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Courtney Groce

Offering therapy in MO
License: B.S.,M.Ed,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Hello- I am Courtney Groce, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Jefferson City, MO. As a counselor for the last 7 years and a mental health professional for the last 10 years, I have experience in a variety of areas such as: Substance Abuse Counseling, Co-occurring, Trauma, Grief, and as well as many other areas. I started my journey as therapist at the Lincoln University of Missouri counseling students in a transitional stage of their lives. During that time I learned the importance of having support in the most difficult times of your life, due to the high rate of people struggling with anxiety and depression. It is my goal that through therapy I will be able to help you overcome any struggles that you may be facing in your life's journey right now. The counseling approaches I use are mindfulness based, because I truly believe that once we get out of our head and into our lives we will not just survive but we will start to thrive. We also know that change is hard, and sometimes it takes times and support to make a sustainable change that will really impact our lives. So I am here to walk through this journey with you for a better tomorrow.

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Tim Gravier

Offering therapy in MO
License: M. Ed. LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
19 years of experience

TIM GRAVIER M.Ed. LPC Stress? Anxiety? Feeling stuck? Let’s talk! Things impact your mental health each day, making you feel stuck. I utilize Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to assist in coping with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and the stressors of your daily life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri since 2004 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Masters of Education in Counseling. I am certified as an Executive Coach and a Six Sigma Green Belt in Process Improvement. Starting in 2000 as a Counselor with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services, I have worked with a multitude of clients. Promoted to Statewide Director of Quality Assurance in 2013, I have helped guide over 130 Master level Counselors provide quality services to nearly 14,000 clients a year. Retired from the State of Missouri, I currently hold a private practice; contracting through telehealth to provide an innovative experience for you to reach your goal. I believe that therapy/counseling is a professional relationship where both of us work together to best fit your needs. What you will get from me is a safe non-judgmental place to be yourself. I believe that every individual is an expert in their own life and can attain the best version of themselves through this experience. To accommodate your needs, I offer morning, afternoon, and evening virtual appointments so you stay in the comfort of your space and your schedule. Together, we can work to get life on track - enough about me - tell me about you - Let’s talk.

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Linda King

Offering therapy in MO
License: MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor located near the Kansas City Metro area. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including alcohol and drug use/misuse issues, especially with issues with opioids, anxiety, BDSM and fetish issues, sexual identity and reassignment issues, PTSD and trauma issues, strengthening coping skills, and those with cancer and with end of life issues. My counseling style is empathic and open minded. I believe in treating everyone with respect and I am eager to learn who you are. My counseling style favors a client centered solutions based focus. I will use whatever style is needed to meet your needs as I am open to facilitating the changes you wish to make in your life to give the meaning you are searching for. My job is to hold the mirror so you can see the real you and help you become the person you have inside. Let's begin this journey together!

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Amanda Leftridge

Offering therapy in MO
License: LMSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes therapy can provide clients with the tools and support to get through tough times and serve as a reminder of strength and resiliency. I meet daily with clients experiencing health concerns and terminal illnesses. I have 2 years experience working in a cancer center, providing case management and mental health services for oncology patients, their families and loved ones. I have ongoing experience working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, hospice/death/dying, grief/loss, anger, chronic stress, fatigue, career challenges, HIV, and trauma-related disorders. I have also worked with patients and their families, who are faced with end stage renal disease, and who are on dialysis. I work with clients of all ages, across the life span. I am committed to provide clients with support while effectively addressing personal life challenges that can become overwhelming. I am LGBTQIA+ friendly. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, sensitivity, and compassion. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. Everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life's difficulties. My approach to therapy combines mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, strengths based, humanistic and psychodynamic counseling. I will tailor our sessions and treatment goals/plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working 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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Jason Bowers

Offering therapy in MO
License: MTS,MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Missouri and Michigan with over 7 years of experience working as a psychotherapist . I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and PTSD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, trauma-informed, and solution-focused treatment modalities . I also have a masters degree in theological studies and offer Christian counseling for those who prefer a faith-based approach. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Stephanie Risinger

Offering therapy in MO
License: MS,LCMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Hello and congratulations on taking this courageous and hopeful step toward wholeness. My name is Stephanie Risinger and I'm a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist. Don't let the title fool you! Most of my work is with individuals. Being a marriage and family therapist simply means I have a specialized understanding of how our personal struggles and mental health challenges can affect relationships. I have 13 years of clinical experience in working with a wide range of concerns and mental health challenges. Examples include (but not limited to) grief/loss, life changes, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, infertility, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and co-dependency. I received my Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University in 2009. In addition, I served as an adjunct professor of psychology for five years at California Baptist University and has been a featured speaker at numerous community events, organizational meetings, trainings, and retreats. I look forward to connecting with you.

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Stacey Walsh

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionADHD
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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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Robert Mace

Offering therapy in MO
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Keep it Simple! Over several decades of studying and practicing a variety of counseling styles, I came to the conclusion that there is not just one “correct” way to understand human behavior. Each path has a unique focus, but no single framework could claim to deal with the wide variety of problems and challenges that people faced. During those years, I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and so forth. However, while the theories of psychotherapy were getting MORE complicated, the daily practice of working with the clients actually became simpler! I began to create a simple program that demonstrated that search for simplicity. With my current BetterHelp clients, we started to call this program “the Four SuperPowers”! Step One: listen to the client’s challenging stories Step Two: teach a simple exercise (superpower) to address those challenges Step Three: practice, and then repeat the first two steps! As a Licensed Professional Counselor and a licensed school teacher and counselor, I had always been a counselor at heart. Long before “Mindfulness” became popular, I served as the "Relaxation Therapist", having devised a pretty simple, yet universal, set of basic exercises to calm down any and all clients in the facilities in which I worked. My counseling sessions might combine the standard "Western" therapy models with more universal techniques. Also, a touch of humor and artistic creativity can be very helpful in the process. I look forward to traveling that Search for Simplicity with you!

How to find counseling in Verona

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Verona 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 Verona 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 Verona 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 Verona, 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 Verona 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 Verona 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 Verona 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 Verona 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 Verona 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 65769 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 Verona 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 Verona 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 Verona, 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.

Verona 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 Verona.

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

65769

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