This is Lara Ashbaugh's avatar and link to their profile

Lara Ashbaugh

Offering therapy in MO
License: MS,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am professional counselor licensed in Missouri with over 12 years of experience working as therapist, supervisor, and teacher. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. One of my specialties is DBT - Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients with their emotions, coping skills and relationships. My counseling 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 and acceptance and commitment therapy. I also pull a lot from positive psychology, I want to know what is going right that we can build on. I believe everyone has unique strengths and something special to contribute. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier 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. I look forward to working with you!

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Gail Taylor

Offering therapy in MO
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor licensed in the states of Missouri and Illinois. I have been in private practice since 2002. It is a big step to request counseling and I try to make the process easier by respectfully helping to identify the event or the main issue that caused you to seek help. Many of my clients have anxiety, depression, or just general life and family issues. Many people say they just want to be happy. Each person is unique and through therapy we set goals where you can see change and improvement to your daily life. I call myself a general practitioner because I work with all members of the family unit. I see many couples in my practice and enjoy helping improve relationships. I find that anxiety and depression can be helped with cognitive behavioral strategies and dialectical behavior therapy. Learning some of those strategies and being able to implement them when needed helps to lower anxiety and give a sense of peace. I enjoy listening and my goal as a therapist is to help my clients improve their lives according to their own vision. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Leslie Belt

Offering therapy in MO
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

My name is Leslie Belt and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. I am licensed in Missouri and Tennessee. I take a Cognitive Behavioral approach utilizing evidence based treatment. I am trained in EMDR and have had much success working with individuals who have experienced trauma. I have experience working with a variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and much more. I try to always meet my clients where they are in their stage of change and believe in creating meaningful and manageable goals. It takes a great deal of strength to ask for help and I strive to build on that strength to create lasting change for each individual I work with.

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Vesta Colvin

Offering therapy in MO
License: LPC,Certified School Counselor
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

Unfortunately, life is not always sunshine, rainbows and lollipops. Sometimes, life can leave a sour taste upon our palates and it can be difficult to continue to eat from its table. With major life changes, transitions, difficulties, and stresses, it can be hard to swallow at times. I can help guide you through your mental health journey, by empowering you on how to use those things life has thrown at you for the recipe of recapturing & restoring peace & joy to your life. In 2013, I graduated from Lindenwood University with a Masters of Art (M.A.) in School and Professional Counseling. I graduated top of my class and was peer-nominated & winner of Student of the Year 2013. I have over 15 years’ experience as a Department of Mental Health-Division of Developmental Disabilities Case Manager I/II/III & Habilitation Specialist II. This has afforded me the opportunity to work closely in the community with adults, children, and their families who have been diagnosed with Autism, Downs Syndrome, among other intellectual challenges as well as with individuals diagnosed with intellectual AND mental illness disorders. I also have experience working with individuals (children & adults) who struggle with substance abuse, suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My previous professional experiences afford me the unique position to function like a social worker, considering each aspect of a person’s life and how those parts interconnect and impact the person as a whole, but also providing an in-depth approach from a therapeutic approach as a counselor. I primarily work from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, & Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach, but I am extremely flexible in my approach as each person is unique in their personality as well as their needs. In using cognitive behavioral therapy, I help people see life issues & stresses they face daily from a different perspective. My philosophy is “if you can change the way you think, you can change the way you feel, and if you change the way you feel, you can change your life by changing the way you respond to life challenges.” However I am also a realist, that life is sometimes tough and sour, and another philosophy I have and live by is "it is okay to not be okay, just don't get stuck there". I also use the Solution-Focused brief therapy, to quickly identify unhealthy cycles and/or systems, and assist with identifying reasonable solutions, unless otherwise indicated for a more in-depth approach such as trauma informed approaches. I am here to help guide you through learning skills, strategies, and gaining insight to assist you out of your "stuck" place of your journey in your story of life, and empower you with the tools needed to navigate through any of life’s tumultuous journey's successfully.

