Waynesville, Missouri was named after the Revolutionary War hero, General “Mad Anthony” Wayne. Folklore abounds in Waynesville with tales of settlers and fur trappers. Historic Route 66 offers travelers a glimpse into yesteryear as the famous pathway runs right through the center of town. When you’re struggling with mental health issues, it can feel like there’s a mad war building inside you.
Just as Waynesville survived a couple of wars, you can be a survivor of the journey to mental and emotional wellness. All you need to do is match up with a professional counselor in the Waynesville area to get yourself back on the road to living the best life of today.
Casey French
Hello, my name is Casey French and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Through guidance, encouragement and support, I have helped clients of all ages and backgrounds discover a better quality of life. My main area of focus is first responders; police, fire, EMS, and military personnel that work in crisis everyday and that live in a constant state of alertness. Transitioning back into "normal" life with family and friends can be difficult. Not only can asking for help be stressful, but finding the time can be all but impossible. Being able to reach out to someone at times that work best for you is critical and is why I began working with Betterhelp. Are you seeking relief from depression, anxiety, frustrations in relationships, low self esteem? My goal is to provide a safe and supportive setting where you can explore your deepest questions and to help you find ways to become more confident and comfortable in the world. My approach is collaborative and eclectic although I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I will seek to understand you as a unique individual and tailor my approach to what works for you. I am experienced and dedicated to working with you in overcoming the obstacles that cause you distress and to create a more balanced and satisfying life. Let me help you take the first step in accepting your past, living in your present, and changing your future.
Ian Guthrie
I am a professional counselor licensed in the state of Missouri, with about nine years of experience, and over a decade and a half of experience working with addiction and mental health. I have worked with a range of clients, from children to elderly, who have come to me for a variety of issues, including anxiety and stress, depression, relationship issues, addiction, and lack of motivation. There are times in our lives when we need a new vision and someone to help us create strategies to overcome old challenges and take life to the next level. Seeking this change can be a daunting task, but I am here to help support you in your success. My counseling style is rather eclectic, based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with strong influences from Motivational Interviewing, IFS, Solution Focused techniques, and existential psychotherapy. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Elizabeth Franklin
As a licensed therapist in Missouri, I bring 20 years of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. I am dedicated to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. My practice focuses on helping individuals navigate difficult transitions, relationship dynamics, workplace stress, and multicultural experiences. I particularly enjoy working with clients addressing self-love, communication challenges, isolation, and life purpose. My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practices with a deep commitment to understanding each client's individual needs. Whether you're experiencing midlife transitions, workplace challenges, or seeking support through personal transformations, I aim to provide empathetic, culturally responsive guidance that honors your lived experience. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and am committed to providing a safe, affirming space where you can explore your strengths and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth and emotional wellness.
Jessica David
Welcome! My name is Jessica David. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. I am so happy to hear that you are taking the time to seek out support for something that you are struggling with. I would love to work with you and help you overcome the challenges you are facing. I have been working as a professional counselor for the past 14 years. I have worked in both a residential setting helping individuals with trauma and abuse as well as the school setting. It is important for you to find someone that you can speak to open and honestly without the fear of judgement. As a therapist, I respectfully support clients in identifying and reaching goals. My goal is to act as a guide and support as clients become empowered through the therapeutic journey. I have the most experience in working with those struggling from depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem and confidence. I enjoy working with clients using many different therapeutic modalities; client-centered, solution focused, cognitive behavior therapy, strength based and mindfulness therapy. I really look forward to working with you and helping you become the best version of you!
Louis Koch
I am licensed in Missouri with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & relationship issues. 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!
Jodi Fortner
Welcome to my practice! As a Licensed Professional Therapist, I help people develop an understanding of the link between their thoughts, feelings and actions. I utilize a Trauma Informed, Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-Focused therapeutic approach to counseling. I support clients in processing their experiences and developing coping strategies for their emotions so they can face any challenge in life calmly and confidently.
