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315 verified Psychotherapists in St Louis, MO
Zocdoc verifies all providers before they can appear in Zocdoc search results. Every provider that appears in search is open to new patients.
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Availability last updated 04/21/2026
Availability last updated 04/21/2026
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, Cigna + 2 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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My name is Dan Cooper, and I have been a licensed counselor since 2008. My path to this work was shaped early on by a year of public service with AmeriCorps, followed by time working in a transitional living program for homeless youth. Watching counselors help young people create meaningful, lasting...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St Louis, MO
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Bernice. Are you struggling to meet everyday obligations because you feel like you don’t fit in anywhere? Do you feel that no one knows how you feel or what you are going through? I help people find their authentic selves—whatever that looks like to them. We will use an approach tha...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Oxford + 13 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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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 where you can feel at ease and make meaningful changes in your life. Whether you're going through a tough time or want to under...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, Cigna + 2 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, my name is Kim and I've been a therapist for over ten years. I have a wide range of experiences working with adults and kids in setting like private practice, schools, hospitals and in crisis work. I would love to learn more about what brings you to therapy and help you develop the tools t...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
1.00
·1 review
- Oct 17, 2023 by Kristen L.Click to read more
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 70 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I relate to and assess your needs to help ensure your goals are successful. I hold a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Maryville University, which equips me to provide thoughtful and effective support tailored to you.Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.88
·8 reviews
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 69 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Welcome! I'm Danielle. Take a moment to acknowledge that you've taken the first step toward bettering your mental health because, let's be honest-starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. Try as we might, sometimes happiness and contentment seem just out of rea...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna + 1 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Id describe myself as being a genuine, compassionate and warm therapist who can still be direct and challenge you when necessary. I like to take a creative approach to your treatment goals, incorporating bits and pieces of things I think may be helpful, BUT I like to let my clients guide sessions as...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 69 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hello! I am Lilly. In today's fast-paced society, do you feel overwhelmed? Anxious? At a loss with motivation? Haunted by past trauma? I work to empower you to overcome these burdens and find a healthy balance for your physical and mental well-being, all through healthy discussion and evidence-based...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·3 reviews
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 70 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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I create a safe and accepting space for you to be yourself, openly share your thoughts, feelings and challenges as well as your goals, hopes and dreams. Life is stressful and difficult to navigate your way through on your own, and I will be there for you unconditionally; to support you, to encoura...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hello. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Atlanta, Georgia. I received my degrees from Lindenwood University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. I have been practicing for over 13 years. My brand of therapy is talk therapy, pure and simple; dialogue between two human beings....Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 72 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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My clients are those who struggle with relationships, managing their emotions, illnesses, or past experiences and are looking to understand their needs, how to communicate them to others, and how to become their most authentic, satisfied self. If you find that you are unable to let go of past pai...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
Saint Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 67 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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I have been in the counseling field for 9 years and working as a private practice clinician for the past 4. I am an open and effective communicator and will tailor your therapy experience to your comfort level. For some clients, they prefer more of a direct approach, others need more of a gentle a...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 74 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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As a multi-state BIPOC licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in various treatment modalities, I specialize in providing virtual therapy services to adolescents and adults. My practice focuses on addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. Over the years, I have honed my ...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 16 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a licesned Marital and Family Therapist. I help people carrying anxiety, grief, or challenges in relationships find relief, heal from difficult experiences, and move forward with confidence. I provide traumainformed counseling for youth and adults, using practical, evidencebased approaches to c...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 69 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Texas and Missouri. I received a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Webster University and have been practicing for many years. I am also currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Forensic Psychology. I help children, adolescents, an...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.71
·14 reviews
- Jan 3, 2024 by Michael S.Click to read more
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 70 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Excellent wait time ·
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I have worked in the behavioral health field for over 20 years, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I am a licensed mental health professional in multiple states. Throughout my career, I have taken on progressively higher leadership responsibilities, including providing clinical and executive...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 74 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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What’s up , my name is Mia Ferrell I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been providing therapy over 12 years. I am licensed Ohio and Missouri. In my free time I enjoy music, watching crime shows and spending time with my family. I am committed to helping others overcome life’s challenges a...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
- Aug 31, 2025 by Temeshea O.Click to read more
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 69 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hi there, I am Rachel Logan. Meet Rachel L. Logan, a powerhouse in the field of Inner-Healing and Faith. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, esteemed author, speaker, and founder of Get to the Root Counseling, P.C. Her passion for healing stems from her experiences, shaping her into a compass...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 70 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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I am very passionate and compassionate toward the clients I work with. I provide a laid-back, safe, and comfortable virtual environment. Although I like to use humor when appropriate to lighten things a bit, sessions are very much goal-driven. I create a balance of relaxation while encouraging clien...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 17 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am an empathic, attentive therapist who listens and provides guidance in an objective manner. I have helped people heal from emotional distress in a variety of settings acute psychiatric center, residential treatment, and out patient clinics. My primary area of expertise is in trauma recovery. I h...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 17 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been providing care in some capacity to adults for over 20 years. I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia, M I Z Z OU! I help adults struggling with life transitions (employment, health concerns, loss of a loved one.......) make changes...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·6 reviews
