For those who are looking to find relief from overwhelming stress, or are simply on the search for a more meaningful life, therapy can offer the tools necessary to achieve your goals. When it comes to finding a therapist, Columbia, MO can offer a wider variety of choice than many surrounding rural and suburban areas, but finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, even in populous metro areas.
One major challenge can be that there are a number of evidence-based approaches in psychotherapy, and how effective they are can depend on the mental health challenge that you’re experiencing. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective at treating anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, but may not be as effective at treating complex personality disorders (which may need another form of therapy like dialectical behavioral therapy). What you need may not be readily available or accessible in your area.
That’s where online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can come in. BetterHelp offers access to over 30,000 mental health professionals who specialize in many different areas of therapy like ADHD coaching, solution focused therapy, and a holistic approach, and have experience working with diverse populations. By filling out an online questionnaire, BetterHelp will connect you with a therapist that meets your individual needs. And because it can be important to feel confident in your client/therapist relationship for the most effective therapy, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
Online therapy can also be a convenient solution for busy professionals, parents, or students. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, or text messaging options, you can talk to your therapist from the safe haven of your own home or office.
Therapy can be beneficial for any number of reasons. Whether you feel stuck in your life, are experiencing low self-esteem, or simply want to explore personal truths, move forward in your personal growth with the help of therapy. Reach out to BetterHelp for a simple way to get started on the wellness journey you deserve.
Sara Nielsen
I am an LPC (licensed practicing counselor) in the State of Alabama and have been practicing for about 20 years. I have experience with couples therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, OCD and many other concerns. This is a safe space! My counseling style is collaborative, interactive and guided by your needs. This is a safe space, where you will not find judgment. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, acceptance commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness based, strengths based and other styles of counseling. I will tailor to your needs and expressed wishes; we will together to determine your therapeutic needs. I recognize the difficulty of seeking help and of creating change; I am here to help you every step of the way! I look forward to working with you!
William Wilson
I am a licensed professional counselor in the State of Missouri, and I have been practicing for six years. I typically work with adolescents and adults, and I have experience treating a broad range of concerns. These include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, spiritual crises, organizational skills and goals, communication, and relationships. I also have experience with grief and trauma, as well as abuse. Finally, I have also worked with couples and pre-marital counseling. I utilize multiple different approaches, depending upon the context and the client's specific needs. For instance, I often utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, logotherapy, narrative therapy, and existential approaches. I appreciate the complexity of individual's and the variability each person's unique set of circumstances bring to the table. Hence, my approach reflects these observations, as I aim to avoid over-simplistic or reductionist views of people and their concerns. Life can easily become overwhelming, as our daily experiences present us with a staggering amount of complexity and stress. It's not reasonable to assume that we can, or even should, handle these things on our own. We are social creatures, and thriving in the world requires us to take hold of those who have extended themselves to us. That is what it means to make the choice to speak to a counselor. It is the acceptance of an invitation to walk together, with someone, through a season of life. It is one of the most human things we can do. I greatly anticipate walking alongside you, as you take the first steps to address and overcome the obstacles in your path.
Hillary Haarmann
Hi! My name is Hillary. I am a licensed therapist with many years of experience in providing talk therapy to clients with a diverse set of backgrounds. I enjoy working with people, helping them to realize their full potential and by providing support and guidance in reaching their goals. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, and my Master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis. I have experience working with adults and teenagers living with stress, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and chemical dependency. I help and support people going through major life transitions such as; new job, parenting, relationship stressors, grief/loss, etc. I like to use cognitive behavioral therapy, challenging negative automatic thoughts, working towards a healthier self. I believe having a constructive view of the self is the first step to moving forward to achieve your goals. I like to concentrate on solution-focused therapy using client’s goals as their motivation to better themselves, being mindful, present in the moment, as a place to start. I want to assist my clients to find their own empowerment. I offer my clients new perspectives while focusing on their strengths and support them in their journey towards the life they want and deserve. I look forward to working with you. I believe the client-therapist team is an extremely powerful partnership that can bring about positive change. Thank you and I look forward to working with you, Hillary
Karen Kavaloski
Hello, my name is Karen Kavaloski and I am a LPC in New Mexico, North Carolina and in Missouri. I was originally licensed as a counselor in 2009 while working in Arizona by the State of North Carolina after making a career change from a almost 30 year history in nursing. My passion since I was a young adult was counseling and it took me almost 30 years to achieve my goal of becoming a counselor. I was a Marine wife for almost 30 years and have traveled allot, I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. My youngest, a son, and one of my grandchildren are severely autistic so I can identify with the stress and struggles some families have with managing special needs within their family. I am also a cancer survivor. I believe we all have an ability to heal the body, mind and soul and I consciously strive daily to be an active participant in my life and support and encourage others to do the same. My education beyond my nursing and counseling includes a Masters in Business Administration and a Doctorate in (Christian) Ministries. I have worked primarily over this past 17 years with trauma and substance abuse in the adult population with about 3 years working with the teenage population in these areas. I also have worked about 5 years total with prison reentry and counseling individuals and families with histories of incarceration in state and federal prison. I believe in working with individuals and families to achieve their highest goals. I believe the client is the expert in his/her own life and I fully encourage one to strive to work towards building a strong foundation within themselves and their families whatever that looks like to them, to that end I use focused solution therapy, internal systems therapy, mindfulness/compassion therapy, cognitive and cognitive behavioral, dialectical therapy, emotional freedom techniques and/or neurolinguistic techniques . I am also the author and publisher self help books under my Sacred Self Workbook Series Outside my therapy practice, I spend my leisure time reading. meditation/praying and gardening. I do light exercise daily.
