional processing is being worked through or expressed. Having been originally trained in Jungian and narrative therapies in classic psychoanalysis, your story matters to me and matters in its telling. Your treatment plan will be tailored to meet your unique and specific needs. I am also able to do EMDR if needed. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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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.

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Carrie Catterson-Fitzmaurice

Offering therapy in KS
License: LSCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker in Kansas with over 10 years of experience. I have experience working with children and families in their homes on a multitude of challenges such as substance abuse, parenting issues, stress management, organizational issues, ADHD, and relationship problems. I also have experience working with the geriatric population with issues such as adjustment, loss of independence, depression and anxiety. My clinical approach is a combined approach of mostly solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapies. I present a relaxed environment and encourage humor and honesty. It is my goal to treat all my clients respectfully and have an open mind to all lifestyles and beliefs. I encourage my clients to be self aware and goal oriented.

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John DeCarlis

Offering therapy in KS
License: LCSW-C,LCSW,LSCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

I am an experienced therapist, licensed as a clinical social worker in Maryland, Missouri, and Kansas. My therapy style is direct, approachable and interactive. I am privileged to work with those who have taken the first steps toward change, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines strengths-based, acceptance and commitment, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapies with a strong focus on skill-building. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. I practice a type of therapy that aims to help clients accept what is out of their control, and commit instead to actions that enrich their lives. Our goal is to help you create a rich and meaningful life. I have specialized experience in several areas including depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, relationship, trauma, and career/workplace issues. As a retired Army officer and former therapist to post-deployment military, I am honored to work with fellow veterans. Most importantly, however, I know that whatever the intervention, the real change comes from you, the strengths that you may not be currently aware of, and our partnership. I have a master’s degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 22 years. I engage with clients with admiration and respect in their journey to a better quality of life. I look forward to hearing your story and concerns and working with you to develop new skills and find solutions.

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This is Dr. Natalia Kuzmina's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Natalia Kuzmina

Offering therapy in KS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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This is James "JT" Smith's avatar and link to their profile

James "JT" Smith

Offering therapy in KS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

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This is Alejandra Quintana's avatar and link to their profile

Alejandra Quintana

Offering therapy in KS
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri with over 8 years experience working with teens, families and adults. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anger, depression, anxiety, work/life balance, school issues, PTSD, and trauma. I am great at listening and supporting clients to express themselves, problem solve, develop effective coping skills, and brainstorm for better solutions. My therapy style is client-centered, recognizing that you know yourself better than I do and you are the expert. I am here to facilitate your personal growth and self-reflection. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect unconditionally. I learn from my clients about their unique culture and upbringings. I don't judge you, but will assertively challenge you to work on yourself to reach your goals. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, narrative and other evidence-based interventions. I will tailor our plan to meet your own and specific needs. Even if we don't get to work together I am glad you are seeking support and I hope you find the right fit for you to achieve your goals. -Alex

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This is Tausha Taylor's avatar and link to their profile

Tausha Taylor

Offering therapy in KS
License: MS, LPC, NBCC
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issues
12 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Missouri with over 12 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, autism, learning disabilities, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, dialectic behavior therapy, EMDR, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Patricia Pardy

Offering therapy in KS
License: LMHC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am a Mental Health Counselor, licensed in New York State, with over 16 years experience in the counseling field. I have had experience assisting clients with a wide range of concerns, such as, parenting issues, family/personal relationships, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and anger management. It is my belief therapy should be tailored to the individual client's needs, therefore I often use a combination of therapeutic techniques and approaches when providing treatment. My main goal as a therapist is to ensure a safe and supportive environment in which my client can feel comfortable exploring their individual issues. The clients I have worked with would say I am a caring and empathetic therapist who strives to develop a relationship with her clients that will allow for honesty and maximize client growth. I look forward to working with you! Patricia Pardy, LMHC, BC-TMH

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This is Amy (Cherie) Blanchat's avatar and link to their profile

Amy (Cherie) Blanchat

Offering therapy in KS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesCoachingCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in both Kansas and Missouri with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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. 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.

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How to find counseling in Westwood

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood, 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 66205 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 Westwood, 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.

Westwood 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 Westwood.

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

66205

Popular cities near Westwood, KS

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