Bellefontaine Neighbors started as the home of a military outpost that was named Fort Bellefontaine for its clear water spring. In life, daily struggles muddy the clear waters of good mental health. If you have to face a personal crisis when you’re already sad or stressed, you wonder how you’ll survive, much less thrive.

You start out trudging through the daily grind, feeling sad and anxious. Soon, panic sets in, and you’re consumed with worry and fear. Life doesn’t have to be that way. Talk to a counselor in the Bellefontaine Neighbors area to find greater clarity in your life.

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Tim Gravier

Offering therapy in MO
License: M. Ed. LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
19 years of experience

TIM GRAVIER M.Ed. LPC Stress? Anxiety? Feeling stuck? Let’s talk! Things impact your mental health each day, making you feel stuck. I utilize Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to assist in coping with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and the stressors of your daily life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri since 2004 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Masters of Education in Counseling. I am certified as an Executive Coach and a Six Sigma Green Belt in Process Improvement. Starting in 2000 as a Counselor with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services, I have worked with a multitude of clients. Promoted to Statewide Director of Quality Assurance in 2013, I have helped guide over 130 Master level Counselors provide quality services to nearly 14,000 clients a year. Retired from the State of Missouri, I currently hold a private practice; contracting through telehealth to provide an innovative experience for you to reach your goal. I believe that therapy/counseling is a professional relationship where both of us work together to best fit your needs. What you will get from me is a safe non-judgmental place to be yourself. I believe that every individual is an expert in their own life and can attain the best version of themselves through this experience. To accommodate your needs, I offer morning, afternoon, and evening virtual appointments so you stay in the comfort of your space and your schedule. Together, we can work to get life on track - enough about me - tell me about you - Let’s talk.

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Vesta Colvin

Offering therapy in MO
License: LPC,Certified School Counselor
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

Unfortunately, life is not always sunshine, rainbows and lollipops. Sometimes, life can leave a sour taste upon our palates and it can be difficult to continue to eat from its table. With major life changes, transitions, difficulties, and stresses, it can be hard to swallow at times. I can help guide you through your mental health journey, by empowering you on how to use those things life has thrown at you for the recipe of recapturing & restoring peace & joy to your life. In 2013, I graduated from Lindenwood University with a Masters of Art (M.A.) in School and Professional Counseling. I graduated top of my class and was peer-nominated & winner of Student of the Year 2013. I have over 15 years’ experience as a Department of Mental Health-Division of Developmental Disabilities Case Manager I/II/III & Habilitation Specialist II. This has afforded me the opportunity to work closely in the community with adults, children, and their families who have been diagnosed with Autism, Downs Syndrome, among other intellectual challenges as well as with individuals diagnosed with intellectual AND mental illness disorders. I also have experience working with individuals (children & adults) who struggle with substance abuse, suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My previous professional experiences afford me the unique position to function like a social worker, considering each aspect of a person’s life and how those parts interconnect and impact the person as a whole, but also providing an in-depth approach from a therapeutic approach as a counselor. I primarily work from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, & Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach, but I am extremely flexible in my approach as each person is unique in their personality as well as their needs. In using cognitive behavioral therapy, I help people see life issues & stresses they face daily from a different perspective. My philosophy is “if you can change the way you think, you can change the way you feel, and if you change the way you feel, you can change your life by changing the way you respond to life challenges.” However I am also a realist, that life is sometimes tough and sour, and another philosophy I have and live by is "it is okay to not be okay, just don't get stuck there". I also use the Solution-Focused brief therapy, to quickly identify unhealthy cycles and/or systems, and assist with identifying reasonable solutions, unless otherwise indicated for a more in-depth approach such as trauma informed approaches. I am here to help guide you through learning skills, strategies, and gaining insight to assist you out of your "stuck" place of your journey in your story of life, and empower you with the tools needed to navigate through any of life’s tumultuous journey's successfully.

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Charity Clavey

Offering therapy in MO
License: LCSW,LSCSW,LCAC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Charity is duly licensed in the state of Missouri, Kansas, and Utah as a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC). She is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy) trained, trained in Trauma Informed Care, CBT trained, and thoroughly trained in Motivational Interviewing/Person Centered approaches to ensure that her clients are able to make progress with issues that are important to and for them. Charity uses modern approaches to help individuals achieve goals and make personal improvements in their lives. Charity works early and late hours to include weekends to accommodate clients' needs. Before entering private practice, Charity worked in critical home health, a private MAT setting, and at a co-occurring state funded agency providing clinical supervision, individual and family therapy, and group therapy. Prior to her experience in the field, she also was a special education teacher working with children grade levels ranging from Pre-K through 12. Charity's favorite self-care activities include traveling, practicing mindfulness, exercising, reading, attending live music performances, and spending time with her infant son, friends, family, and her puppy Codi. Specialties: Behavioral Health & Substance Use Disorder, EMDR Trained, CBT trained, co-occurring disorders, trauma focused, PTSD, stress management, grief issues, anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, child and adolescent issues, family/marital/and parenting concerns Population Focus: children and adolescents, adults, couples and families, LGBTQIA population

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Theresa Lumos

Offering therapy in MO
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in New Mexico , Illinois, and Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Tomi Taylor

Offering therapy in MO
License: LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesADHD
9 years of experience

I have a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Accredited Triple P Provider, Certified AutPlay® Therapy Provider, EMDR trained therapist and Theraplay trained therapist. I am also a member of the American Psychological Association and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My experience includes working with families in crisis, working with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, neurodevelopmental disorders, behavioral disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, traumatic stress disorders, and chronic and terminal medical conditions. I provide a variety of therapeutic options, such as sandtray therapy, play therapy, and mindfulness-based services, family-focused therapy, and teletherapy. I have several years post graduate experience work counseling children and adults, as well as 15 years of experience working specifically within the autistic community. I have served as a case manager, resource coordinator, and client advocate for children and parents. I currently offer therapeutic and educational services at my clinic in Springfield, Missouri and online. I am well aware of the conflicts that can occur when trying to work therapy and other appointments in around a busy work/school/family schedule. I am committed to providing therapeutic services during evening and weekend hours to help clients avoid as many unnecessary conflicts to gaining mental health care access as possible.

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Barbara Edelman

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Lara Kelso

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Melissa Smith

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a licensed counselor in Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 and empower you in that journey.

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Willow Wakeley-Smith

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 10+ years of professional work experience with children and 3 years of clinical work with adults with both moderate and significant mental illness. I currently work in schools with parents and students with disabilities, but I also have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that everyone experiences life in their own unique way and that helping requires respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will customize our treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs and goals with the understanding that it is an evolving process. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life can be extremely difficult, but I am here to support you in that process.

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Michelle Magri

Offering therapy in MO
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesBipolar disorder
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related 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.

How to find counseling in Bellefontaine Neighbors

Finding the best therapist close by in Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors. 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, elsewhere in St. Louis, or in the greater state of Missouri.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Bellefontaine Neighbors area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors may not take health insurance, some in the state of Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 MO, 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 63137 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri 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.

Bellefontaine Neighbors 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors.

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

63136, 63137

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