Laurie Black
Hello! My name is Laurie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing in the State of Missouri. I am able to work with members from Missouri. I have been working as a counselor for 12 years. I have worked for better help since 2019. I have worked with individuals facing major life events, job stress, anxiety, depression, workplace stress and grief. I believe in starting where the individual is at that moment and working from there. I believe treatment should be highly individualized. I am nonjudgmental and empathetic. I use cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices to assist individuals in bringing out their strengths and reducing their stress level. I believe in taking control of negative thinking. I believe we can work together to achieve a balanced, positive life. I believe that we all have the potential within to achieve satisfaction in life. I want to assist in identifying these strengths. I want to help find those obstacles and assist in resolving them. I am an active and empathetic listener. I offer practical tools to help keep you moving in a goal-oriented direction. I draw upon a range of therapeutic strategies including cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic approaches, strength-based approaches, solution focused techniques, and mindfulness. I treat everyone with empathy, respect and dignity. I look forward to working together.
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?
Ricky Lomax
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I bring over two decades of experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing men's issues, life transitions, trauma recovery, and family conflicts with a compassionate, culturally sensitive approach. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering individuals to develop deeper self-understanding, improve communication skills, and cultivate meaningful connections. I'm particularly passionate about supporting young adults, addressing social anxiety, and helping clients work through midlife transitions, attachment challenges, and personal healing journeys. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and move toward more fulfilling lives. My approach is grounded in respect, empathy, and a commitment to honoring each person's unique path to wellness.
Colby (CJ) Green
I am an individual and family counselor licensed in the state of Missouri. I have over 15 years of experience as a clinical therapist in both inpatient and outpatient settings along with treating both adolescents and adults. Over the years I have worked with individuals, both adolescents and adults, with a wide variety of struggles including depression, anxiety, behavior modification, relationship issues, and anger management just to name a few. My counseling style is welcoming and adaptive. I strive to treat individuals with respect, compassion, and a holistic approach without judgment or bias. I may not always tell you what you want to hear, but will always remain committed to telling you what you need to hear. I will always work to have our communication and treatment expectations adapt to you as an individual and your specific needs. It is never the easiest thing to take the first step towards change and humbling ourselves. With that in mind, I am here to help be a guide, coach, teacher, cheerleader, and a library of tools to help you tackle whatever life may throw at you. I look forward to working with you.
Christopher Massey
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with four years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting problems, addictions, and other mental health diagnoses. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect in their life. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, empathy, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused modalities. I will meet you where you are at in your life and assist you in determining what changes you would like to see in your life. Based off of this, we will create an individualized treatment plan with goals that are important to you. I can teach you coping skills and strategies to manage your mental health, and encourage you along the way to recovery. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help and to take the first steps towards making changes in your life. It is a sign of strength and not a weakness. I can assist you in your journey towards a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
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!
Dr. Amy Cole
I have a Doctorate of Behavioral Health through Arizona State University, Ed.S in School Mental Health from the University of Missouri, and Master's in School Counseling from Missouri State University. I am licensed professional Counselor in Missouri with 7 years of professional work experience which includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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 have been working the past six months with the geriatric population in the hospital setting. I have provided information to help them learn coping skills for loneliness, grief, anxiety, depression, and isolation.
Carolyn Babbitt Stuckey
I am licensed in Missouri with 9 years of professional direct counseling experience & an additional 5 years providing support for individuals with cognitive or physical barriers to employment. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, depression & ADHD. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Robert Good
I am licensed in both Missouri and Texas with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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!
Connie Grand
I am licensed in Missouri with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Durre Mumtaz
I am licensed in Missouri with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages starting from 9 years of age to seniors with relationship issues, Marriage counseling, family conflicts with estrangement, ADHD, Mood Regulation, Anxiety, Depression, and Self Esteem . 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.
Lauren Moret-Glass
I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Casey Peak
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and healthy coping strategies across diverse areas including stress management, relationship dynamics, addiction recovery, and personal growth. I bring compassionate expertise to addressing intimacy concerns, communication barriers, and emotional healing. My practice focuses on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore sensitive topics like sexuality, chronic health challenges, and personal transformation. My therapeutic framework integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic understanding of human experience. I'm particularly committed to supporting clients through addiction recovery, trauma healing, and personal empowerment. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, or seeking deeper self-awareness, I aim to provide thoughtful, non-judgmental guidance tailored to your unique journey.
Find a Therapist Near You in Houston Lake , 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 Houston Lake.
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.