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.

This is Valeria Clarke's avatar and link to their profile

Valeria Clarke

Offering therapy in OR
License: MSW,LCSW,CADC II
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorder
11 years of experience

Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 11 years of work with people who are striving to thrive. I work through a trauma-informed lens, with a strengths-based, humanistic perspective. Those who have benefitted most from my work have experienced some trauma in their lives and are working to unravel the effects those events have had on them. I have a long history of working with those who have experienced significant domestic violence, grief and loss, and with loved ones of folks who are LGBTQIAA+. Additionally, those with PTSD, other anxiety disorders, and Bipolar have greatly benefited from their work with me. I also work with those who are challenged with addiction issues, especially if they are in tandem with other mental health issues. Together we can unravel the interconnectedness of the challenges you experience and I can support you in finding a life that is more meaningful and satisfying. My goal in my work with you is to develop a connection through which you can learn to develop trust, insight and a deeper understanding of yourself. This means at times I will work with your innate intelligence to identify and create solutions and at other times I may use what you have shared with me and my own intuition to offer advice, share observations and make suggestions. I have an eclectic toolkit that includes working with Narrative therapy, using aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming (EMDR), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. You have taken the first step on your road to healing, the first step is often the most difficult. Thanks for considering me as your therapist. I look forward to our work together.

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This is Denise Stuntzner's avatar and link to their profile

Denise Stuntzner

Offering therapy in OR
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

Hello! Congratulations for your willingness to reach out to the BetterHelp community! Change and peace of mind are absolutely possible to achieve and therapy is a helpful and effective way to reach your goals. I understand the importance of picking a therapist you can relate to and who possesses the experience and skill set that will work best for you. My name is Denise Stuntzner and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Oregon (since 2006) and also, licensed in Montana, currently working with a small private practice in rural Oregon. I have a total of 22 years providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations, though I have worked in multiple areas of human services since 1984. I graduated from Portland State University in 1990 with a Master in Social Work. For the first 9 years, I worked for a child & family mental health research institute and in a domestic violence agency. While raising my 2 sons for the next 20+ years, I returned to clinical practice in child & family mental health, rehabilitation, hospice, medical settings, and child welfare. Specifically, I worked for 10 years with the Coquille Indian Tribe as their Wellness Program Coordinator, assisting tribal members and employees on health improvement strategies and then as a Qualified Mental Health Professional for Bay Area Hospital, mostly on the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit and conducting emergency psychiatric evaluations in the ED. For 3 years after that, I worked as an Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician at our area's largest outpatient medical clinic, primarily with patients in Internal Medicine, Family Practice and OB. I have also served as a Field Instructor for the Graduate School of Social Work at Portland State University and am also a state-certified Clinical Supervisor for those in the process of getting their LCSW. On a side note, I am an accomplished competitive swimmer: a former Big 10 Champion & record holder in the 100 & 200 Butterfly events, NCAA All American, and a 2014 Masters World Champion. I continue to swim, love to ski and travel. I enjoy time with my sons, pets and extended family. My approach is active, straight-forward, goal-oriented, and client-centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Both modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. I often intertwine Mindfulness practices and neuroscience into my interventions. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and behaviors. The goals are to identify barriers or cycles and create a plan together to change patterns of thinking or behavior that underlie difficult situations and affect a person's functioning at work or home, and in relationships. This helps people address patterns of coping, reacting and thinking that are no longer helpful and to learn to live better with life's full variety of stressors. With Covid2019 a part of our reality now, stress is a bigger problem than ever. Difficult and painful times are part of the human experience, but they don't have to rule a person's life. Seeking help can be a vulnerable step to take. Exploring the healing process or enriching one’s personal growth requires establishing rapport and trust. Change is not easy, but it is possible. It would be my honor to work with you.

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This is Michaela Curtis-Joyce's avatar and link to their profile

Michaela Curtis-Joyce

Offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon with 12 years of professional work experience.I am glad you are here and I genuinely would like to help you find the right support. I believe we all already have exactly what we need. I find it quite rewarding to team up with clients and find ways to harness their strengths. I am relationship based and balance compassion with frank communication. Let's look together and make a plan for how to realize your best self. I work with adults who are struggling with adjustment, managing emotions, or who are concerned for children in their care. I particularly enjoy working with parents/caregivers in non-traditional families including queer, trans and polyamourous.

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Dr. Rebecca Miller-Moe

Offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
44 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon with 44 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Krysta Robinson

Offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & 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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Becky Loving

Offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in the mental health field in helping individuals work through feelings of depression, stress, anxiety, and career difficulties. I also have experience working with individuals struggling with body image and eating disorders. I take a person-centered approach to my work and believe in working together. I want to listen, hear your story, and then help work through the struggles that you may be experiencing. I take an eclectic approach to my work, and utilize a variety of techniques, including CBT and DBT. Communication is also important to me, so please let me know what does and does not work well for you.

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This is Janet Wilks Reynolds's avatar and link to their profile

Janet Wilks Reynolds

Offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefAnger managementDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon and Washington with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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 Eoin Bastable's avatar and link to their profile

Eoin Bastable

Offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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 Amanda Buchanan's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Buchanan

Offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky, Oregon and Tennessee with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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Carisa Battin

Offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

We all deserve to heal, to find meaning in our lives, and to have healthy, fulfilling relationships with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Clients I work with are often in therapy because they are overwhelmed by worry, stress, and sadness. I am honored to join my clients on their path to healing, as they bring courage, insight, and determination to our work together. While my clients come from diverse backgrounds, and have different needs and goals, we all seek well-being and connection. I welcome clients of all gender identities, sexual orientations, backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. I have 6 years of experience in private practice, with additional training and certification in EMDR, ecotherapies, gender diversity and the LGBTQ+ community, and IPV, SA, abuse, and domestic violence. While I see clients located throughout Oregon via telehealth, I live and work in the Portland area. I love spending time outdoors either here or visiting one of the many beautiful spots throughout the PNW.

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How to find 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 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 Independence. 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 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. 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence, elsewhere in Polk, or in the greater state of Oregon.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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 compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Independence 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 Independence 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 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 BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Oregon 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 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. 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 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 lead by a therapist in Independence 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 Independence 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 Independence 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 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 lot of people in OR, 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 97351 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 Independence 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 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 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 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 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 Independence.

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

97351

Popular cities near Independence, OR

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