The City of Raytown was named after the owner of the blacksmith shop, William Ray because it was the center of the town back in 1848 and everyone called it Ray’s Town back then. The town is now centered around Raytowna Beach on Longview Lake, which is a 930-acre water wonderland. Boating, fishing, swimming, skiing, and hanging out on the beach are the things to do here. 

If you are feeling like you just do not want to hang out with anyone, forget the beach. You should probably talk to one of the many mental health professionals who live and work in Raytown. They are trained and experienced to help in such matters and can get you feeling back to normal in no time. 

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Michelle Watson

Offering therapy in MO
License: MSW,LCSW
GriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
10 years of experience

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." And today you've taken that one most important step. Hello! My name is Michelle Watson and I'm excited about the opportunity to go along on this journey with you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Missouri with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with a diverse group of clients with a wide range of concerns including self-esteem, anger management, stress management, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, ADHD and simply learning to cope with life changes. I find that relationship plays a large role in a client’s willingness to go down this path. It’s essential that clients work with someone they feel they can trust and someone who aligns with their particular needs. Therefore I believe it would benefit you to know a little about me and understand my philosophy of counseling. This is a nonjudgmental and safe place to express yourself. I take a collaborative and supportive stance in my approach to therapy. I strive to empower clients using a strengths-based approach; meaning I believe we all have positives attributes we can draw on to help us cope with difficult times. Therapy is a process. And yes change can seem hard and scary; but through partnering together, we will work on your identified goals and you will feel empowered to move forward. The ultimate goal will always be for you to get to a place in which you feel like you don’t need me anymore; that you have gained a better sense of self and coping. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal psychotherapy, solution focused counseling, and mindfulness based interventions. Please know there is no "one sizes fits all in counseling" so rest assured I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Change can be hard. And it takes courage to take actions towards a more fulfilling and happier life. Happiness is always possible! This is your first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to partnering with you along this journey!

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Novella Keyler

Offering therapy in MO
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri for over 25 years. I have recently moved to New Mexico but retain my Missouri license. . I have a Masters degree in Psychology (from a Systems perspective) from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Kansas. I am quite holistic, aware that we are all multi-faceted. I have accumulated a lot of "tools in my toolkit" along the way and work to find the best approaches and strategies for each client. Talking about the problem is only one approach to make changes. I have worked a lot with people who have depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and trauma. I also have experience working with people in the LGBTQ+ community. I am compassionate and believe every person has dignity, strengths and value. I love to help people find ways to help them thrive, instead of just survive. I look forward to working with you.

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Gina Sokolich

Offering therapy in MO
License: LPC,CCTP,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoaching
5 years of experience

Hi i'm Gina, I'm so glad you've decided to seek help or at least obtain information for your mental health. I recently retired from the EMS field so I'm very familiar with trauma in multiple situations. I work with a lot of people in narcissistic relationships, First Responders with PTSD or other work related struggles. Not everything has to be heavy and traumatic, maybe you just have questions about your life direction. What ever the situation, I can help you with perspective. I am client lead, so I meet you where you are. I give you the space to think and figure things out but will also challenge a perspective. I use EMDR, CBT and Brainspotting most often for situations and discuss things you can do in between sessions. I may also offer information on mindful meditation, stress relief. I'm here to help, let me know what you have going on!

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Melaney Courtice

Offering therapy in MO
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesDepressionADHD
15 years of experience

Hi, I’m Melaney, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kansas City, MO. I have over 15 years of experience working with adults, children and families on a kaleidoscope of issues and challenges. I am a mother of two in a neurodivergent family and the challenges related to this have always been an interest of mine. I am also passionate about working with clients healing from trauma, managing anxiety and depression, navigating a rigid world from a neurodivergent perspective, mending relationships, making big life changes, experiencing stuck-ness and confusion during challenging stages of development, and people struggling to move forward as we navigate through our collective pandemic experience. My work with clients is rooted in finding self-compassion, motivation, and healing both through clinical methods and through everyday life experiences. I value collaboration and trust, and believe it is my responsibility to be transparent, versatile, and attuned. I utilize techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems and Behavioral Activation techniques. My understanding of the human experience is greatly informed by Family Systems Theory, Trauma-informed Care, theories of human development, and intersectional theories of liberation. Humor, realism, and starting from where you are are at are things I have learned over the years to be indispensable to the therapeutic process. Thanks for taking the time to learn a bit about me, and I hope to have the chance to learn about you, too!

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Kathleen (Kathy) Malone

Offering therapy in MO
Relationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, intimacy related issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Taryne Mingo

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 13 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 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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Dr. Joshua Kurth

Offering therapy in MO
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issues
16 years of experience

Welcome! I'm a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.) based in Missouri and Illinois, bringing over 16 years of rich, professional experience to my practice. My journey has woven through the realms of parenting, education, and clinical support, equipping me with a profound understanding of the diverse challenges individuals and families face in today’s complex world. I specialize in assisting those navigating the turbulent waters of relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting dilemmas. My practice is grounded in the conviction that you possess the inner resources needed for growth and healing. Every individual is the author of their own story, endowed with unique strengths capable of overcoming life’s obstacles. Whether you’re a parent struggling to support a child with special needs, a partner in a relationship facing communication breakdowns, or an individual seeking a path to personal fulfillment, I'm here to offer a guiding hand. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, seeking a path to renewal, or simply in need of a compassionate listener, I’m here. Together, we can explore the narratives of your life, strategize for the future, and embark on a journey towards healing and fulfillment. Reach out today to begin a conversation that could pave the way to transformative change.

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Dolliene Raabe

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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, and I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

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Lindsay Prado

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome, and please commend yourself for taking not only the first step, but so many on the way to wherever you are going. You recognized help was needed, sought it out, and are here. You are searching for the best fit now; not just anyone- you want this to work. And I want to help you through whatever you came here for. My name is Lindsay Prado and I have a decade of experience in the field of clinical social work. I have experience helping clients of all different walks of life with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, military issues, self esteem, confidence, and more. I have helped survivors of sexual assault in a shelter hotline setting, veterans and active duty military facing PTSD and other adjustment issues at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and many other types of regular people like you and me in between facing the difficulties life sometimes throws our way. Regardless of who you are and what you have been through- I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, and compassion; this is your process and I am more than equipped to tailor our work together to meet your unique and specific needs. Please reach out if you think we may be a good match to work together. If not- I encourage you to keep searching for another counselor- keep going- you've got this.

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Robert Good

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Raytown

Finding the best therapist close by in Raytown 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 Raytown. 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 Raytown, 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 Raytown 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 Raytown 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 Raytown, elsewhere in Jackson, 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 Raytown area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Raytown 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 Raytown 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 Raytown 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 Raytown, 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 Raytown 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 Raytown 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 Raytown 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 Raytown 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 Raytown 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 64138 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 Raytown 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 Raytown 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 Raytown, 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.

Raytown 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 Raytown.

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

64133, 64138

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