
Amanda McCarron
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a direct approach using eclectic interventions, with a strong focus in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. For over 10 years I have had the privilege of working with a multitude of diverse individuals with many backgrounds. Reaching out for therapy is a big step, and I'm here to guide you through this process at the pace you're most comfortable with. I will meet you where you are in life, regardless of what situation has brought you here. Together we can tackle any situations you're facing, whether it be general adjustment to life changes, just needing someone to lean on, to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. I'm looking forward to getting to know you, and getting you another step closer to feeling better and more confident! I offer services via text (live and asynchronous), phone, and video. Live sessions are booked in half hour increments by the BetterHelp system. If you don't see times available but you have a specific request, send me a message and I can see if I can make accommodations for you!

Robert McElwee
My name is Bob McElwee, and I have been a clinical therapist for more than 25 years. I am a retired clergyman, and I currently work as a teacher and chaplain at a boys boarding school in Southeast Kansas. My wife and I have raised seven children, and we currently have 15 grandchildren. I have earned master’s degrees in literature, theology, and clinical psychology. Additionally, I also have an associate degree as a motorcycle repair and maintenance technician. In addition to riding and repairing Harley Davidson motorcycles, I enjoy gardening, carpentry, scuba diving, long distance bicycle riding, model trains, exercise, travel, and reading. As a clergyman I have considerable experience in marriage preparation, couples counseling, divorce adjustment, and grief and bereavement therapy. As a clinical therapist most of my work has been with individual mood disorders (e.g. anxiety and depression). I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT). As such I have worked mostly with people in stressed relationships that have produced individual disfunctions and flawed coping strategies. My theoretical basis for most of my therapeutic interventions is most accurately described as “Cognitive-Behavioral.” Even so I take “Script Theory” seriously and find it a useful tool in helping people to re-conceptualize and organize their personality structure and characteristics. In this regard I am currently investigating “Narrative Therapy” and its theoretic techniques. At base I am an optimistic person who believes that people have the ability to recover from past negative experiences if given proper tools, techniques, and encouragement. I enjoy assisting people as they create a productive, responsible, principled, and creative life that they can be proud of, and enjoy.

Stephanie Risinger
Hello and congratulations on taking this courageous and hopeful step toward wholeness. My name is Stephanie Risinger and I'm a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist. Don't let the title fool you! Most of my work is with individuals. Being a marriage and family therapist simply means I have a specialized understanding of how our personal struggles and mental health challenges can affect relationships. I have 13 years of clinical experience in working with a wide range of concerns and mental health challenges. Examples include (but not limited to) grief/loss, life changes, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, infertility, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and co-dependency. I received my Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University in 2009. In addition, I served as an adjunct professor of psychology for five years at California Baptist University and has been a featured speaker at numerous community events, organizational meetings, trainings, and retreats. I look forward to connecting with you.

Melissa Tucci
I am licensed in Nebraska and Kansas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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.

Saundra Wisdom
I am licensed in Kansas with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I feel it is important for each client to feel heard and supported throughout the therapeutic process. Identifying issues to address, deciding to make changes, building on strengths, learning effective communication skills and learning to set boundaries are all part of the therapeutic process. 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.

Jennifer Tuley
I am licensed in Kansas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Teresa Cote
I am licensed in Kansas with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Lynn Patterson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kansas, Missouri, and Texas with nine years of behavioral health experiences. I have been working with individual adults who have stress, anxiety, anger issues, low motivation, low self -esteem, depression, unmanageable grief and loss, unworthiness, ineffective communication with others, self-hate, changes of life events , difficulty having goals and directions in life, indecisiveness, caregiver stress, mental health issues cause by severe and chronic medical problems, and more. My therapy approaches are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Meditation, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I believe that you are the expert of your stories and that you have many strengths that will help you 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. I actively listen to you, understand your struggles, assist you to establish reasonable and achievable goals that you desire. I provide you with the tools you need to manage and overcome barriers to find happiness. I am looking forward to work with you.

Jessica Wells
I am licensed in Oklahoma and Kansas with 5 years of professional work experience as a therapist. I have worked in the mental health field in some capacity for 15 years. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I have experience both in an inpatient and outpatient setting, working with clients under all variations of distress. I believe in treating everyone with respect, empathy, and compassion. I believe in working together as a team, and I value what you want to gain from this experience. 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.

Yulonda Swanson-Moten
I am licensed in Kansas with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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.
How to find counseling in Lenexa
Finding the best therapist close by in Lenexa 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 Lenexa. 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 Lenexa, 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 Lenexa 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 Lenexa 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 Lenexa, elsewhere in Johnson, or in the greater state of Kansas.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Lenexa area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lenexa 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 Lenexa 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 Lenexa may not take health insurance, some in the state of Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Lenexa, Kansas 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 Lenexa 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 Lenexa 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 Lenexa 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
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- 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 Lenexa 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 Lenexa 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 KS, 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 66215 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 Lenexa 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 Lenexa 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 Lenexa, Kansas 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.
Lenexa 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Lenexa:
66214, 66215, 66216, 66217, 66219, 66220, 66227