Aetna Therapists in Missouri

Accessing therapy covered by Aetna insurance can simplify and reduce the cost of therapy, helping you find therapist that fits your budget. With 41 verified therapists in Missouri accepting Aetna, you can choose from therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy to address concerns like anxiety, depression, or major life changes. Each Grow Therapy-verified provider listed below is open to new clients and has upcoming availability, making it easier to connect with a therapist who meets your needs within the scope of your Aetna plan.

Availability updated: 7/4/2025

Dr Ken

Dr Ken, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
23 years of experience
Virtual
Doctor Vehec is a counseling psychologist. As a therapist in the Veterans Administration’s Vet Center program for fifteen years, he was one of the first qualified second-level screeners for the James A. Haley VA Hospital Poly-trauma Unit, (one of four in the country) where he gained invaluable experience working with our most severely neurologically traumatized veterans. Dr. Vehec studied neuroscience under the preeminent neuro-psychologist Dr. Eugene Tootle at Barry University. Dr. Vehec was the chairman of the Board for a Charter School specializing in Specific Learning Disabled children in grades K-8. During this time he championed numerous Brain Based learning programs, i.e. Brain Boost exercises®, Audio Visual Entrainment, and the Interactive Metronome® program. Dr. Vehec is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Florida Mental Health Counseling Association, and the Milton Erickson Foundation. Dr. Vehec has an established Sports and Entertainment psychology practice. He was the Team psychologist for the Orlando Predators and the Kansas City Phantoms, both were professional Arena Football teams. He provided the coaching staff and players training on brain-based learning exercises designed to improve balance and enhance physical and mental performance. He designed treatment plans to assist players with their post-concussion recovery. Dr. Vehec works with PGA Professionals. One of whom was a contestant on “The Big Break” and continues on the professional tour. He is a consultant for the NFLPA of Central Florida. He co-organized the first neurological symposium for the NFL & NFLPA players before the Pro Bowl in Orlando. Dr. Vehec believes that from concussion to Alzheimer’s and Dementia there is hope that a therapy or exercise program exists which can help to improve one’s quality of life. Dr. Vehec’s favorite expression is “Never let anyone tell you what your limitations are.”

Cassandra Sissom

(she/her)

Cassandra Sissom, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
14 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor serving clients in Illinois and Missouri, with over 14 years of experience. My goal is simple: to create a comfortable space to feel at ease and make meaningful changes in your life. Whether you’re going through a tough time or want to understand yourself better, we’ll work together at your own pace. I believe everyone has the potential to grow and thrive with the right support, and I’m here to help you build the life you envision for yourself. I believe in using methods that have been proven to work while making sure the approach fits you perfectly. We’ll start with tried-and-true techniques like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy to build a strong foundation. Think of it as creating your personal toolbox of skills and strategies you can use both in and outside our sessions. Science shows us something really interesting: being kinder to ourselves and practicing mindfulness can transform how we handle life’s challenges. These practices help rewire our brains, making us more resilient and better equipped to handle stress. They can even help heal old hurts that might be holding you back. I love seeing my clients discover their inner strength and potential. Together, we’ll find the best combination of techniques that work for you – whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, handle stress better, or simply feel more at peace with yourself. We’ll go at your pace, building on what works and adjusting what doesn’t. The best therapy is both practical and personal. While I use approaches backed by research, your unique needs, and goals will always shape our work together.

Jenifer Pittman

Jenifer Pittman, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
17 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Illinois. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings. Life comes with many challenges and we often find ourselves overwhelmed by what has come our way. Together we can identify concerns and find ways to move through life challenges. Through exploring and learning ways to manage emotions, I feel there are opportunities for growth. I believe it is important to identify individual strengths and will guide you towards positive self worth. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term counseling, I will work with you to achieve a greater self-fulfillment.

Joleen Halloran

(she/her)

Joleen Halloran, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
I love being horribly straightforward with my clients. Coming to therapy can be uncomfortable, but the pay-offs are often life-changing. My passion is to help clients experience healing, balance, peace, and empowerment using holistic and integrative psychotherapy. Realizing that everyone’s mental health needs are unique, I specialize in providing tailored treatment plans that incorporate the latest evidence-based treatment methods with your specific objectives in seeking counseling. I am committed to working with you to see the results you wish to achieve in therapy. Besides my graduate studies, I have additional training/focus on anxiety, depression, and trauma based therapies and I use a variety of interventions to meet your personal needs/issues. I have also focused my post-graduate studies on positive psychology, holistic methods, and integrated therapies. Use me!! Work with me to use my skills/knowledge to meet your objectives to live a better life.

Christina Sharp

(she/her)

Christina Sharp, LCSW - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am Christina Sharp. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Missouri and went on to get my clinical license (LCSW). I reside in Missouri and I am licensed in Missouri, Nevada, Illinois and Massachusetts. I have worked for clinics and have seen clients in-person, via telehealth, and in-home. I now have my own private practice and see client's via telehealth. I am a wife and a mother to an amazing young daughter, who I love to spend my off time with. I am also an animal lover with three of my own; my 8yr old dog Phoenix, and my litter-mate 11yr old cats Radar and Ziva. My self-care includes spending time out in nature with my family, including getting my hands dirty in my garden. I enjoy reading and spending quality time with my young child. Over the winter months, I also enjoy crocheting and learning new skills.

