Karen Memhardt
Hi, I am Karen Memhardt, MA, Med, LPC, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Psychological Examiner. I have master’s degrees in Professional counseling, School counseling, and Psychological Examiner and teaching. I have certification in hypnotherapy, EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Psychotherapy, Christian counseling, CCTP Treating Complex Trauma. I have been practicing for fourteen years. My goal is to provide a safe supportive environment where clients can explore issues that prevent them from enjoying life to the fullest. Treatment is approached from a holistic spiritual basis to treat the whole family environment. Psychodynamic psychotherapy and educational counseling principals are integrated with various techniques and therapies to discover the cause of the psychological or behavioral disturbance, incorporating modalities of individual, family, and group counseling therapies to relieve stress and anxiety to a level of comfort desired in your family, work or school environment. Working together, we find the internal and external stressors and eliminate them or find ways to make them manageable for a successful life as measured by you. I use psychodynamic psychotherapy, a form of depth psychology, with the primary focus to reveal the unconscious content of your psyche in an effort to alleviate psychic tension. In this way it is similar to psychoanalysis. It also relies on the interpersonal relationship between client and therapist more than other forms of depth psychology. In terms of approach this form of therapy tends to be more eclectic, taking techniques from a variety of sources, rather than relying on a single system of intervention. It is used in individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, family therapy, and to understand and work with institutional and organizational contexts. CBT, Cognitive Behavioral and Neo Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to help you reframe thoughts to more effectively manage feelings and behaviors, and to restructure negative thoughts into a positive thought process to improve self-esteem and self-motivation. Brief therapy is used to address a specific issue in eight to ten sessions. I would ask you to participate in your therapy by asking you to do homework in-between sessions. For example I would ask you the following questions to prepare for our first session: Have you been to a counselor before? A counselor can be a useful tool. I would hope we can build a relationship that you would be able to trust in to discuss your feelings, hopes and goals to help you move forward with a new plan for your life. If you can use me as a sounding board, and use me to help you make some important decisions, this will help you have an easier time with all of your life issues. I am here to help you figure out what is best for you moving forward. What we discuss is confidential. What would you like to discuss with me today? What would you say is the main reason you are wanting to talk today? What are your long term goals for your living arrangement, relationships and your career? Do you have any techniques for helping you to relax? How are you feeling today? For a Brief therapy session I would ask you to imagine you go to sleep tonight, and while you are sleeping, a miracle happens so when you wake up tomorrow morning and everything in your life is exactly how you want your life to be, what would it look like?
Brenda Swift
I’m Brenda Swift. When I’m not working, I like to take my dog for long walks in various parks and binge watch shows. I also look forward to the reading challenges offered through the library, because it forces me to make time to read at least 20 minutes. I have a passion for working with clients having difficulty navigating life’s situations and wanting to hide from society, I help clients who have stress and anxiety, relationship issues, need to cope with grief and loss, & depression. I understand what it’s like to struggle in life, because life has not been easy for me. I’m skilled in creating a trusting environment that allows clients to share openly and freely, that allows them to express their reasons for seeking professional help. I look forward to meeting you, so we can help you find contentment in your life.
Walter Barron
My name is Walter Barron LCSW, and I have worked with many different client issues, stress management, ptsd, depression, anxiety, grief, major SMI diagnosis and marital/family relationship problems. I have been in the mental health field for 35 years, and my counseling experiences have included inpatient/outpatient, military employment for 11 years, veterans administration outpatient community services, and as a private contractor. My therapeutic approach is best described as client centered therapy with a warm non directive systems approach, having an emphasis on family individual dynamics. In addition I used the cognitive behavioral approach with the underpinning being the models of Dr. Beck, and Dr. Ellis. however; I do not impose any treatment modality on a client until there is a thorough assessment and a client therapist relationship with the client indicating what change they desire. I respect client self determination, and realize that entering into therapy is a big step. I hope you will find therapy rewarding, and I look forward to working with you.
Vesta Towels
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.
Twynesha "Nicole" Reed
Hello! My name is Nicole Reed, and I have over 20 years' experience in the mental health world. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in two States. I have successfully assisted children, adolescents and adults who have suffered a traumatic event in their life. For 12 years of my career, I specialized in helping survivors of sexual abuse and assault. Many people are able to express they feel depressed, anxious, low self-worth, parenting issues, sexual identify, sleep difficulty and grief. For many it is harder to understand how trauma affects and amply those symptoms. Sometimes even harder to admit a life experience was traumatic. I utilized Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focus Therapy, Trauma-Focus: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Procovery and Mindfulness to help you through this journey. I believe in healing the mind, body and soul. No matter what you have experienced if you are suffering there is a better way. I look forward to helping you find it.
Julie Burr
My name is Julie and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Missouri and I’d love to partner with you to feel well and be well! Let's nourish your soul and find healing with the practices I’ve implemented from the wealth of wisdom I’ve gleaned from decades of challenges related to health, relationships, and loss. From the unexpected loss of numerous loved ones, the end of intimate relationships, unmet expectations and chronic illness we can go from misery to mastery, bitter to better, and find some nuggets of joy in the journey. It's not easy but YOU are worth investing in! It takes time but let’s find peace, balance and contentment *in the midst of* crazy times. Life can really be tough and there's not a lot of easy answers to many challenges. While I find DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), mindfulness and faith in general to be very useful for many people I'm honored to help find the best approach for YOU in coping with life's curveballs, managing long seasons of hardship, and finding hope in the most difficult issues we may face. Particular interests of mine include travel, nutrition, movement, parenting struggling children, caregiving, social and environmental justice, race relations and finding the aspects of faith that are helpful while discerning what doesn't serve you well.