Dr. Heather Clark
Dr. Heather Clark has over 20 years of experience in the field of Psychology and works with clients in the emerging and early adulthood phase of their life, ages 18 to 35. Her focus is on teaching clients how to calm their minds, bodies, and feelings and develop self-awareness. Through cognitive-behavioral interventions, imagery tools, and mindfulness techniques, clients learn to calmly navigate life challenges. Dr. Clark has a BA in Psychology, an MA in Professional Counseling and a Ph.D. in Psychology.
Tracy Wofford
I am licensed in Missouri with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse & coping with life changes. 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!
Tanesha Walker
As a licensed therapist serving Missouri, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on understanding the unique experiences of diverse communities, with a particular focus on multicultural concerns. I offer compassionate guidance for those struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and challenges related to self-esteem. My therapeutic practice is rooted in creating a supportive, culturally responsive environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to empower individuals to build resilience, enhance emotional well-being, and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves. I am committed to providing affirming, culturally sensitive care that honors each person's individual journey and lived experiences. My goal is to walk alongside you with empathy, respect, and genuine support as you work towards healing and personal transformation.
Dolliene Raabe
I am licensed in Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process, and I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
Rodney "Rod" Smith
I am licensed in Missouri and Idaho, with several years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with recovering from addictions, relationship, trauma and abuse, anxiety, & depression issues. I have been through my own spiritual/therapeutic journey of change for the past 30 years that has enabled me to overcome my past addictions, feelings of depression, and sexual abuse. I tell you this because it is not only important that we have the clinical and professional experience (25 years experience in the behavioral health field), but that we have personal experience as well. I believe my authentic approach to counseling creates an atmosphere of honesty, trust, and acceptance that helps us to motivate ourselves towards making positive and tremendous changes in our lives. Professional Experience I have recently worked in a prison as a mental health professional for the past 7 years conducting individual and group therapy. I have worked over 25 years in the fields of mental health, addiction, and co-occurring disorders performing evaluations, therapeutic interventions, and individual and group therapy. In addition, I have education in Biblical guided counseling and have offered it to many of my clients at there request.
Santresda Johnson
I am licensed in Missouri with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Laronda Treadway
As a licensed therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges, I specialize in helping clients navigate depression, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and grief. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and those experiencing social anxiety, isolation, and trauma-related struggles. I approach therapy with a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique journey. My work focuses on fostering self-love, improving communication, exploring life purpose, and supporting healing from challenging experiences like divorce and separation. I believe in empowering clients to develop resilience, build meaningful connections, and transform personal challenges into opportunities for growth. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and personalized, designed to meet you exactly where you are while supporting you in moving toward your desired emotional wellness. I'm passionate about creating a supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, develop new perspectives, and cultivate inner strength.
Molly Thompson
I'm Molly Thompson, a therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging moments. Over the years, I've worked with clients navigating stress, anxiety, addiction, and parenting concerns—helping them build resilience and find meaningful pathways forward. My approach is grounded in compassion and collaboration. I specialize in helping clients cultivate self-love, improve communication, and work through feelings of guilt and shame. I believe that healing happens when we create space for honest reflection and growth, and I'm committed to meeting you where you are with respect and understanding. I'm honored to work with clients who value faith-based perspectives in their therapeutic journey, and I integrate that dimension thoughtfully into our work together. I’m equally as honored to work with clients from other faiths or who don’t ascribe to any faith. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationship dynamics, parenting challenges, or questions about self-worth, I'm here to support you with genuine care and evidence-based guidance. Taking that first step toward therapy takes courage, and I'm truly grateful you're considering this journey. I look forward to walking alongside you.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Waynesville, Missouri
Finding a therapist near you in Waynesville, Missouri starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Missouri is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Missouri, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Missouri, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Missouri
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Missouri, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Missouri
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Missouri
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Missouri through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Missouri
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Missouri, including residents in Waynesville.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Missouri do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Waynesville, Missouri
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Waynesville and the surrounding MO area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.