Sandra Italiano

Sandra Italiano, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
I have a Master of Arts degree in forensic psychology and have maintained a career within the criminal justice system for over two decades. In addition, I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor, in Missouri, for over eight years. I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. My purpose in life is to inspire, empower and support others so they can develop into, and function from, their best selves. This fueled my desire to form Stronger Than Fear, LLC, a company that offers coaching, therapy, and empowerment services, and to publish the Stronger Than Fear Empowerment Journal.

Cynthia Cochran

Cynthia Cochran, LCSW - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida. I am licensed in several states including Florida, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Nevada. I received my Masters from the University of Kansas and have been practicing for 20 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, & depression. 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. I am here to be a support and guide to help you feel better and move forward in your journey.

Jocelyn Acoff

(she/her)

Jocelyn Acoff, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
13 years of experience
Virtual
Hey, I'm Jocelyn. Are you struggling with accomplishing your life goals or feeling stuck? I offer confidential individual psychotherapy sessions to adult, young adults, and teens 13 or older who are struggling with anxiety, depression, psychotic mental health diagnoses, grief and many other life issues. I have been in the mental health field for over 10 years. Private practice for 3 years. I've worked with clients in residential, corrections, rehabilitation, and community mental health. I have helped clients reconnect with themselves and improve their coping skills. I also enjoy helping clients access needed resources. Therapy has helped me during a difficult time in my life as well. Being a mental health therapist is more than a profession to me, it's a passion. I offer evening and some weekend appointments because I understand life can be busy. Let's make some changes together!!

Latona Burns

(she/her)

Latona Burns, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
13 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I have worked with the mental health and IDD populations with over 10 years experience. I have a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling. I have a passion in helping others find creative ways to manage their feelings and emotions and stay well with learned coping skills.

Adrienne Taylor

(she/her)

Adrienne Taylor, LCSW - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
24 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I'm Adrienne. Are you struggling with sadness, low motivation and anxiousness? Do you feel pulled in a million directions, and feel unable to fit it all in? I empower high performers to overcome the burden of anxiety, low motivation and burnout. I use a mix of evidence-based therapy models to get to the root of your struggles. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back in balance. Whether you are dealing with overwhelm or the cycles of anxiety and depression. I am here to help. Seeking therapy can be scary but you are making the right choice. You deserve a safe place to heal and grow. In our sessions, I'll meet you with compassion and create a space free from judgment so you can overcome the hangups and habits that are holding you back. Let's work together!

Veronica Johnson

(she/her)

Veronica Johnson, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
18 years of experience
Virtual
I believe in working collaboratively with you to help you define the tools needed to overcome obstacles, deescalate situations, make better choices and negotiate positive outcomes to be the best you can be. My goal is to help you grow, regain peace, joy and healing in your life by providing nonjudgmental counseling, partnership, empathy, encouragement and support to achieve wellness.

Allison Grace

(she/her)

Allison Grace, LCSW - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
32 years of experience
Virtual
Fear is Expensive. Love is Real. Choose Wisely. Would you like to learn how to tap into your own Wise Sage Brain? Hi, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Missouri, with a second License in Illinois. I have a BS in Psychology and received my MSW from the University of St Louis I have been practicing with an LCSW since 1993. I have helped people of all ages struggling with emotional regulation, problem solving, stress, life transitions, anger management, parenting, and burnout to become the best versions of themselves. Together, we would focus on what is helpful and let go of judging what is right or wrong.

Susan Ennis

Susan Ennis, LCSW - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, and thank you for taking the first step in your journey to a better you! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor. My career spans twenty years of working with Adults, Kiddos and Families through the multiple stressors life can present. I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, ADHD, Childrens Behavioral Issues, Illness Management and Trauma. I have an extensive history of working with Helping Professionals. I will bring to you my experience in current therapeutic models, and evidence-based modalities to help you find ways to cope at this time in your life.

Dr. Mary Wilson

Dr. Mary Wilson, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LPC
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! I am a licensed therapist and have been in the field for 30 years. I have a doctorate in Philosophy with a focus of Psychology. I specialize in personality disorders, anger management, and trauma. My passion is working with adults that present with an array of issues including but not limited to anger, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and criminal behavior. I have a lengthy background with couple counseling, effective communication, and narcissistic abuse.

Peter Desmangles

(he/him)

Peter Desmangles, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
22 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) based in Indiana. I am also licensed in Missouri. I received my Master's from Purdue University and have been practicing for 22 years. I help teenagers and adults with addictions, couples issues, depression, anxiety, sexual difficulties, like infidelity and porn addiction, as well as many other areas.

Pam Barrigar

Pam Barrigar, LCSW - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working with individuals of all ages. I am licensed in Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Georgia and Arizona. I have over fourteen years of experience in helping individuals with depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, self-esteem, and relationship issues. I often practice as a Christian counselor, however, I work with individuals from all faith backgrounds with a non-judgmental approach. I know that taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage. I am proud of you for taking this step and look forward to walking along side of you on your journey.