- Jan 7, 2025 by Elizabeth V.Click to read more
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Oxford + 17 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hi, I’m Adelma Reyes, a therapist in Florida. I support adults and young adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, ADHD, or feeling overwhelmed by life transitions and stress. You may feel stuck, emotionally drained, or unsure of your next steps—and you don’t have to navi...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 16 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the same arguments, or wondering why things just don't seem to get better no matter how hard you try-you're not alone. Maybe your mind won't slow down at night. Maybe conversations with your partner turn into the same frustrating cycle. Or maybe you're carryi...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Oxford + 14 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Manifesting hope & living life with meaningfulness doesn't have to be journeyed alone! I have over 16 years of experience in individual and family therapy. I have experience with clients from diverse cultures, faith, life transition phases, and career backgrounds. I recognize the importance of me...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 18 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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As a Christian counselor, I provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore whats heavy on your heart and discover hope again. Together, well identify the patterns that are holding you back and work toward practical steps for lasting change. Whether youre navigating the impact of trauma, stru...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 67 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Are you struggling with work-life balance? Is mommy guilt or the pressure to be the best at work overwhelming you? I help clients who are trying to find themselves again by offering a safe and confidential space. I encourage clients to come as they are and sit in the uncomfortable to get comfortable...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, Cigna + 2 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Life can feel overwhelming at times, and its easy to lose balance while trying to manage stress, relationships, and personal expectations. Therapy offers a supportive and confidential space to gain insight, build coping skills, and create lasting change. Through evidencebased approaches, I help cli...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·5 reviews
- Mar 14, 2024 by Allison P.Click to read more
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 69 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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I have been practicing for 27 years, working with a wide variety of populations and in many different settings. I hold a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and a Master's in Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. I am independently licensed as a professional counselor in KY and M...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St Louis, MO
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I have been a mental health provider for 13 years, with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas, San Antonio. I have extensive experience working with people who have suffered trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Together, we can set goals to help ...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.87
·54 reviews
very knowledgeable and down to earth with practical hands on approach - Aug 4, 2023 by Angela B.Click to read more
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 72 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hello, my name is Amy Barnwell. Everyone experiences transitions in life and at times needs additional support in navigating these changes. Finally Me Counseling PLLC is a place where individuals are celebrated and encouraged to live happy and fulfilling lives-true to their authentic selves. Whethe...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·7 reviews
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield + 52 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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We often have what we need within us to heal, but sometimes anxiety, depression, trauma, or internal conflict can get in the way of using that knowledge to make the progress we want to feel. Have you been trying to wake up on time but find depression standing in your way? Or have you wanted to start...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·5 reviews
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 85 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi, I’m Dr. Stephany Thompson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a doctorate in behavioral health, who works with people across the entire lifespan—children finding their voice, teens navigating identity and independence, adults balancing work, relationships, and caregiving, and older adults se...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 70 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hello! I am Susan. Are you feeling stuck in life and defined by past traumas or mistakes? Do you find these issues affecting your ability to establish quality relationships? Does anxiety or depression feel like a constant companion? It is my goal to meet each individual where they are at in life and...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·9 reviews
St Louis, MO
Accepts Cigna
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Since beginning my private practice in 2012, I have gathered extensive experience both privately and in the public sector, enriching my understanding and skills in mental health care. I have vast experience working with a number of mental health issues and diagnoses. In my therapeutic approach, I v...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi Im a Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW based in Illinois . I received my Masters from the University of Illinois and have been practicing for 24 years. I help adults learn healthy coping skills to better manage anxiety, depression, life events and stressors. I appreciate that everyones time is...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Cigna
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a licensed professional counselor, from Saint Louis, MO. working specifically with women and teen girls with over 25 years of experience I utilize the cognitive behavioral therapy and client centered approach to focus on interpersonal issues, selfesteem, depression and overall life transitions....Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.67
·9 reviews
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Oxford + 12 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Excellent wait time ·
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I am an Iraq War Veteran who, after serving, pursued a passion for helping others by earning a Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California, following a Master's in Social Work from Ohio State University. Now, as a Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in assisting individuals ...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
St Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 68 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hello, you have taken a courageous step in seeking counseling, and I will provide you with support and encouragement. I hold a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University and bring over 20 years of experience in mental health services. I am trained in healthy relationship ...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 73 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
Read bio
I help successful adults who look put-together on the outside but feel unsettled on the inside move beyond the past and break free from feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected in their relationships. Many of my clients have thriving careers yet struggle with inner peace, emotional fulfillment, o...Click to read more
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
St. Louis, MO
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 69 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
Hello! I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker based in Ohio, with a passion for guiding women on their journey to rediscover themselves and reclaim their lives. After earning my Masters from Case Western University, I've spent the past 10 years helping women break free from the barriers that hold ...Click to read more
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Frequently asked questions