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Stephanie Heimann

Offering therapy in MO
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello and congratulations on taking the beginning steps of seeking support in your own life journey. Thank you for taking the time to check out my counseling profile! Let me tell you a little about myself so you can decide if we would be a good fit in what I believe is a partnership in obtaining your optimal emotional health and growth. I have worked as a licensed counselor for 15 years. I have worked in various settings, such as clinic, residential, hospital, and school. My time in counseling has been spent working with families, youth, and adults. When considering my counseling style, I strive to offer a warm, welcoming, non judgmental, honest, and empowering environment. I believe that everyone’s story is unique to them and your own held perspective is powerful in understanding how you interpret life events and experiences. I want to hear your story from your view point and then together create goals that you identify as a priority. I also want you to be aware that sometimes counseling can be uncomfortable. I strongly believe that we sometimes have to challenge our thinking and become comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to grow and emerge stronger. I use a person centered approach, which means you direct the goals and identify what you want to work on. I also use solution focused therapy (let’s look at what has ever worked or gone well for you) and cognitive behavior therapy because I believe that our thoughts strongly influence our behavior and held beliefs. I also include dialectical behavior therapy if you need support in accepting your thoughts and emotions and regulating emotions. I believe strongly in incorporating music, animals, humor, and connecting to the outdoors as potentially healing to the soul. Thank you for taking the time to visit my page and please let me know if you would like to connect further!

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Alfaye Jackson

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
17 years of experience

My name is Alfaye, and I am licensed in Missouri with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & bipolar disorder. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My greatest joy is my personal relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus . Christ. My greatest accomplishment is my amazing son, and my greatest passion can be found through my 501c3 Non-profit of the past 14 years...H.O.P.E. Inc, where I am the Founder and CEO. The Mission of H.O.P.E. is to provide housing, education and training for homeless youth, at-risk youth and youth in need, while providing outreach ministry to all in need. As a Professional Counselor I count it an honor to serve you. I realize that you, the client are entrusting your deepest concerns, intimate details, memories, fears and joys with a stranger...allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Thank you for your courage, your trust and the ability to invest in your mental health. Although we will build rapport, develop and nurture a professional relationship, this means we will not be strangers for long. However, you have to take the first step...and you can! My promise to you, is to treat your person, your feelings, and your thoughts as you process in sessions with the utmost respect, without judgement, and with confidentiality as it pertains to the law. It is my practice to respect your time, be prepared, and possess the ethical, clinical and evidence-based knowledge, skills and abilities to meet your therapeutic needs. This practice is applicable by setting goals, developing individualized treatment plans, understanding, investing, and learning how to care for your mental health. My counseling style is caring and warm without enabling. Holding you accountable, while helping you to walk in your truth. My Treatment Modalities include Individual counseling, group counseling, and couples counseling. My Therapeutic Modalities most commonly used are...Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT ), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution Focus Therapy, Mindfulness, Humanistic Therapy and Christian Therapy. Let's take this journey together...1 Step @ a x

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This is Leah McManis's avatar and link to their profile

Leah McManis

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, & 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!

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This is David Bruno's avatar and link to their profile

David Bruno

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I am a retired Navy veteran and have experience in dealing with service related issues, 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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This is Dr. Anese Adams Collier's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Anese Adams Collier

Offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
10 years of experience

Hi, I am Anese, and I am proud of you for considering therapy–this is a huge step. During our journey together, I can and will provide support for your goals and needs, whether it is a desire for healing, wanting to learn more about yourself, or identifying personal strengths and challenges in order to grow. My style is warm, empathetic, open, and optimistic. You will work toward goals for peace and wholeness through self-exploration. I would like to help you develop the tools necessary to build resilience, feel empowered to solve problems, and make decisions that align with your values, abilities, and goals. Our shared space will be trusting, collaborative, nonjudgmental, and offer ample room for personal growth. I am licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri with 10 years of mental health experience with adults, young adults, and adolescents. My focus and experience is in helping clients cope with stress, depression, and anxiety related to work, school and life issues, coping with grief and loss, as well as cultivating self esteem, confidence, and motivation. 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 here to applaud you, and help you along this brave undertaking.

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This is Phyllis Stewart's avatar and link to their profile

Phyllis Stewart

Offering therapy in MO
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. I am native Tennessean so have a southern accent just to share a bit of my background.

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How to find counseling in Westphalia

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Westphalia 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 Westphalia 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 Westphalia 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 Westphalia, 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 Westphalia 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 Westphalia 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 Westphalia 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 Westphalia 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 Westphalia 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 65035 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 Westphalia 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 Westphalia 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 Westphalia, 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.

Westphalia 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 Westphalia.

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

65035, 65085

Popular cities near Westphalia, MO

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