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.
Melanie Bannish
Hello. If you are looking at therapist profiles it is likely that you are coping with something significant in your life. It is important to find a counselor you think would be a good fit for you and able to understand and help. I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri with 20 years of experience. And, I have a broad range of professional interests, experience and professional expertise. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend several years in South America working with children who have medical needs. And I became involved with indigenous peoples struggles and women’s issues while there. After returning to the US, I coordinated a bilingual domestic violence program for Spanish speaking women in collaboration with the Catholic church . Among other people I have worked with are: court-referred clients, EAP professionals and people with disabilities. I also have a strong interest in spirituality and it’s role in health and healing. I was fortunate to be able to participate as a therapist in a study measuring the benefits of religious beliefs in the treatment of trauma survivors. I was also invited to visit a Buddhist ashram in New England where I was able to learn more about meditation, nutrition and other practices. I believe that spirituality can be an integral part of a person’s healing and development and I take a holistic approach in my work. My counseling style is friendly and compassionate. I can talk with you using a combination of text, phone and video depending upon what we decide. I feel honored to be a part of your journey.
Patrick Shanahan
My belief and approach to therapy begins with the idea that humans are generally self- correcting. This follows the teaching of both Carl Jung and Milton Erickson. We can get stuck for a variety of reasons and if able to get past that point, it can lead to us moving in a healthier direction. I believe that our value systems are extremely important to finding direction and solutions. I have studied comparative religions and cultures to be able to understand and work with a wide variety of people. I have worked in many different settings with a wide range of cultures and values. Currently my greatest strength is in working with individuals and couples. I started my career by creating and running an outpatient clinic as part of a runaway and homeless youth shelter. I did this for my first 18 years. We provided case management, individual and family therapy to youth and their families. We did this both in the shelter and in the community. My personal approach includes brief family therapy, problem solving therapy, structural and strategic systems theory, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral, communication theory and addiction therapies. I trained and supervised paid staff and graduate students. I worked in conjunction with a local university to conduct research which enabled us to improve our working therapy model and process. During this time, I completed 29 hours towards a PH. D in family therapy. I was offered a fellowship with Washington University's Ph. D program. I worked part time for New Life Christian Counseling, an outpatient therapy group, providing professional Christian therapy. I then worked 18 years for managed care helping members utilize their mental health benefits, providing phone therapy and crisis intervention. My other experiences were in outpatient office settings.
Cynthia Anders
I am licensed in Missouri with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!
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.
Gina Sokolich
Hi i'm Gina, I'm so glad you've decided to seek help or at least obtain information for your mental health. I recently retired from the EMS field so I'm very familiar with trauma in multiple situations. I work with a lot of people in narcissistic relationships, First Responders with PTSD or other work related struggles. Not everything has to be heavy and traumatic, maybe you just have questions about your life direction. What ever the situation, I can help you with perspective. I am client lead, so I meet you where you are. I give you the space to think and figure things out but will also challenge a perspective. I use EMDR, CBT and Brainspotting most often for situations and discuss things you can do in between sessions. I may also offer information on mindful meditation, stress relief. I'm here to help, let me know what you have going on!
Stacey Walsh
I am licensed in Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, ADHD & 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.
Lisa Travis-Johnson
I am a licensed therapist in Missouri with over 6 years of professional work experience. I also have an extensive background in the field of corrections. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including addictions, trauma and abuse, lack of motivation self-esteem and confidence issues, anxiety and depression. I also focus on gender specific/sensitive issues. I take a warm, empathetic, and compassionate, respectful and interactive approach to therapy. My therapy approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and trauma focused approaches. I tailor sessions to meet the individual needs of the client. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I encourage and invite those with whom I work to enter therapy with an open mind and curiosity to learn about oneself. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.
Tracy Wofford
I am licensed in Missouri with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse & coping with life changes. 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!
Dr. Marilyn Lewis
I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, & coping with life changes. 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 specialize in Christian-based counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 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.
Mary Meehan
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I bring nearly three decades of compassionate counseling experience to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique emotional landscapes of each person's journey, with specialized expertise in addressing stress, anxiety, family dynamics, grief, and self-esteem concerns. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for navigating difficult emotions. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas, including communication challenges, social anxiety, life transitions, trauma recovery, and women's issues. My commitment is to walk alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance. Whether you're struggling with relationship dynamics, personal identity, workplace stress, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, self-compassion, and authentic connection.
Beverly Gardner
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I bring over three decades of compassionate clinical experience to supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics with empathy and professional expertise. I specialize in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including social anxiety, trauma recovery, mood disorders, and women's psychological wellness. My approach is deeply person-centered, focusing on building self-love, improving communication skills, and helping individuals overcome isolation and emotional barriers. My therapeutic work honors the unique experiences of each person, with particular sensitivity to multicultural perspectives and individual identity. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotional challenges, develop healthier coping strategies, and cultivate personal growth and resilience. Through collaborative and compassionate counseling, I aim to empower individuals to understand themselves more deeply, heal from past experiences, and move toward more fulfilling, authentic lives.
Tia Pollick
As a licensed therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and family systems with compassion and expertise. I have a deep understanding of women's issues, young adult experiences, and the nuanced emotional landscapes of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. My therapeutic approach is rooted in fostering self-love, improving communication, and addressing attachment patterns. I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals through significant life changes, including divorce, separation, and family challenges. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Fenton, Missouri
Finding a therapist near you in Fenton, Missouri starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Missouri is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Missouri, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
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 can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Missouri
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Missouri, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Missouri
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Missouri
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Missouri through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Missouri
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Missouri, including residents in Fenton.
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 near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
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 discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Fenton, Missouri
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Fenton and the surrounding MO area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.