This is Nicholas Pantages's avatar and link to their profile

Nicholas Pantages

Offering therapy in MO
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

Hey there! My name is Nicholas Pantages and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri. I have been practicing in the field for seven years, working with individuals who are overcoming depression, anxiety, stress, loss, and severe mental illness. My specialty areas primarily focus on mood disorders, aging, and managing life changes and interpersonal relationships. Therapeutic modalities I rely on heavily include Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I have been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as well. I'm passionate about working as a team and building off of your strengths to identify paths that can be taken to attain new goals, confront concerns head-on, and radically accept what is out of our control. I think the most important aspects of therapy focus around developing rapport with the individuals I see and supporting them on their journey forward in life. This is never easy and change takes time. Let's collaborate to address your obstacles, taking steps in the right direction to learn from experience and create a more satisfying sense of self and the potential for a more enjoyable tomorrow!

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Joe Martin

Offering therapy in MO
License: MA, LPC
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
22 years of experience

It can be difficult and challenging for people to deal with various life struggles. Often people need tools to deal with challenges or may not have a support system to assist with challenges. I have years of experience assisting others of all ages from numerous situations and life experiences, with respect and understanding in a non-judgmental manner. I graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I spent several years working with children, adolescents, and families in residential treatment settings. I then completed my Master's degree at Amberton University in Garland, Texas. I was originally licensed in Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor until relocating to Missouri over 20 years ago, and have been licensed in Missouri since that time. During these years I continued to work primarily with children/adolescents and families in residential treatment helping them transition back home. I have also been employed in outpatient counseling settings assisting all ages. In addition, I worked in an adult correctional setting with substance use disorder clients. I have been active as an advocate in the LGBTQ community, and have worked in emergency shelters with homeless youth and adults. I am currently an elevated needs foster parent for nearly 5 years and have adopted one teenager, and currently pursuing a second adoption. I strongly believe in empowering my clients and challenging them to look at all options for difficulties they are currently experiencing. I believe a positive honest client-therapist relationship is necessary for positive change to occur.

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Tamika Hanks

Offering therapy in MO
AddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri with 25 years of experience working in the mental health care field. I hold a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University College. I have 10 years experience providing individual therapy, family therapy and couples counseling. In 1997, I was employed for 6 years as a Psychiatric Technician at Western Missouri Psychiatric Center on the long-term care unit. This experience working in the state facility helped me realize the need for more mental health care providers. My position for 8 years as a Community Support Specialist I provided case management services to adults with Co-Occurring Disorders. The support to my clients focused on a Person Centered approach to maintain their independence. My education and employment provided me with the skills to help clients cope with addictions, family conflict, trauma, motivation, self-esteem, and 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. Participating in therapy will provide a passage way to explore past trauma and hurt to heal from life challenges. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Tamika H.

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Veronica Besch

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Hi I am Veronica Besch. I’m licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience in social services and foster care. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Cyri Krantz

Offering therapy in MO
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorder
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with bipolar disorder. 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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Kelly Franklin

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
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, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

This is Kirsten Davis's avatar and link to their profile

Kirsten Davis

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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!

This is Kevin Tennill's avatar and link to their profile

Kevin Tennill

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyAddictions
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & coping with addictions. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

This is Cynthia Cochran's avatar and link to their profile

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!

This is Christopher Keil's avatar and link to their profile

Christopher Keil

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

I am licensed in Utah with 7 years as a professional counselor and have a total of 12 years as a licensed professional in the mental health field. l have experience in helping clients with severe trauma and abuse experiences, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, and challenges with self-esteem, and confidence. Prior to sessions with me, my clients had found themselves stuck with no progress. Often in 2-3 sessions with me guiding them, my clients are able to heal and make progress towards long lasting results. 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.

How to find counseling in Smithton

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Smithton 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 Smithton 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 Smithton 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 Smithton, 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 Smithton 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 Smithton 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 Smithton 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 Smithton 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 Smithton 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 65350 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 Smithton 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 Smithton 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 Smithton, 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.

Smithton 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 Smithton.

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

65350

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