If you’re looking for a therapist in Independence, MO, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. With BetterHelp, you can attend sessions from anywhere you have an internet connection and switch providers at any time for free until you find the right fit. All counselors who practice therapy via the BetterHelp platform have at least a master’s degree and meet all state licensing requirements.
Therapy can help with overcoming things like childhood trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, or the symptoms of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. A therapist can also help you if you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling with personal growth, or are just hoping to change your story. You and your therapist will work together to identify your strengths, discuss your challenges, and explore treatment options that may work for you.
Whether you need help with trauma recovery or working through a significant life change, connect with a therapist in the Kansas City and Independence area below to learn more.
Jessica Sawyer Horne
Jessica Sawyer Horne, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP, LCAS, CCS, DCSW, ACSW, is a licensed independent clinician with nearly 16-years of experience in the behavioral health field and overall 18-years in the social work/human services field. Mrs. Sawyer Horne has a Master’s Degree of Social Work, with a specialization in Health/Mental Health, from Clark-Atlanta University, of Atlanta, GA. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology/Social Welfare from Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC. Mrs. Sawyer Horne has worked in different treatment setting to include but not be limited to: outpatient behavioral health, emergency services, inpatient psychiatric services, residential substance use program, integrated care, community based services, etc. The populations she has worked with range from children to geriatrics. Mrs. Sawyer Horne’s theoretical orientation is diverse (eclectic) and individualized, to include but not be limited to: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Therapy, Psycho-dynamic Approaches, Behavioral Based Therapies, Seeking Safety, Psycho-Education, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused, Supportive Psychotherapy, etc. I am honored that you have chosen to work with me. Please know that I value the counseling relationship. I consider this relationship to be one of mutual, sacred trust.
Samala Wallack
Caring for you in a safe, therapeutic online environment while promoting healing is my specialty. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for 10+ years, who provides therapeutic services for young adults, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. I work with individuals who may experience symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, and Gender Dysphoria,. My treatment approaches include utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and artistic modalities to address a variety of challenges including but not limited to trauma, suicidality, self-esteem, academic performance, defiance, anger, depression, anxiety, parenting, and relationship issues. I also customize therapy to your personal situation and goals for treatment. I completed my Educational Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and have a Master of Science in Counseling from Wright State University. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology with a minor in Correctional Science from Oakwood University. My experience includes working with the child welfare system, public vocational rehabilitation system, in-home based therapy, residential treatment care, and outpatient therapy. Let’s partner together to promote healing one therapy session at a time!
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.
Shawnean Callihan
As a licensed therapist in Missouri with nearly three decades of clinical experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate and understanding approach to therapy, particularly for those experiencing communication difficulties, isolation, trauma recovery, and interpersonal challenges. My expertise spans working with young adults, women, families, and individuals managing neurodevelopmental differences. My therapeutic style emphasizes empowerment, healing, and personal transformation. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and work towards meaningful life changes. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, parenting challenges, or personal transitions, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional guidance.
Aquila Rives
As a licensed therapist serving Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on understanding the unique challenges of communication, family dynamics, and personal growth. I have worked with clients to address depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal conflicts. I strive to create a compassionate and affirming therapeutic environment. My practice is deeply committed to cultural responsiveness and meeting diverse client needs. I bring a nuanced understanding to working with individuals from varied backgrounds, including those seeking faith-informed support and culturally sensitive counseling. My goal is to provide a supportive space where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I collaborate with clients to develop personalized strategies that honor their individual strengths and lived experiences. Whether addressing stress, family challenges, or navigating complex emotional terrain, I approach each therapeutic relationship with empathy, respect, and genuine commitment to your healing journey.
Starlett Grey
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My professional approach centers on understanding the unique experiences of each client, with particular expertise in addressing depression, family dynamics, trauma recovery, and women's mental health. I bring compassionate, culturally responsive care to my practice, drawing from extensive training in trauma-informed therapeutic techniques. My work focuses on helping clients develop effective communication strategies, process posttraumatic experiences, and work through significant life transitions like divorce or caregiver stress. My background includes deep experience supporting individuals dealing with family of origin issues, multicultural concerns, and personal growth. I'm committed to creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and I approach each client's journey with respect, empathy, and a genuine commitment to their healing and personal transformation.
Dala Hemeyer
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, & career difficulties. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Jessica Erickson
I am a mental health counselor licensed in the state of Missouri with five years of experience working as a counselor. I have experience working with concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, personality disorders, and trauma history. I have worked with a range of ages, from as young as 4 to individuals in their 70’s. When working with a client, I am warm and understanding and also enjoy using humor when appropriate. I believe everyone deserves to be seen as the expert in their own story. My approach to therapy is a combination of cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and person-centered therapy. Therapy sessions and treatment plans will be individualized to meet your specific needs. I look forward to meeting you and supporting your journey in an understanding, empathetic way.
Julie Burr
My name is Julie and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Missouri and I’d love to partner with you to feel well and be well! Let's nourish your soul and find healing with the practices I’ve implemented from the wealth of wisdom I’ve gleaned from decades of challenges related to health, relationships, and loss. From the unexpected loss of numerous loved ones, the end of intimate relationships, unmet expectations and chronic illness we can go from misery to mastery, bitter to better, and find some nuggets of joy in the journey. It's not easy but YOU are worth investing in! It takes time but let’s find peace, balance and contentment *in the midst of* crazy times. Life can really be tough and there's not a lot of easy answers to many challenges. While I find DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), mindfulness and faith in general to be very useful for many people I'm honored to help find the best approach for YOU in coping with life's curveballs, managing long seasons of hardship, and finding hope in the most difficult issues we may face. Particular interests of mine include travel, nutrition, movement, parenting struggling children, caregiving, social and environmental justice, race relations and finding the aspects of faith that are helpful while discerning what doesn't serve you well.
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.
Martha Green
I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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.
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.
Santresda Johnson
I am licensed in Missouri with 4 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 depression. 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.
Jennie Harvat
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a decade of experience supporting individuals through trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. My work integrates evidence-based modalities—especially Dialectical Behavior Therapy—with a holistic, trauma-informed perspective that honors the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of healing. Alongside traditional therapeutic approaches, I incorporate gentle mind-body practices such as sound therapy techniques and individualized suggestions for supportive herbal remedies when appropriate. Clients describe my style as grounded, direct, and deeply compassionate, with a focus on emotional regulation, clarity, and long-term resilience. I am especially passionate about serving military-connected individuals, trauma survivors, and those ready to break long-standing patterns and reconnect with their authentic self.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Independence, Missouri
Finding a therapist near you in Independence, 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 Independence.
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 Independence, Missouri
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Independence and the surrounding MO area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.