Nestled in the Ozarks, Salem, Missouri, is full of natural resources, including a state park, where people like to fish for trout, all while enjoying resplendent Mother Nature. Fishing is a sport that takes a lot of time and patience. So, there’s no question that fishermen have a lot of time to observe the natural beauty around them.

Living with mental health struggles takes a lot of time and patience, too. And it’s not always easy to enjoy your community when everything around you feels so negative. But a Salem area counselor can help you. They understand what you’re going through and are committed to helping you make your life better. Match with a licensed, confidential mental health professional today for a better tomorrow.

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Rhonda Piazza

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): M,Ed., LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression
23 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Missouri with over 20years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including addiction/substance abuse, depression, stress management, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and life transitions. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. The central idea in my approach is that people are not “broken”. Everyone makes the best choices they can, based on their experiences and life situation. However, over time those choices and the resulting coping mechanisms may hold you back from growing and reaching your goals. I am here to help clients reach the goals they set for themselves. My job is to help clients identify new choices that match their values. Together we will work to create movement in your life towards your stated values and goals. My theoretical approach is eclectic. I am most strongly influenced by the work of Carl Rogers and his Person-Centered approach to therapy. I use a lot of mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Since I do not adhere to a single theoretical approach, I use a variety of techniques that I think will benefit individual clients. I do not have a “one size fits all” mentality when it comes to counseling. If you are interested in addressing career issues, I can administer career assessments including the MBTI, Skill Scan, and the Self-Directed Search. It takes courage to take the 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 working with you!

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Chelsea Deines

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,LSCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Clinical Social Worker, licensed in Missouri and Kansas and I have been practicing Social Work for almost 15 years. I have worked in a variety of settings, including medical social work, hospice/bereavement social work, and in private practice, working with a variety of ages and various populations. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and other mood disorders. My therapeutic style is very warm and empathetic. My first goal in sessions is to make the client/s feel as comfortable as possible, especially when the situation is anxiety provoking. I offer a supportive and encouraging perspective while challenging and providing guidance when necessary to reach therapeutic goals. My therapeutic perspective is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral approaches, along with the addition of focusing on individual strengths and provide a reality therapy perspective. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.

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Jennifer Gadberry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): M.S.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I have practiced as a counselor in Southeast Missouri for 18 years, working initially as an crisis counselor and then in an outpatient setting and I am also an Instructor of Psychology. I also previously worked as a therapist in a residential treatment center for children and teens. Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with children, teens, and adults. Most recently I have provided individual, couple and family counseling in the home. Together we have addressed concerns regarding relationship issues, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, loss, as well as parenting problems and family conflict. As a college instructor I also interact frequently with young adults and have served to counsel individuals through various transitions. My counseling style is client-centered as I believe in the power of each individual to grow with the right help and support. I draw from a Christian faith foundation and aim to facilitate insight and hope, highlighting one's strengths and positive steps toward change...change in thoughts and change in behaviors. The relationship developed with a person is a gift and can serve as a spring board for a solution-focused plan for change and improvement in emotional state and motivation. The various ways that we can achieve this together include cognitive-behavioral exercises, mindfulness and relaxation exercises, and narrative activities. Drawing from the Humanistic perspective, I believe that every person deserves a safe space where they can be heard without judgment and aim to work collaboratively with each client to develop treatment goals that will move them to reaching their full potential. I believe in your unique strengths and I will work alongside you to establish a plan and facilitate growth. If you have read this, you have already taken an important, courageous step toward improving your mental and emotional state. I would be happy to help you take those next steps. I look forward to getting to know you on this journey.

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Alissa Keaton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a therapist licensed in Missouri with experience working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and parenting related concerns. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is primarily person centered, which means I provide my clients with empathy and unconditional positive regard to help facilitate changes they want to make. 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!

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Elizabeth Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepression
28 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

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Shaune Scott

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesADHD
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Have you ever felt trapped? Unimportant and not knowing where you belong or feeling empty? Wondering what is my purpose in life and what steps do I need to take. My name is Shaune and I get it, working as a professional counselor and living this life is difficult. Especially during these chaotic times everyone needs someone to talk to that can encourage them and help lighten the load with a positive conversation or a smile. I’m not just any counselor, but relatable and ready to assist with solving some of life's challenges. Whatever it may be, I can help with finding solutions to ease emotional instability, depression, anxiety and ambivalence. In my seven years of experience people have enjoyed my interpersonal skills, social skills, and most importantly my transparency. I like to use a cognitive based therapy approach, seeing people as human not judging them and meeting them where they are. My specialties would be CBT. Solution Focused therapy, and behavioral therapy. I became a mental health professional because I worked with children in the juvenile system and realized that I was good at encouraging people to think. I enjoy seeing people take action, follow direction, and achieve positive outcomes. Most importantly I enjoy being a part of the transformational process seeing growth and development to more healthier lives. My therapeutic philosophy would be summed up in words as Acceptance, Understanding and Purpose. Last but not least get to know me as a human being first and a therapist second.

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Timothy Stowe

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 22 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 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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Dolly Lewis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! My name is Dolly Lewis and I am licensed in Missouri with 15 years of professional work experience. When I am not meeting with clients, I work as an Elementary School Counselor. I am divorced and have 2 grown children, and grandma to 3 lovely pups! When I'm not working, I love to travel with my boyfriend and spend time with family and friends! I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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.

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Derrick Hurst

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Kansas with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Christopher Lankford

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Arkansas with 4 years of professional work experience. I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of New England in December of 2018. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, and trauma. As a clinical social worker, I believe in the dignity and worth of each person and I provide a safe, compassionate, and empathetic environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am passionate about working with people to help them learn skills they can use to manage their issues and live more satisfying lives. I use evidenced-based therapies to help my clients develop skills to accept their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and to learn more helpful ways to respond to them. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Salem

Finding the best therapist close by in Salem 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 in Salem that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Salem. 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 Salem, 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 in the Salem region and in the state of Missouri. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Salem or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Salem area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Salem 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 Salem, elsewhere in Dent, or in the greater state of Missouri.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

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

Therapists in Salem, 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 Salem psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Salem 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 Salem helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Salem 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Salem 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 in Salem?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Salem 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.

Salem therapists 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 Salem 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 Salem 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in MO, therapists 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 65560 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your Salem 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Salem.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Salem 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 with a Salem counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Salem, 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.

Salem 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Salem, Missouri

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 to customer service 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 Salem.

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

65560

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