The City of Independence, Oregon was founded by pioneers in 1845 who had migrated from Independence, Missouri, which is where it got its name. They named it after their hometown in honor of the place where they had lived for many years. Having a bond like this is a good way to feel close to something or someone you miss, and it can help you get through your days when you may be feeling a little homesick.

No matter what your issues, if you feel like you need someone to talk to that understands, there are many counselors and therapists in the Independence area available to listen right now. All you have to do is reach out and contact one of them and you can start working through your issues right away.

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Dr. Kevin Wilbanks

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR, Independence
Counselor License Type(s): M.A., N.C.C., L.P.C.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

Hello! My name is Kevin Wilbanks, D. Min, MA, NCC, L.P.C., L.C.P.C., L.C.M.H.C. "Kevin" is fine! Thank you for reaching out to me! I am here to collaborate with you to get from where you are to where you want to be in your life. I facilitate client collaboration towards change in an environment of listening and understanding, non-judgmental consideration, dependability, and honesty. Our relationship in our work together is the most important thing, so you can grow as a person to be more of who you want to be. Therapy helps you resolve past interpersonal problems and overcomes barriers to growth by offering a “corrective emotional experience” through your relationship with me, as your therapist. An example is, finally feeling heard and understood by someone! It takes courage to reach out. Not only that, it is smart to do so. Part of growing in our competence in life is knowing our strengths and our limitations. Outsourcing is a good idea, especially if you have used your skills and resources and have not been able to change an aspect of your life. Everyone outsources. We do so when we hire someone to do any service on our house or car. We outsource when we have an athletic coach. I am an expert you can also outsource to, for more personal areas of life improvement. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I help clients capture a greater sense of wellbeing and control over their lives by teaching them new approaches to solving old problems. They may experience a sense of wellbeing and control they have never experienced before! My clients often come to me for counseling when they are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief & loss, out of control anger, dissolution of a marriage or marital conflict, parenting challenges, life changes, and other life pain or challenges. To make life barriers become opportunities for growth, control and wellbeing, I help clients overcome these experiences by teaching them how to calm body and mind to aid them in decision making. I help clients gain awareness and insight into how the past is related to the present and help them to make different choices for their future. I help clients get unstuck from their failure in relationships or reaching other life goals by helping them change self-sabotaging beliefs, self-talk, and fears to more reality-based thoughts that have a powerful and positive impact on how they feel emotionally. I coach clients on adapting their behavioral skills to meet life challenges more effectively. In order to get to know me before we begin, here is my bio: Dr. Kevin Wilbanks received his Doctorate in Counseling (D. Min) from Covington Theological Seminary, Rossville, Georgia in 1998. He completed his Master of Arts (MA) from Argosy University, Atlanta, Georgia, in 1995, studying Counseling Psychology. Dr. Wilbanks received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interdisciplinary Studies, Social Sciences in 1993 from N.W. Christian University, Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Wilbanks has worked as a clinical counselor for fourteen years, world-wide, supporting the United States Armed Forces mission. From 2000-2008, Dr. Wilbanks served as CEO of Counseling Associates of West Georgia, Inc., where he specialized in rural counseling and mediation, serving children, adolescents, adults, families and couples. He has more extensive experience to list in this bio. He enjoys playing drums and percussion, hiking, fitness, travelling and reading.

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William Shanahan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR, Independence
Counselor License Type(s): MA LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficulties
10 years of experience