How many Psychotherapists are available in St Louis?

There are currently 193 Psychotherapists in St Louis available for booking on Zocdoc. Filter by insurance, language, or appointment time to find your best match.


Are there Psychotherapists in St Louis accepting new patients?

Yes. 168 Psychotherapists in St Louis are accepting new patients right now. Many offer appointments within the next few days.


Which insurance carriers are most accepted by Psychotherapists in St Louis?

Among psychotherapists in St Louis:

  • 89.6% accept Cigna
  • 89% accept Aetna
  • 87.2% accept UnitedHealthcare
Filter by insurance to see which providers take your plan.


How can I make a same-day appointment with a Psychotherapist in St Louis?

On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Psychotherapist in St Louis, book an appointment, and see the Psychotherapist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Psychotherapists in St Louis who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.


How can I find a St Louis Psychotherapist who takes my insurance?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a St Louis Psychotherapist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.


How can I book an appointment online with a Psychotherapist in St Louis?

Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Psychotherapists in St Louis and book appointments instantly. You can search for St Louis Psychotherapists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.


How can I find a female Psychotherapist in St Louis?

When you search for St Louis Psychotherapists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Psychotherapists in St Louis who match your preferences.


How can I find a St Louis Psychotherapist who sees patients after hours?

On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for St Louis Psychotherapists with availability after 5 p.m.


How can I find a top-rated Psychotherapist in St Louis?

You can use Zocdoc to find Psychotherapists in St Louis who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.


How can I find a video visit with a Psychotherapist online in St Louis?

Psychotherapists in St Louis on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Psychotherapists who offer video visits.


Are video visits with a Psychotherapist online covered by my insurance?

Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Psychotherapists in St Louis who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.


How can I find a Psychotherapist in St Louis who sees patients in the morning or evening?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Psychotherapist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.


How can I find a Psychotherapist in St Louis who sees patients during the weekend?

Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Psychotherapists in St Louis. Many Psychotherapists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.


All numbers and provider counts reflect Zocdoc data as of December 2025

What is psychotherapy?


Psychotherapy, called talk therapy, consists of techniques that help people change behaviors, emotions, and thoughts that cause distress. Therapy involves communicating with your therapist to overcome disturbing thoughts. Therapy takes a long time to work and only gives results after a while. Many hardships can occur in life. Stress is routine, but if it gets so overwhelming that it interferes with your life, and if online self-help advice has not worked so far, it might be time to seek help from a professional. But how do you recognize when to start looking for a psychotherapist? 


How are psychotherapists different from psychiatrists?


While both psychotherapists and psychiatrists are mental health professionals, there are some key differences between them. These include:


  • Approach: Psychiatrists' training focuses on the biological aspects of mental health conditions, whereas psychotherapists concentrate on all aspects of human behavior with a primary emphasis on scientific research.
  • Education: Psychiatrists attend medical school with an MD or a DO degree. Psychotherapists are not doctors; they typically complete advanced degrees such as a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). PsyD programs focus more on clinical practice than research and take less time to complete. In some US states, individuals with relevant master's degrees can also practice psychotherapy.
  • Prescriptive authority: Since psychiatrists are doctors, they can prescribe necessary medications based on your condition. On the other hand, psychotherapists use various methods, like art therapy, movement therapy, psychodynamic therapy, etc., to assist you. They cannot prescribe medicines but can perform evaluations to help you better understand your mental health conditions and receive the proper treatment.


What are the different approaches to psychotherapy?


A psychotherapist may use multiple types of psychotherapy or a combination to address various mental health concerns. They approach treatment depending on an individual's condition and the severity of the situation. However, psychotherapy may be a part of your mental healthcare plan. Depending on your diagnosis, you may be given several treatments such as medication or may have to consult other mental health care professionals like a psychiatrist. 


