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.
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.
Kerry Branum
Kerry Branum is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri, Lincense #2012022789. and Life Coach, and teacher, with expertise in individual and family relationships. With over 10 years of experience as a therapist, educator, and coach, Kerry is a graduate of Missouri Baptist University with a Master's in Counseling and Ole Miss with an Educational Specialist degree in Counselor Education specializing in Play Therapy. In addition to counseling, Kerry provides coaching and teaching services to help clients achieve their goals and create a more fulfilling life. As a coach, Kerry helps clients identify their strengths and develop strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. As a teacher, he provides clients with practical tools and techniques to navigate challenges and make positive changes in their lives. Kerry's approach to therapy, coaching, and teaching is grounded in the belief that every individual has the potential to achieve their full potential and create a meaningful life. He works collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies and techniques to help them cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and well-being. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Kerry is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. He holds certifications in various therapeutic approaches, including Registered Play Therapist (R-PT) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), and is equipped to provide effective and evidence-based treatment to clients of all ages. So whether you're seeking counseling, coaching, or teaching services, Kerry is here to support you on your journey towards personal growth and fulfillment.
Susan Van Wazer
Hello and Welcome! I am really looking forward to getting started with you. It can take a big step to make that initial contact for some guidance and help. My name is Sue. I've been a therapist for over 30 years and use a family systems theoretical approach when helping others through the issues and how those issues developed. I also use Cognitive behavioral therapy to guide people on making the changes that they want to see in their lives. Often it's the patterns that we aren't aware of that have an underlying pull to keep us where we are or keep us from making changes. I also help people who have survived traumatic childhood experiences that still haunt or effect one's life that can feel debilitating. Throughout my tenure as a therapist I have worked in many capacities, including developing programs, supervising therapists, running the administrative aspects of programs, such as grants, events, etc. I have lived in several places within this country from large metropolis to small town communities. I work with LGBQ, youth and young people, families, couples, career issues, persons seeking major change, persons seeing recovery from psychological trauma, depression, anxiety, and more. I'm looking forward to working with you! Talk to you soon! Sue
Lexie Avery
I am licensed in Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. 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. 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.
Jessica David
Welcome! My name is Jessica David. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. I am so happy to hear that you are taking the time to seek out support for something that you are struggling with. I would love to work with you and help you overcome the challenges you are facing. I have been working as a professional counselor for the past 14 years. I have worked in both a residential setting helping individuals with trauma and abuse as well as the school setting. It is important for you to find someone that you can speak to open and honestly without the fear of judgement. As a therapist, I respectfully support clients in identifying and reaching goals. My goal is to act as a guide and support as clients become empowered through the therapeutic journey. I have the most experience in working with those struggling from depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem and confidence. I enjoy working with clients using many different therapeutic modalities; client-centered, solution focused, cognitive behavior therapy, strength based and mindfulness therapy. I really look forward to working with you and helping you become the best version of you!
Toni McClure
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a family therapy concentration, and Life Coach with over 30 years’ experience who will work with you to reach your goals. I am also a trained crisis counselor, and Employee Assistance Professional. I have proudly offered clinical services to our active military, reserved, and veterans. I have also worked intensively with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, with a strong background in trauma recovery. I especially enjoy helping individuals find their internals strengths to solve problems. I specialize in helping individuals gain and maintain a healthy and balanced life: holistic approach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including and not limited to depression, anxiety, life stress, family issues, trauma, and grief and loss. My approach is strengths-based , cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, problem-solving, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy, tailored to meet your unique and specific needs/goals. We will work closely together as we embark on your journey to implement your roadmap to success. I listen and genuinely care about you and your concerns. I will help you identify and use your strengths and set personal goals. I will also assist you with finding the skills and tools necessary to rise above obstacles, improve your life, and reach your personal goals. Ultimately to empower you to make the positive changes you are seeking.
Kevin Lane
I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Johnnie Ezell
I'm a licensed therapist practicing in Arkansas and Missouri with extensive experience supporting adults through life's most challenging transitions. My work focuses on helping individuals navigate depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and self-esteem concerns, as well as addiction-related struggles and their underlying causes. I specialize in addressing social anxiety, phobias, guilt, shame, and forgiveness work. I'm particularly skilled in supporting clients with mood disorders, midlife transitions, seasonal affective patterns, and process addictions. I also have deep experience working with military veterans and older adults, as well as those navigating codependency and control issues. My approach is grounded in genuine respect for each person's values and worldview. I believe in meeting clients where they are—without judgment—and creating space for honest exploration of what's holding them back. I draw on evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Whether you're facing a specific life challenge or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm here to support your journey toward greater peace and authenticity. I'm honored to walk alongside you in this process.
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.
Colleen Larson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri with three years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & depression. I use a strengths-based, humanistic approach to therapy. I look forward to helping my clients discover something new about themselves while helping to build new skills to cope with life's challenges.
Thomas Michler
As a seasoned therapist with three decades of professional experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My practice focuses on helping clients address stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and parenting challenges. I bring a compassionate and strategic approach to counseling, drawing from extensive clinical expertise to help individuals develop resilience, improve communication, and create meaningful personal growth strategies. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop coping skills, and work towards their emotional wellness objectives. I am committed to tailoring therapeutic approaches to each individual's unique needs, strengths, and personal journey.
Michelle Jones
As a compassionate therapist with extensive experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics. I am deeply committed to creating a supportive, affirming environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered, drawing from evidence-based practices to help clients navigate self-discovery, heal from past experiences, and build resilience. I have particular expertise in working with issues related to social anxiety, life purpose, communication challenges, and personal identity. I strive to provide a non-judgmental, inclusive space that honors each individual's unique journey. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship dynamics, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance.
Lauren Bunting
I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel comfortable exploring their experiences and working toward the changes they want in their lives. With more than three years of clinical counseling experience and over ten years as a school counselor, I have had the privilege of working with adolescents, teens, adults, and couples facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and everyday stressors. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for each person’s unique story and the resilience they bring to the counseling process. My approach is centered on meeting clients where they are and helping them build on their existing strengths. I enjoy supporting individuals and couples as they develop healthier communication patterns, navigate attachment and relationship concerns, and strengthen their emotional well-being. Together, we explore the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be contributing to distress while identifying practical strategies that promote growth and healing. I view therapy as a partnership. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I work collaboratively with clients to develop meaningful goals that align with their values and aspirations. Through increased self-awareness, healthier coping skills, and stronger connections with themselves and others, clients can create lasting changes that support a greater sense of balance, fulfillment, and overall well-being.
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 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.