Darcel Tyson
Hello my name is Darcel. I am a License Professional Counselor (LPC). I am here to encourage, motivate, and challenge you towards a path to real change. I offer a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment that support the therapeutic process. Therapy is a team effort. Therefore, we will work collaboratively to identify internal conflicts and barriers which hinder personal growth. You will have the opportunity to gain insight, set goals, and apply the necessary skills to improve your quality of life. I have several years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. No one single modality/technique is for everyone, therefore, I will use the appropriate therapeutic approach based on your individual need. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, and adjustment issues related to stress filled life experiences. My expertise is inclusive of various backgrounds, cultures, and ethnic groups. I ensure confidentiality, trust, and respect to each client I serve.
James Hunter
I am licensed in Missouri with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & executive and professional coaching. 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.
Steven Forsyth
I began my addictions counseling career six years after entering recovery from alcohol/drug use, on 5/13/1982. My original counseling schooling was in Rational Emotive Therapy, which evolved into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and led to my schooling in Narrative Therapy and Transactional Analysis. Most recently, I have become interested in Miller & Rollnick's Motivational Interviewing, Prochaska & Diclemente's Stages of Change model of behavior change, Berg & Miller's Solution-Focused Therapy, Marlatt & Donovan's relapse prevention strategies and techniques, ACT therapy, and Internal Family Systems therapy. My most recent Certification is in Robin Shapiro's Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing-EMDR-, through the EMDRIA International Institute in November of 2021. As a Therapist, I necessarily became conversant in telehealth methodology during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. I approach counseling holistically: I understand individuals as "whole cloth", i.e., as the current product(s) of their total life experiences. I also firmly believe in all-ways maintaining a positively enthusiastic outlook on life and living!
Rodney "Rod" Smith
I am licensed in Missouri and Idaho, with several years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with recovering from addictions, relationship, trauma and abuse, anxiety, & depression issues. I have been through my own spiritual/therapeutic journey of change for the past 30 years that has enabled me to overcome my past addictions, feelings of depression, and sexual abuse. I tell you this because it is not only important that we have the clinical and professional experience (25 years experience in the behavioral health field), but that we have personal experience as well. I believe my authentic approach to counseling creates an atmosphere of honesty, trust, and acceptance that helps us to motivate ourselves towards making positive and tremendous changes in our lives. Professional Experience I have recently worked in a prison as a mental health professional for the past 7 years conducting individual and group therapy. I have worked over 25 years in the fields of mental health, addiction, and co-occurring disorders performing evaluations, therapeutic interventions, and individual and group therapy. In addition, I have education in Biblical guided counseling and have offered it to many of my clients at there request.
Christine Perez
As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, faith-informed approach to therapy, particularly supporting older adults and women working through significant life transitions. My therapeutic work centers on addressing social anxiety, workplace stress, self-esteem challenges, and midlife emotional shifts. I'm dedicated to helping clients explore life purpose, develop healthy coping strategies, and work through difficult emotional experiences with understanding and care. Drawing from years of clinical experience, I create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their struggles, develop resilience, and move toward meaningful personal transformation. My approach is grounded in respect, empathy, and a commitment to helping you discover your inner strength and potential.
Heather Nash
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and healthy relationship dynamics. I have extensive experience addressing challenges related to stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and personal growth. My therapeutic work focuses on creating compassionate, collaborative spaces where individuals can explore their experiences with trauma, self-esteem concerns, and interpersonal dynamics. I'm particularly passionate about supporting clients through adoption, foster care experiences, communication difficulties, and healing from relational wounds. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to empower clients to cultivate self-love, overcome commitment barriers, and develop stronger emotional skills. My practice is rooted in understanding each person's unique journey, offering personalized support that honors individual strengths and experiences. I approach therapy as a collaborative process, believing that every client has the innate capacity for healing and transformation. Together, we'll work to understand your challenges, build meaningful strategies, and support your path toward personal growth and emotional well-being.
Lindsay Scheinerman
Conflict in life is unavoidable. We can be aware of it slowly creeping up on us or a life changing event can happen suddenly without any hints. These challenges can cause trauma, anxiety, depression or lower our self-esteem. They can impact our relationships or daily activities. They can cause us to look for comfort in all the wrong places. We cannot move forward in life without facing conflicts. Let's work together to manage conflict in healthy ways. I am here to work with individuals or families move forward from conflicts in their life and to help them learn to build positive and peaceful solutions. My counseling techniques are focused in putting the clients unique set of strengths into action while creating solutions to reach their goals. I have over 13 years of experience working with adults, families and youth. Please check out my website to learn more about my experiences and counseling practices.
Ya'Lita Thompson
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My clinical focus centers on addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and self-esteem challenges. I am deeply committed to helping clients develop stronger communication skills, manage social anxiety, and cultivate meaningful self-compassion. My therapeutic approach is holistic, person-centered, and trauma-informed- recognizing that each individual's journey is unique. I work collaboratively with clients experiencing diverse challenges, including depression, post-traumatic stress, and impulsivity. My goal is to create a compassionate, supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and build sustainable strategies for emotional wellness. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to empower clients to reconnect with their inner strengths, transform challenging patterns, and move toward more fulfilling lives. I believe in the inherent capacity for growth and healing within each person, and I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with genuine empathy and professional expertise.
Find a Therapist Near You in Centerville , Missouri
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Missouri can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Missouri is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Missouri, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Missouri (MO). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Missouri, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Missouri with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Missouri
When searching for a therapist near me in Missouri, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Missouri, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Missouri.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Missouri want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Missouri
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Missouri without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Missouri (MO)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Missouri
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Missouri, including residents in Centerville.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Missouri do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.