The different types of psychotherapy techniques are as follows:

  • Behavioral therapy: This is a focused, action-oriented approach to mental health treatment. Behavioral therapists believe that certain behaviors originate from things you have learned in the past, and some of these behaviors can negatively impact your life. They help you change your behavioral responses and patterns that cause distress. Behavioral therapy has several subtypes: systematic desensitization, flooding, and aversion therapy.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Addresses how a person thinks, their recurring patterns of behavior, and ways they cope with trauma or psychological problems. This therapy involves helping individuals identify and change inaccurate perceptions of themselves, people, or things around them. Your therapist will help you focus on right and wrong assumptions and redirect your thought process. It can help people facing depression or anxiety, who cannot take antidepressants, and whose thinking can trigger mental illness. 
  • Psychodynamic therapy: Treats unresolved and generally unconscious conflicts, often originating during childhood, which may lead to emotional issues. This treatment can last several months to even years, helping one understand and manage these feelings by talking about them openly. 
  • Humanistic therapy: Consists of different types of treatment that help patients maximize their unique potential and abilities. It is more focused on assisting people to overcome difficulties by allowing personal growth. The humanistic therapy approach emphasizes that people are innately good. Some forms of humanistic therapy include client-centered therapy, gestalt therapy, and logotherapy. Humanistic therapy can help with panic disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and low self-esteem. 
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT): Focuses on the interactions and behavior a person displays with family and friends and helps improve communication skills and self-esteem over a short period. This treatment is specifically helpful for people going through depression due to social isolation, major life events, relationship conflicts, and mourning. IPT is considered a short-term therapy program consisting of 12 to 16 sessions. Some adaptations of interpersonal therapy include dynamic interpersonal therapy and metacognitive interpersonal therapy. 
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Combines two contradictory concepts, i.e., acceptance and change. This approach treats people who experience emotions intensely. For example, DBT may help those with suicidal tendencies and personality disorders. To enhance life skills, it focuses on distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. It uses journaling, individual or group therapy, and phone coaching to help modify problematic behaviors like lying and self-harm. DBT is also effective in group settings. 


How do you know if you need psychotherapy?


Consider consulting a therapist if you find yourself dealing with overwhelming issues and have trouble connecting with others and communicating your feelings. Here are some reasons to see a psychotherapist near you:  


  • Having unhealthy coping mechanisms/addictions: If you deal with significant life issues by drinking, smoking, using drugs, binge eating, breaking things, or taking out your frustrations on people around you, you should consult a therapist. While these habits might make you feel better, they are not suitable for you long-term and can cause your mental health, life, and relationships to deteriorate. A therapist can help individuals develop healthier coping strategies.
  • Loss: You might have recently lost a loved one or a pet. We all know that death is unavoidable, but that doesn't make it easier to deal with. There are many stages of grief and different ways to deal with it. Avoiding managing your grief can lead to lingering problems. A therapist can help you cope with your loss.
  • Phobias: Phobias are unusual and unfounded fears that can cause excessive reactions. You could experience dread or panic when you encounter something (specific) which is your source of anxiety. These incidents can be severely crippling and prevent you from functioning properly. You might realize that your fear is irrational, but you might be unable to do anything about it. Phobias could develop after distressing events like almost drowning, having an accident, or after traumatic brain injuries. Depression and substance abuse could also lead to phobias. Your symptoms could include a pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath, inability to speak, trembling, profuse sweating, a choking sensation, or even a panic attack. CBT is the most common treatment for phobias.
  • Mental disorders: You could have mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. They can manifest themselves in many different ways.
  • Stress and anxiety: "Stress" is any demand on your brain or body and can be caused by many situations, from a job interview to a relationship problem. While some stress can motivate you to finish complex tasks, it can sometimes lead to anxiety if left unmanaged for too long. Anxiety is an overwhelming feeling of unease, worry, or fear and can happen with or without a trigger. Some symptoms are irritability or anger, digestive issues, muscle tension, sleep issues, dizziness, headaches, increased sweating, restlessness, a feeling of impending doom, increased heart rate, numbness, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating. In such cases, it can interfere with your daily life and affect your mental health, leading to social isolation and depression. A therapist can help you locate the source of your stress and counsel you about the appropriate ways to overcome it.
  • Depression: Depression is not just defined by feelings of sadness. It's a severe mental health disorder that causes people to lose interest in things, have negative thoughts, and have trouble managing their emotions. Some symptoms of depression are overwhelming feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, self-hate, and recurring negative thoughts. You could have persistent, unshakable dark feelings, uncontrollable mood swings, and outbursts of anger. Depression takes away the pleasure from things you once enjoyed, whether your hobbies or relationships with your friends. You could lose interest in sex, have less energy, feel tired, and might sleep too much or too little. Your appetite and weight could fluctuate. Some people might overeat and gain weight, while others might eat too little and lose weight. A few others might even consider taking their life. Please know that it's possible to get better if you seek help. A therapist can help you find the source of your depression and help you manage your negative thought processes.