Terry Hasenzahl
Hello and welcome! I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Missouri and Nevada with 25+ years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My therapy style is warm, caring, and engaging while striving to provide a safe environment for clients to find the help and support they need to make positive changes. I am passionate about building strong, trusting, and judgement-free relationships and working collaboratively with clients so they can begin to live more peaceful, fulfilling, authentic, and healthy lives. Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed, or just trying hard to maintain? Are you struggling in a relationship? Do unresolved painful memories keep you from living your best life? I understand how difficult it can be to seek help and the courage it takes to make that first step. If not now, then when? Counseling is a place of hope and a gift you can give yourself that will benefit you and those you love. My approach in therapy is person-centered and strengths-based. I provide psycho-education and use a variety of therapeutic interventions including cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, DBT, EMDR (level 1), narrative, solution focused, mindfulness, insight therapies, and family system theories. I look forward to working with you!
Alicia Cunningham
First things first..... You are not "broken". Everyone is worthy of having a joyful, satisfying life but sometimes we need help. It's ok. I would be honored to work with you and help you reconnect with yourself and gain control over your life. I aim to empower individuals and couples to rebuild relationships, improve self esteem, develop positive coping skills, and overcome any challenge life has thrown your way. I believe in counseling. I believe in having a safe place to be yourself and discuss hardships, and thoughts free of judgement. During counseling we will address your specific needs. This is your opportunity to get the help you need and deserve. As a team, we will work together.
Kathryn Douglas
I have worked in mental health since 2004. I have been employed in a variety of settings and worked with individuals struggling with addiction, chronic mental health issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum depression and anxiety. I work from a behavior context, largely utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other behavioral techniques. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2004 from Quincy University, my Master's degree in Education in Counseling in 2007 from Quincy University, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State in 2013, a Master's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2022, and a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2025.
Debra Robinson
Hello! My name is Debra Robinson. I am Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri. I have over 10 years of experience working in the field of counseling. As Life is Precious, my goal is to help individuals live a “quality” life. Quality living is when there is a balance between the body, mind and spirit; an unspeakable sense of peace. I am committed to helping individuals gain self-awareness so that they can begin to heal and see more positive emotional outcomes. I practice from an integrative perspective, meaning that I typically use several different therapeutic modalities in my work depending on the needs of the individual. I have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. My clinical experience has included working with individuals, families and groups. I have a special interest in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression and anger issues. I know that seeking therapy can be hard at times, so I would love to make this process as easy as possible for you. My goal is to help you build on your inner strengths and natural resilience.
Guerlene Warden
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 plus years of experience working in the mental health field and 6 plus years as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges and ADHD. I also enjoy working with children, adolescents, and younger. I have worked in school settings. The majority of my work as a therapist has been dedicated to working with teens struggling with depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My style of therapy is humanistic, warm, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect. Despite our differences or life experiences, we all have a story and it takes courage to take the initial step and seek help. In essence, I strive to create a safe space to help you through your journey to creating your desired life. My approach is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and understanding while incorporating various modalities tailored to meet your specific needs.
Belinda Timm
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I bring a compassionate and dedicated approach to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My professional background centers on helping clients navigate emotional wellness, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and personal growth. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey. My therapeutic approach is rooted in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for emotional resilience. I have extensive experience working with individuals facing diverse challenges, including relationship dynamics, self-esteem concerns, and grief. My practice honors each client's unique background and perspective, with particular sensitivity to those seeking a faith-aligned counseling experience. I strive to provide thoughtful, empathetic guidance that respects individual values and supports personal transformation. Through evidence-based practices and a client-centered approach, I am committed to walking alongside you as you develop stronger emotional tools, cultivate self-understanding, and move toward greater personal well-being.
Erin Arthur
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 28 years of professional counseling and case management experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse histories, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar and mood disorders, as well as serious mental illness 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 I have experience with adolescents, and adults.. I am trained in many different schools of therapy, and will choose that which I feel will be most helpful to you,, as well as allowing for maximum growth. I believe in treating the core issues, that are causing current issues. I know that it can be difficult to reach out and ask for help. Let’s see if this is a good fit. Thank you for letting me serve you!
Barbara Edelman
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, holistic approach to therapy, focusing on areas such as self-love, communication, social connections, and life purpose. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of experiences, including women's issues, young adult transitions, workplace challenges, and family dynamics. I'm particularly attuned to supporting individuals through significant life changes like pregnancy, divorce, and aging. My approach is deeply empathetic, creating a safe space where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I'm committed to providing personalized, supportive guidance that honors your individual experiences and goals. Together, we'll work collaboratively to help you build stronger emotional well-being and discover your inner strengths.
Dr. Rochelle Bates
I am licensed in Missouri with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse & coping with grief and loss. 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. I approach counseling with respect, sensitivity and the knowledge that individuals are open to change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have experience with a variety of individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, relational concerns, grief and many other distresses. As an advocate and change agent, I am passionate about assisting individuals in making good decisions for their future without the fear of being judged. My therapy style is listening and empowering individuals to feel open to discuss in-depth problems which can make profound differences in their lives. I have a Doctorate Degree of Philosophy in Christian Education from Anchor Theological Seminary and Bible Institute. I was the Dean of Students for the School of Ministry and Leadership at my church. As a woman of faith, I can provide guidance in spiritual matters. When life seems overwhelming and your thoughts become unmanageable, it is time for you to get counseling to unravel your feelings. Please, let me be the one to help you.
Dr. Brenda S Melton
I am licensed in Missouri with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Find a Therapist Near You in Columbia , 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.
With a population of Missouri_POPULATION, 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_COUNTIES, 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 Missouri_COUNTIES.
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.