Cathy McMullen

Cathy McMullen, LCSW - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
I enjoy working with people of all ages and supporting their journey of acceptance, increasing resilience, and improving the quality of their life. I love getting to know the people that I work with, and with a collaborative and nonjudgmental mindset, together we will identify goals and values, and the barriers that prevent them from getting there. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been providing therapeutic services to children and adults since 2015. If you are ready to make a change, let’s get started today. I look forward to meeting you and working with you on your journey.

Kathy Ronek

(she/her)

Kathy Ronek, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri. I currently reside in Florida and provide teletherapy for individual adults of all ages and groups for adults with mental health and chemical dependency issues. I have been working for the last 12 years in various settings including assessment and referral, inpatient, and intensive outpatient for a hospital crisis center. I have also held an outpatient private practice for 8 years. I enjoy my work with clients who are trying to learn how to manage addictions or depression and make positive changes to feel better, more self assured, and more confident in their ability to function well day to day.

Cherri McCord

Cherri McCord, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hi ~ I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Tennessee; I have been licensed for 13+ years. My focus is to help people learn how to manage anxiety and depression so as to live a more fulfilling life. I will provide resources, teach skills, and provide encouragement to help make changes. We will collaborate to make a plan for long term success.

Aida M Girod

(she/her)

Aida M Girod, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and 20 years ago I moved to Florida where I currently reside. I graduated in 2005 from Florida International University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. At the present time, I hold 8 state licenses that allows me to to provide Tele-health counseling in other states besides Florida; Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Missouri, Utah and Michigan. I am also bilingual (English and Spanish) and I have more than 10 years of experience in the mental health and social services arena.

Peggy Bissing

Peggy Bissing, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Peggy Bissing and I am licensed professional counselor in Texas, Missouri and Alaska. I am a licensed chemical dependency counselor in the state of Texas and Mental Behavioral Telehealth Counselor in Idaho. I have often told my client's that my soul's purpose on earth is to prevent suffering and to help people live happier lives. I am excited to assist you on your healing journey.

Jim OMalley

(he/him)

Jim OMalley, LPC - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
23 years of experience
Virtual
I have worked in the behavioral health field for over 23 years, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I am a licensed mental health professional in multiple states. I have earned progressively higher leadership responsibilities throughout my career, including providing clinical and executive leadership. Additionally, I have been providing telehealth services and striving to improve access to quality behavioral health services across the country since 2015. I have been fortunate to gain experience in diverse areas and feel I am equipped to help people with a variety of issues. I received a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from McKendree University.

Vanessa Albergo

(she/her)

Vanessa Albergo, LCSW - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Vanessa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida, Missouri, New Hampshire & New Mexico and South Carolina. I am bilingual(English & Spanish) and can provide counseling in both languages. My clinical background in Mental Health began as an undergrad and continued through grad school, working for the public sector for the Department of Children & Families where I worked with children, then the elderly in skilled nursing facilities and with adolescents in group homes. I then went on to work as a Nurse Navigator and provided services that included counseling and advocacy for oncology patients at one of the largest cancer hospitals in South Florida. In addition to this, I have also worked with adults in inpatient rehab for substance abuse and court ordered treatment, and served outpatient clients in the LGBTQ community. My training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Solution Focused, and many others that include treatment planning; where my goal is to get my client back to a normal baseline that they are comfortable with and can function in their daily life. I am an open minded, kindhearted and empathetic individual, where my mantra is that I am here for YOU, my job is to assist you in anyway that I can, and help you manage life's daily stressors that may be recent or long-term. We all have good and bad days, I believe we are all one step away from a mental health crisis. Life is one big roller coaster of stress, worry, emotion that all revolve around something changing in our life that we were not prepared for and do not know how to adjust to it. So my job is to help you navigate all of that and achieve happiness, peace and overall well being.

Linda Etim

Linda Etim, LCSW - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Minnesota and Missouri. I am licensed to diagnose and treat individuals struggling with mental health issues. My philosophy is that we all have the capacity to heal from within however sometimes our feelings and emotions can overwhelm us and make it difficult to find our own healing. I am here to assist clients in reaching their highest good in life.

Leslie Scott

(she/her)

Leslie Scott, LCSW - Missouri Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
27 years of experience
Virtual
Navigating through the paths of life can be challenging. You don't have to journey them alone. My name is Leslie Scott aka the Esteem Counselor. I am here to support you along your journey with a clinical road map and conversation to make your journey easier to endure. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 25 plus years of experience specializing in Culturally Based Therapy, Christian Counseling, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Loss, Life Transitions, Relationships, Family, Couples, Trauma, Veterans, Diversity, Inclusion, and Narcissistic Abuse. I work with a diversity of clients and would welcome the opportunity to support you as you navigate through this phase of your life's journey.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Missouri rather than a city like Kansas City?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Missouri from Saint Louis to Springfield! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Missouri.

Will my therapist take Aetna?

Yes! If you use Aetna you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Aetna you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.