Therapy can be an effective way to make a positive change in your life. A therapist's compassionate care can help people who deal with unique challenges, from college students who need help managing anxiety disorders to first responders who are feeling overwhelmed with the stress of their jobs.

If you’re looking for a therapist in Lee’s Summit, MO, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. Barriers to in-person treatment, like transportation challenges, financial concerns, and scheduling conflicts, can make it difficult to find suitable in-person treatment. Online sessions can make therapy more flexible, as you attend sessions from anywhere you have an internet connection at a time that suits your schedule.

While therapists on the platform may have a wide range of clinical experience, BetterHelp does not treat children or use techniques aimed at young clients, like play therapy. BetterHelp therapists provide individual treatment to adult patients of any age using a variety of therapeutic approaches, including art therapy, sex therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Working with an online therapist can help you focus on your well-being and growth to feel more positive about your future. Connect with one of the mental health professionals serving the Lee’s Summit area below to discover how online therapy can help you.

This is Bryan Vignery's avatar and link to their profile

Bryan Vignery

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): LCPC, MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri. I am also a Certified Life Coach. I counsel and coach dedicated men, women and teens to discover their significance and map direction to their life. My vision is to help others connect spiritually through integrity and perseverance and my mission is to influence, inspire and promote God-like love and respect to himself and those around me. This has created a connection with many local churches in the area that support and promote my direction as a man and a counselor. With my ability to assist with compassion and warmth as a coach and a counselor, combined with a strong, diverse professional experience, I am able to bring you an informative, insightful, and memorable experience. During our counseling sessions, I will provide you with practical tools and strategies to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen your intimacy with others. I will also help you to identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your individual or marital problems, and work with you to develop a plan for addressing those issues. 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 influence, inspire and impact change in your life. I look forward to working with you!

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Joyce Graham

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi! My name is Joyce A. Graham. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I completed my Master's Degree in Community Counseling at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. I currently have a private practice in Missouri where my counseling specialties include issues involving anxiety; depression; grief/loss; stress; and PTSD. The interpersonal strengths that I bring to the counseling profession are compassion, a genuine concern for the welfare of others, and Christian integrity. I know, personally, what it means to face adversity and I have a passionate desire to see others overcome the struggles, pain, and disappointments of life. Counseling is my passion! My counseling style is eclectic which means that I believe that the therapeutic process should be tailored to address the individual concerns of the client. I love walking along side people as they work through life challenges. I am here to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. I want to assure you that anything you share with me will be held in the strictest of confidence and your privacy is protected. On a personal note, I have been married for 42 years and am the mother of 3 grown children; 2 daughters and 1 son. If you want to know more about me, please feel free to ask. I commend you for reaching out for counseling. Having someone to talk to makes it easier to process our feelings. I believe that you and I working together can begin addressing your concerns and work towards processing any challenges or obstacles to your success. I look forward to communicating with you soon!

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Brandon Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,MSW,MBA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello, my name is Brandon. I am a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in the state of Missouri, and have over 10 years of experience helping people find their way forward through the journey of life. More important than the degrees and certifications I have, I am a person who is skilled at helping others work through challenges and experience continued self-improvement. My approach is simple and casual. Counseling doesn’t need to consist of fancy words and complicated theories. I start by listening to what is important to you, and using my skills to assist you in working toward your goals. When you are talking with me, you can be sure that you are in a safe, “no shame, no blame” environment. Our minds can be a scary and intimidating place at times, and having someone to help you work through the chaos can be life-changing. Most commonly I have worked with people who are experiencing issues related to: Anxiety, social anxiety, and self-esteem Trauma/PTSD Depression Anger Management Law Enforcement/Veterans/First Responders LGBTQ Issues Eating disorders Grief Personal/professional development Everyone experiences difficulties in life, and everyone deserves to be happy and healthy. Your journey toward that happier and healthier version of yourself starts here. I look forward to helping you.

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Michele Lewis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I'm Michele and I am excited you are taking steps to feel better about yourself and are interested to learn more about me. I'm a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri and Iowa, and a qualified mental health professional. I am a certified clinical tele-mental health provider and a certified clinical trauma professional and grief professional. I've been a therapist for more than 25 years and I absolutely love what I do. I help young people learn to live authentically in spite of experiencing trauma in their past and help them express their true inner self. I counsel adult children who care for their aging parents to cope with caregiver stress and work through grief and loss as they witness the change in their parent's mobility and cognition. With my years working in geriatrics, I help aging adults process feelings about aging gracefully. My certification and experience working with grief and loss lends my ability to help people of all ages work through the deep impact of sadness, emptiness, and stress from losing a loved one or going through an upsetting life change. My therapy approach is synergistic, warm and accepting. Therapy in my practice is a place of no judgment. It's a place of self-discovery. It's a place of speaking your mind feely, sharing your true thoughts and feelings that maybe you've been hesitant to say aloud before. It's a place of trying new things and thinking about solutions in new ways. In therapy, you get to explore what is holding you back or causing unhappiness at work or in your relationships. As you become more comfortable talking to me and exploring your inner self, you get to build skills and strategies that allow you the freedom to express who you are to those in your life. You discover how to build authentic connections with friends and family. You learn to use strategies to shrink depression and anxiety and become confident in the person you are and who you really want to be. I utilize a variety of techniques, such as, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology theory, stress management with mindfulness, empowerment work, mind / body / spirit connection to increase emotional expression and wellness, mood management, anxiety reduction, and finding your path to work / life balance. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, KS with a concentration in mental health. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from William Jewell College in Liberty MO. I am excited to begin our work together!

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Randi Brewer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Trauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I also have experience working with 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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Kathleen Kallman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
21 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related 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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Veronica Besch

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi I am Veronica Besch. I’m licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience in social services and foster care. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Vicki Budd-Darby

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
28 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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Nelda Lee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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 Good

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
30 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Texas with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Lees Summit

Finding the best therapist close by in Lees Summit 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 in Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit. 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 Lees Summit, 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 in the Lees Summit region and in the state of Missouri. 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 Lees Summit 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 therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Lees Summit area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit, elsewhere in Jackson, or in the greater state of Missouri.

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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

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

Therapists in Lees Summit, 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 Lees Summit 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 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 therapist, including the therapists in Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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. 

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

BetterHelp's verified Lees Summit 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques 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 - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy 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 Lees Summit 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 in Lees Summit?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Lees Summit 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.

Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit 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 MO, therapists 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 64086 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. 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 Lees Summit counselor?

Before seeing your Lees Summit 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 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 in Lees Summit.

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 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 from a therapist. A Lees Summit 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 with a Lees Summit 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 Lees Summit, 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.

Lees Summit 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 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 Lees Summit, Missouri

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 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 Lees Summit.

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

64002, 64063, 64064, 64081, 64082, 64086

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