9 years defines my experience providing dual diagnosis mental health related counseling services to adolescents, adults and elders in a variety of inpatient/outpatient services in the criminal justice system in conjunction with integrated clinical health systems services. This experience gave me a new direction and way of life consisting of personal growth and change I would like to share with you. Our goal is to share my experiences with those who seek to enhance their level of personal growth and change. Serving adolescents, adults, elders, couples, families and groups with my training in an eclectic variety of treatment modalities, the actual counseling approach with a given client is determined by your preference and personal goals. With the hope that your goals will center around the self discovery of personal strengths and yielding an increase in self esteem you will realize that your integrity is the most valuable asset about yourself. Upon this discovery you will be able to share with others as you become an extension of the counseling process. My theory is when people have hope and learn to challenge and replace irrational thoughts, beliefs and attitudes they create the biology of courage. By normalizing stress people are free to experience change. In Relationship focused therapy the counselor will identify strengths by asking family members to take note of the family dynamics they want to maintain The counselor will look for exceptions to the problem by asking couples to recount times when the problem did not occur and to account for why, to formulate a solution and highlight strengths. Couples will review worksheets and experience discoveries by working together to identify strengths and cultural differences. In my experience within the past 9 years couples will experience cohesion within the family unit in which they will find new meaning and purpose. Couples will set goals that identifies a renewed value driven direction as they discover what they want to work towards and what is really important to them. At Franciccan University I was made aware and adapted my Christian basesd counseling approach to center around the Eleven Human Emotions that describe the pleasure, appetite or human emotions. The goal to acquire the good through Love Desire and Joy and to avoid the evil of Hate Aversion and Sadness. These emotions make up the heart or inner core of mans emotional life. For difficult issues it is wise to recognize the Utilitatian or assertive emotions of Hope Courage and Anger versus Despair, Sadness and Fear. These Emotions give us the energy necessary to overcome obstacles that separate us from the things that are hard to get and what we really want. Clients are encouraged to engage in each component of the Eleven Human Emotions that will give them clarity and a renewed realtionship with the Holy Spirit thus gaining compassion for themselves and others. What do you have to lose and you have everything to gain by trying!

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Darla Miller

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR, Independence
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania and Oregon with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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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Samantha Blackwell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR, Independence
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona, Ohio, Oregon, Nevada and Virginia and with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in a variety of areas, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress management, and trauma. I have a passion for helping individuals navigate their emotions and life experiences to achieve their personal goals. My approach is personalized and evidence-based, and I utilize techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy to help clients make positive changes in their lives. I believe in a collaborative and non-judgmental approach to therapy and am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for all clients. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and support you on your journey. 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. 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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Susan Trefts

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR, Independence
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon and Washington with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Pamela Cline

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR, Independence
Counselor License Type(s): MSW ,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Trina McDonald's avatar and link to their profile

Trina McDonald

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR, Independence
Counselor License Type(s): LCMHC,LCAS,MAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I have experience working with those who have Mental Health issues as well as Substance Use Disorders and have worked with military personnel, those living with HIV/AIDS, the incarcerated, and in Private Practice. I use a strength-based, client-centered approach with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; yet draw from an eclectic approach, to assist the client make therapeutic gains. I utilize my Spirituality and Christian belief implementing the tenets of faith, hope, and love to strengthen confidence, self-worth, and help one maintain their recovery and excel in their mental, physical, social, and emotional health.

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This is Yasuyo Tsunemine's avatar and link to their profile

Yasuyo Tsunemine

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR, Independence
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon and Washington with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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 Jacqueline Jensen's avatar and link to their profile

Jacqueline Jensen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR, Independence
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

After 18 years being a firefighter/EMT, helping people with their physical wounds, I now want to help people with their emotional wounds.

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This is Michelle Shannon's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Shannon

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR, Independence
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. 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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How to find a therapist for counseling in Independence

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

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Independence. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Independence, 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Independence region and in the state of Oregon. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

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

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Independence, elsewhere in Polk, or in the greater state of Oregon. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

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

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Independence therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Independence due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Independence may not take health insurance, some in the state of Oregon may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Oregon you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

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

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

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Independence 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

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

BetterHelp's verified 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.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

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

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Independence provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Independence?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Independence 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Independence 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 Independence therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in OR, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 97351 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your Independence therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Independence therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Independence 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 with a Independence counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

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

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Independence, Oregon 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.

Independence has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Independence, Oregon

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 Independence therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Independence.

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

97351

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