Casey French
Hello, my name is Casey French and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Through guidance, encouragement and support, I have helped clients of all ages and backgrounds discover a better quality of life. My main area of focus is first responders; police, fire, EMS, and military personnel that work in crisis everyday and that live in a constant state of alertness. Transitioning back into "normal" life with family and friends can be difficult. Not only can asking for help be stressful, but finding the time can be all but impossible. Being able to reach out to someone at times that work best for you is critical and is why I began working with Betterhelp. Are you seeking relief from depression, anxiety, frustrations in relationships, low self esteem? My goal is to provide a safe and supportive setting where you can explore your deepest questions and to help you find ways to become more confident and comfortable in the world. My approach is collaborative and eclectic although I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I will seek to understand you as a unique individual and tailor my approach to what works for you. I am experienced and dedicated to working with you in overcoming the obstacles that cause you distress and to create a more balanced and satisfying life. Let me help you take the first step in accepting your past, living in your present, and changing your future.
Lucas Streets
I want to applaud your effort in asking for help; it's not easy to admit when we need it. Life is full of challenges and problems but the good news is we don't have to go it alone. When faced with a problem, I like to remind myself that for a problem to exist, their must be an answer. I want to help you find your answer today. Hi, my name is Lucas Streets and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Oklahoma and Missouri and a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Kansas. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, Trauma and ADHD. My counseling style is energetic, motivating, and encouraging but can be direct when needed. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect and compassion. I don't believe anyone has a problem they should carry alone. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy primarily, humanistic, and solution oriented styles of therapy when needed. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Remember, no problem can exist without an answer, no one should struggle alone, and their is always hope when we are willing to consider other options. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. 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.
Sara Schuessler
Hello! My name is Sara and I have over 16 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor in St. Louis, Missouri. I have extensive therapeutic experience working with individuals, families, teenagers, and children. I have provided services in a variety of settings including residential treatment centers, homes, and schools, all of which have allowed me to possess an abundance of skills. I am a rostered Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and a Nationally Certified Clinician. I have experience with family conflict, parenting problems, relationship issues, school problems, trauma, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, self esteem, and anger management. I have my Masters of Arts in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, Missouri, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. My counseling style is warm and inviting, with a focus on the client at all times. You are the one seeking support and the one determining the goals you'd like to work towards. You are the expert on yourself and I am here to help facilitate change. My therapeutic approach is Client Centered with Cognitive Behavioral therapy techniques and Solution Focused therapy techniques to help you reach your goals. Currently, my sessions are scheduled Mondays and Thursdays. I am not able to schedule on evenings or weekends. When I'm not in sessions, you can find me shopping at Target, cycling on the Peloton, watching the newest Netflix show, reading a good book, or hanging with my family and our dog. I'm excited you're here and looking forward to working together!
Dr. Paula Alvarez
Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021. I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.
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.
Michael McGaugh
I have about twenty years work experience in the field of mental health services, I have worked as an adult case manager in community support services. I have also been an intake specialist; but the one area I have found the most rewarding is working as a mental health counselor. I enjoy working with people in helping them to see issues and problems from different perspectives and helping them to make better choices that will help them with feeling better about themselves and to overcome their personal problems. I hold advanced degrees in psychology and mental health counseling. From my education and work experience, I have found CBT and positive center approaches along with solution based therapy to be effective in helping clients to become more mindful along with helping them to build coping skills that they can utilize to help them to be more empowered in making healthy decisions in their lives.
Phillis Johnson-Haywood
Hey All!! My name is Phillis Johnson-Haywood. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the States of Missouri and Illinois. I am a National certified counselor (NCC). I hold a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling. I also hold a Master's in Gerontology and has completed lots of work with our senior population. I have worked as a therapist for over ten years. I enjoy working with Clients. I have a background in grief, LGBT, trauma, and personality disorders. I would love to get the chance to walk this journey with you. I have also worked with clients experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties to help them bring about effective change and/or enhance their wellbeing. Clients could have issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, loss and relationship difficulties that are affecting their ability to manage life.
Emily Meyers
Welcome — I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a therapist who works at the intersection of trauma, the nervous system, and whole-person healing. Whether you're navigating the effects of past experiences, coping with chronic illness, or feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of being a highly sensitive person, you don’t have to do it alone. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and deeply attuned to your body’s wisdom and your life’s complexity. With a background in both traditional talk therapy and expressive modalities like art therapy and mindfulness, I offer a space where healing is both creative and somatic. I help clients gently reconnect with their nervous systems, process trauma in safe and supported ways, and build tools for emotional regulation, physical resilience, and self-trust. My work often resonates with people who: - Feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, freeze, or overwhelm - Live with chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, or unexplained symptoms -Identify as highly sensitive, empathic, or emotionally intuitive -Are healing from developmental, relational, or complex trauma -Want a therapy experience that honors both science and soul -Desire to make healthy changes in life Together, we can explore how trauma lives in the body, how to soothe a hyperactive stress response, and how to reclaim joy, meaning, and connection in your daily life. I bring warmth, curiosity, and creativity to our work — and a belief in your capacity to heal at your own pace, in your own way. If this sounds like a path you’re ready to explore, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Barbara Vincent
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Missouri Since 1992. I have worked in various settings to include private and state hospitals, and community mental health centers. With these settings, I have had the opportunity to work with chronic mental illness, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, gender identity issues, cultural issues, trauma, life transitions, abandonment, and attachment disorders. I have training in DBT, EMDR, Person Centered, and CBT. I believe the first time you have a session you begin the healing process. It is your therapy and you lead me where you need to go. I may need at times to help you explore more areas, but only when you are ready. I use a multi-sensory approach along with my other trainings, because words may not always express what needs to be understood. Together skills and insights will be explored that will be useful for your current issue and be able to translate to other concerns. I hope you decide to start your healing soon and I will be happy to join you in the experience.
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!
Donna King
I am a licensed therapist in Missouri with over 10 years of experience. I have specialized training in trauma in general as well as military trauma. Furthermore, I have worked with a wide range of clients whose issues include anxiety, depression, marriage/family and relationship issues, abuse, low self-esteem, and intimacy issues, as examples. Even though I am a Christian, I also regularly see clients who are not, whereas it has never posed a problem. I am accepting and engaging and I strive to treat everyone with dignity and respect! Furthermore, I am eclectic in my approach while using various treatment methods including but not limited to cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, psychoanalytical, and solution-focused therapies, as examples. I am here to help you overcome even the most difficult aspects of life, to help you navigate through every day aspects of life, or anything that you might need assistance with. Overall, I am here for you, and I look forward to working with you!!!
Julie Diaz
I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 23 years of professional counseling experience. I have assisted individuals with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss and so much more. I facilitate an open and safe environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. It takes courage and determination 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.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Joplin, Missouri
Finding a therapist near you in Joplin, 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 Joplin.
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 Joplin, Missouri
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Joplin and the surrounding MO area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.