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.

This is Kimberly Brownridge's avatar and link to their profile

Kimberly Brownridge

Offering therapy in MO
License: LPC,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

Hello, my name is Kimberly Brownridge and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). I have a MA in Professional Counseling and MS in General Psychology. I LOVE working with couples fighting to strengthen their relationship/marriage. I have experience working with clients navigating the single life, in relationships, pre-marital, and marriage counseling. I am also experienced dealing with depression and trying new ways to help manage symptoms and learning new coping skills. I also counsel in other areas including women concerns, spiritual care, parenting concerns, career, and LGBTQ. My counseling style is solution-focused. The focus of our sessions will be the specific and current situation. Focusing on the coping skills already possessed by the client and teaching new coping skills. My approach is also person-centered since the client is the expert on their life. I look forward to taking the journey to peace of mind with you.

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Laura Sternberg

Offering therapy in MO
License: MA,EdS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Laura L. Sternberg MA, EdS, LPC, NCC, EMDR I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri. I have worked in many different capacities in mental health for about 25 years ranging from case management, Ombudsmanship as a military spouse, mentoring, psychoeducation, community counseling, crisis, and private practice. This experience has allowed me to work with a wide range of people from different walks of life, different communities, and different cultures. My experience ranges from working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, and women’s issues. Populations I specialize in are First Responders, Active Duty Military, Reserves, Military Spouses, Veterans, geriatric population, and caregivers. My counseling style is empathetic, warm, and interactive. I believe everyone should be treated with empathy, genuineness, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe in meeting people where they are in their journey. My approach utilizes existential therapy, humanistic therapy, emotion focused therapy, and EMDR therapy to best assist you in addressing your needs. We will work together as a team to tailor sessions and treatments. Taking the steps toward healing is not always easy. Let's walk through this together. I look forward to working with you!

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Donette Cornett

Offering therapy in MO
License: LPC,CRAADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I came to work in the field of substance abuse treatment as many of us do, by way of my own recovery. In 1991, I completed treatment in Columbia, MO and began attending 12 step meetings. When my addiction was put into remission by the Grace of my Higher Power one day at a time, I was able to begin my college education with the help of Vocational Rehabilitation. I graduated with a degree in social work because I have a strong desire to help people. During my career, I have worked at domestic violence shelters and several different treatment centers. I started working as a counselor for in 2001. While pursuing my Master’s Degree, I worked as a Program Director of an opiate treatment center. Since 2011, I have worked as a counselor, admissions counselor, UR clinician, and Clinical Program Director. I have a wealth of experience with addiction counseling, and frequently work with men, women, couples, LGBTQ, diagnosis of Bipolar and Personality Disorders. I also have extensive training and experience with Grief and Suicide Prevention. When I reflect on the changes in my life over the past 25 years, I am immensely grateful. I recently have decided to work in private practice and I hope to have many more years of opportunity to help others find a more stable, satisfying life.

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Verne Wilson

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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LaDawna Thomas

Offering therapy in MO
License: LCSW,MM
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

To Thine Own Self Be True! Your emotional well being is a vital part of being productive and living a well balanced life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a life long passion for helping others. I have provided services to youth and adults for over 20 years and I specialize in anger management, depression, family and intimate relationship issues, anxiety disorders, perinatal mental health, and behavior modification. I utilize the cognitive behavioral, client-centered, and solution-focused approaches to create mindfulness awareness for my clients to address their current thought processes. I also specialize in trauma informed therapy that is needed in every community. The goal is to assist each individual to develop positive thinking in order to reach productive and healthy thought patterns, actions and decisions. My therapy style is supportive and compassionate while being direct and challenging at times.

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Stephanie Czarnecki

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am an accomplished Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience providing direct patient care and clinical therapy. I specialize in Crisis Management, trauma, substance abuse, co-occurring, and various other mental and behavioral health concerns. I have experience in comprehensive patient care services, including case management, individual therapy, group therapy, marital and family therapy, anger management, medication management, long-term recovery, and suicide prevention education and intervention. I am skilled with clients with a wide range of concerns from depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, OCD, ADHD/ADD, and many others. I have also assisted those with serious mental health issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar, dissociative disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and those on the spectrum. My approach is often friendly and collaborative. I believe in meeting the client where they are in the moment. I believe it’s imperative everyone is treated with respect, compassion, and understanding. I don't believe a diagnosis makes a person, but I do think that if we can understand a diagnosis and the symptoms, we can identify more individualized solutions. Since no one strategy works for everyone, my approach is eclectic and frequently customized for each scenario and each person. My therapy style is typically warm, and interactive, and believes in meeting the client where they are currently at. I believe that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and understanding. I don't believe in labels but that in understanding a diagnosis that fits the symptoms we may be able to find solutions and peace while moving forward. My approach is eclectic in that not one approach is right for all and therefore my approach is often tailored to the situation and the individual. I often use cognitive behavioral techniques to assist in processing and furthering treatment. Treatment plans will be completed collaboratively as it takes courage to seek counseling and look inside; therefore what you wish to accomplish or where you wish to go is up to you. I want to help you achieve the best version of you that you can be! I look forward to meeting you and taking this journey with you.

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Lula Jones

Offering therapy in MO
License: LPC,CSAYC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 8 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. 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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This is Tracy Vacca's avatar and link to their profile

Tracy Vacca

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Melynda Heienickle

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri, Nationally Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and Missouri Certified School Counselor (CSC) in private practice. Additionally, I am a retired classroom teacher and I hold a Career Continuous Professional Certification in Elementary Education in the state of Missouri. I am trained in EMDR, couples therapies, and Child Centered Play Therapy. I have experience in helping clients of all ages struggling within their most important relationships as well as a variety of social-emotional difficulties using humanistic, goal oriented and strengths-based theoretical approaches. 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 feel honored to be trusted by you as you begin your process!

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Brooke Leamer

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Brooke, and I am licensed in Missouri with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, grief, trauma, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find 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 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 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. 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 Salem 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 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 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)

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 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 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 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 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 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 or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

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:

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?

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 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 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 65560 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 Salem 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 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 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 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?

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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 Salem.

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

65560

Popular cities near Salem, MO

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