This is Susan Van Wazer's avatar and link to their profile

Susan Van Wazer

Offering therapy in MO
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

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 Susan Van Wazer, and I go by "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

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Sarah Jennings

Offering therapy in MO
License: MS,LPC
LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

My name is Sarah L. Jennings, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, living in Saint Louis, MO. I have 17 years of counseling experience, (this is a second career for me) working first in domestic violence shelters with battered women, then in federally mandated counseling with ex-offenders. I have extensive experience working with grief, especially complicated grief, and with PTSD. I am lesbian, married to a woman, and have counseled many LGBTQ clients. My approach to therapy is eclectic, tailoring the types of psychotherapy to the individual. I have used CBT, Existential, Feminist, Rogerian (client-centered), Solution-focused Brief Therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy, and sometimes borrow from transactional analysis. I believe it is important to join with my clients on their journey toward self-actualization. I enjoy working with the aging population, and the life stages and challenges of the LGBTQ population. I also am interested in working with people of all walks of life who are on a spiritual quest, and am open and interested in all spiritual journeys. I am always interested in talking with atheists and agnostics.

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Terry Hasenzahl

Offering therapy in MO
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Missouri and Nevada with 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My therapy style is warm, caring, and engaging while striving to provide a safe environment for clients to find the help and support they need to make positive changes. I am passionate about building strong, trusting, and judgement-free relationships and working collaboratively with clients so they can begin to live more peaceful, fulfilling, authentic, and healthy lives. Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed, or just trying hard to maintain? Are you struggling in a relationship? Do unresolved painful memories keep you from living your best life? I understand how difficult it can be to seek help and the courage it takes to make that first step. If not now, then when? Counseling is a place of hope and a gift you can give yourself that will benefit you and those you love. My approach in therapy is person-centered and strengths-based. I provide psycho-education and use a variety of therapeutic interventions including cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, DBT, EMDR (level 1), narrative, solution focused, mindfulness, insight therapies, and family system theories. I look forward to working with you!

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Vanessa Albergo

Offering therapy in MO
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! My name is Vanessa and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida, Missouri, & New Mexico. I am bilingual(English & Spanish) and can provide counseling in both languages. I am originally from New York and moved to South Florida for college and never left.   I have lived in South Florida for over 15 years and have built both a family and career here, I guess the sunny warm weather made it hard to go back :-)   My clinical background in Mental Health began as an undergrad and continued through grad school, working for the public sector for the Department of  Children & Families where I worked with children, then the elderly in skilled nursing facilities and with adolescents in group homes.  I then went on to work and provide services that include counseling and advocacy for oncology patients at one of the largest cancer hospitals in South Florida. In addition to this, I have also worked with adults in inpatient rehab for substance abuse and court ordered treatment, and served outpatient clients in the LGBTQ community. My training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),  Psychodynamic, Solution Focused,  and many others that include treatment planning; where my goal is to get my client back to a normal baseline that they are comfortable with and can function in their daily life. I am an open minded, kindhearted and empathetic individual, where my mantra is that I am here for YOU, my job is to assist you in anyway that I can, and help you manage life's daily stressors that may be recent or long-term.  I work daily to remove the stigma that Mental Health has in our society, because the reality is, we all have good and bad days, some just need some assistance and guidance on how to manage it better. I believe we are all one step away from a mental health crisis, life is one big roller coaster of stress, worry, emotion that all revolve around something changing in our life that we were not prepared for and do not know how to adjust to it. So my job is to help you navigate all of that and achieve happiness, peace and overall well being.  You are more than welcomed to message me through BetterHelp, and be proud that seeking assistance for yourself is one of the bravest things we as human beings can do for ourselves is admit when we need help. My schedule is flexible and am able to provide services in the evenings to accommodate the working person.  Session hours: EST I look forward to working with you! 

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Tracy Wofford

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Judy Stanfill

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

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Joseph Bates

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
20 years of experience

I am a license clinical social worker with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anger management, substance use, domestic violence, depression, and interpersonal issues. 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. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

This is Nicole Shaddix-Olsen's avatar and link to their profile

Nicole Shaddix-Olsen

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Alanna Goestenkors's avatar and link to their profile

Alanna Goestenkors

Offering therapy in MO
License: M.S, Ed.S., LCPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My name is Alanna Goestenkors and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 22 years licensed experience in the medical and mental health field providing services for children, adolescents and adults. I have worked in the fields of medical and community mental health. Some of my experience includes treating issues relating to grief and loss, end of life issues, depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders and stage of life transitions. My counseling style is warm and empathetic with roots based in trust and respect. I utilize a client centered, strength based, and solution focused approach to promote a positive therapeutic climate and build trust. I use an integrative perspective, utilizing cognitive behavioral and psycho-dynamic therapies, tailored to your particular needs and goals of counseling. I believe the goal of therapy is to see your own goals met and therefore I individualize treatment planning to meet your specific needs. Choosing to involve oneself in the counseling process is a step toward growth and reaching your full potential in life and I look forward to assisting you in this important journey.

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Cynthia Cochran

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Colorado, Florida, Missouri and Tennessee with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Prathersville

Finding the best therapist close by in Prathersville can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Prathersville. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Prathersville, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Prathersville or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Prathersville area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Prathersville, elsewhere in Clay, or in the greater state of Missouri.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Prathersville area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Prathersville therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Prathersville due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Prathersville may not take health insurance, some in the state of Missouri may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Missouri you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Prathersville, Missouri working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Prathersville above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Prathersville helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Prathersville therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Prathersville therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Prathersville therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in MO, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 64024 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Prathersville counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Prathersville licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Prathersville, Missouri can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Prathersville has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Prathersville.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Prathersville:

64024

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