In life, what you sometimes need is diversity. Doing the same thing every day can be monotonous and bad for your mental health. However, something is holding you back, and that can be your depression, anxiety, or life situation outside of your mental state. 

A counselor based in Columbia can help. Columbia is a city known for its diversity. In life, sometimes having diversity can make everything more interesting. If you need more diversity in your life, a counselor based in Columbia can help. Speak to one today. They can look at your life and figure out how you can mix things up. 

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Donna Moshier

Offering therapy in MO
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome to BetterHelp! My name is Donna Moshier and I am a professional counselor licensed in both Arkansas and Missouri. I have over 20 years’ experience in the mental health field, having worked with clients with a broad range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and substance abuse. I strive to be genuine and authentic in counseling interactions and treat others with respect and dignity. My focus as a counselor is to provide a safe, supportive space in which a person can explore life issues and move towards a quality of life that is both satisfying and healthy to that individual. The therapeutic approaches I most often employ include cognitive behavior therapy, EMDR, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy depending on the individual's unique needs and preferences. I believe that no matter what a person is facing, there is always hope for growth and renewal. I would love to be able to provide support and guidance during your journey towards a happier life.

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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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Lucia Walker

Offering therapy in MO
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

My name is Lucia Walker, and I am a licensed clinical social worker, licensed in Missouri since 2013. I have a bachelors in psychology and a masters in criminal justice and social work. I have over 10 years of experience working with people of many ages, including teenagers that may suffer from different mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Anxiety disorders, and others. I have worked in both outpatient mental health centers and inpatient psychiatric hospital settings. My therapy style is warm and non judgement, I genuinely listening to my clients and respect their thoughts and ideas. I like to keep sessions to 30 minutes as much as possible, so we can work efficiently on problems and solutions, and also respect client's time, since I know it is sometimes difficult to find the time in the day for therapy sessions. It can be extended to 45 minutes when a longer session is needed. During sessions, I provide feedback to clients, and help clients come up with practical solutions to problems, or present another perspective that help clients work through difficult situations. I take a holistic perspective, taking into consideration how our social, physical, mental, and spiritual environments all effect our mental health. The main approaches that I use in therapy include cognitive behavioral approach and solution focused approach. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, attention issues, trauma issues or other concerns, I am here to help. I believe that you can improve your mental health, and overcome many concerns you have with a little help from others. I would love to be that person to help you, and if you would like to begin therapy sessions, please feel free to reach out to me.

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Kristine Gustafson

Offering therapy in MO
License: MS, LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-approved supervisor in Missouri, I bring over 12 years of expertise to our sessions. My integrated approach draws from cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, humanistic, psychotherapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Together, we'll customize a treatment plan to address your individual needs, utilizing a range of counseling tools to tackle issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and life transitions, including trauma. In addition to my counseling expertise, I specialize in compassion fatigue, chronic disease management, and empowering individuals to achieve their life goals. Whether you're grappling with the demands of caregiving, navigating chronic health conditions, or seeking to regain control of your life, I'm here to support and guide you toward positive change and fulfillment. I strive to cultivate a welcoming and non-judgmental space where you can freely express your thoughts and emotions. Embarking on a journey toward a more fulfilling life can evoke a mix of emotions—fear, excitement, and stress. I'm here to provide unwavering support and empowerment as you navigate this path. Together, we'll identify and address any obstacles hindering your progress, enhancing your coping mechanisms and response strategies to help you realize your true potential and live the life you deserve.

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Traynette Jenkins-Reese

Offering therapy in MO
License: MA, LPC
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
24 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Traynette Jenkins-Reese, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. I have over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential treatment facilities, outpatient, in-home, and EAP counseling. I've had experience working with a broad range of clinical issues. My clientele have included people from various ethnic backgrounds, ages and socio-economic statues. I have the most experience working with family/relationship conflicts, trauma/abuse, depression, anxiety and intellectual/developmental disabilities, but have helped with a variety of other issues presented. I use a person-centered approach in treatment. This means I begin where you are and tailor the treatment approach to your individual needs. I primarily use evidence based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. I would describe my style as warm, non-judgmental and supportive. I'm here to assist you in tackling the issues that you've been struggling to overcome. Collaboration is very important in the client/therapist relationship - together we can work on establishing steps to help you overcome your current issues. I look forward to working with you and providing the best support needed!

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Leslie Wiss

Offering therapy in MO
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to the journey of wellbeing. I believe that you are the expert of your story and my approach is to build upon your strengths to help you advance your journey. I am a graduate of Maryville University with a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling, where I earned the Faculty Award for Student Excellence. I have over 15 years of experience in the social services field working with children and families of diverse backgrounds. My focus is in trauma informed care and I am trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. In the past 4 years, I've discovered a new interest in working with adults experiencing life change and the stress that comes with it. With training in child development, I enjoy working with parents who find themselves at a loss with their children, as well as those that want to proactively ensure they are on track. 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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Derrick Carroll

Offering therapy in MO
AddictionsTrauma and abuse
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions & 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. 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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Katherine Pray

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, intimacy related issues, & 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.

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Isabel Villegas

Offering therapy in MO
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, depression, & 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 proud of you for getting started!

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Tammi Green

Offering therapy in MO
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

My name is Tammi Green. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Counseling and Crisis Trauma from Liberty University and a Masters in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I use an eclectic approach to counseling to match the best method possible to the person and situations they are facing. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, client-centered, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, emotional coaching, and Christian based approaches. I have experience with working with all age groups from 0 to 80+ that have faced a variety of struggles from attachment disorders, ADHD and ADD, Autism, suicidal ideation, transition struggles, family counseling, low self-esteem, anger, ODD, substance use, prison transition, anxiety, trauma, depression, PTSD, emotional identification, parenting, care givers and burn out, behavioral issues, and people and families facing health issues. I am very much a person centered therapist meaning each person’s struggles are unique to them and I match my treatments to that person not a theory.

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How to find counseling in Columbia

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 65217 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia, 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.

Columbia 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 Columbia.

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

65201, 65202, 65203, 65205, 65211, 65212, 65215, 65216, 65217, 65218

Popular cities near Columbia, MO

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