How should you prepare for your first therapy session?


Attending your first therapy session can be overwhelming as you are unsure what to expect and how to prepare for the appointment. Here are some tips that can help you have a more comfortable and productive consultation: 


Prepare for paperwork

Before you meet with your psychotherapist, you will complete essential paperwork, such as medical questionnaires and a psychotherapist-patient services agreement. You must also carry documents and information like your photo ID, personal and emergency contact details, insurance card, and referral letter (if available). Lastly, remember to bring a payment method your therapist accepts at their office. 


Write down your concerns, needs, and goals

During your first session, the psychotherapist will try to understand what brought you to therapy and what you aim to achieve. Hence, gathering your thoughts in a journal is a good idea to communicate everything clearly with your provider. 


You can write down your symptoms, including troubling thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You can also record the current life challenges, stressors, or trauma that prompted you to seek therapy. Finally, you can give your provider an idea of your therapy goals.

 

Know your life history

The therapist may also discuss your life history, including your childhood, education, work, family, friendships, relationships, and general health status. You can prepare notes around these topics and refer to them during the session. 


List your questions

Your psychotherapist will reserve enough time for you to address your queries. You can list questions beforehand to ensure you do not forget anything during the session. If you are unsure what to ask, use the following list as a starting point: 


  • Can you share your education and training background?
  • How many years of practice experience do you have?
  • Have you helped patients with issues similar to mine?
  • What can I expect during future sessions? Will you give me homework?
  • How many sessions will I need? How often will I meet you?


Finding the best psychotherapist near you in Saint Louis, Missouri 


To be healthy, you must focus on your mental and physical well-being. However, opening up to a stranger about your feelings can be challenging. That's why you must have a relationship of trust with your psychotherapist. Therapy takes time and requires you to commit to the process. It would help if someone listened patiently to you, understood you, and offered advice to help you. But how do you find such psychotherapists?


Zocdoc can help you find a top-rated therapist near you in Saint Louis, Missouri. To get started, create a free account on the website. After that, you can search the website for doctors using various filters like the name of your condition, your symptoms, and the specialty of the doctor you're searching for (in this case, a psychotherapist).


It is advisable to search using the name of your health insurance carrier so that your insurance covers your treatment. When you do so, Zocdoc will show you a list of only those doctors who accept your healthcare plan. You can also use Zocdoc's insurance detector to identify in-network doctors. If you do not see your plan listed on the website, try taking an image of your medical insurance card (not applicable for dental and vision insurance) and uploading it. Zocdoc will scan it and show you your most likely plan. You can contact Zocdoc's service team if you face any challenges while uploading the picture. For other insurance-related queries, check Zocdoc's patient help center.


You can also filter by location so that your doctor is near your residence and your travel time is less by booking online. You can visit the doctor in person or schedule a video visit by clicking the purple icon next to their name. Their Zocdoc profile contains their schedule, which lets you see their free slots and make an appointment when the doctor is free. 


Click on the doctor's name for more information, such as their education and qualification, training, awards, experience, expertise, gender, language, whether or not they offer pediatric care, and past patient ratings and reviews. Patients write these reviews after consulting the doctor, enabling you to make an informed decision.


Booking an appointment with a top-rated psychotherapist near you on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and 100% free!


Mental health statistics in Missouri and the US


As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 4 American adults have a mental health condition. Around 1 in 20 (or about 14.6 million) American adults have a severe mental illness.


America's Health Rankings defines frequent mental health distress as the percentage of adults who reported poor mental well-being for 14 or more days in the past 30 days. They have stated that 14.7% of Americans experienced frequent mental health distress in 2021. In Missouri, 16.2% of adults experienced it, higher than the national average.



As per the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2020, roughly 52.9 million American adults (21.0% of the adult population) had mental illnesses. The incidence of mental diseases was higher in women compared to men. People in the age group of 18–25 had the highest prevalence of mental illnesses.


Sources


Healthline[1]

Healthline[2]

Healthline[3]

Healthline[4]

Healthline[5]  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

America's Health Rankings

National Institute of Mental Health 

WebMD

Verywell Mind[1]

Verywell Mind[2]

Verywell Mind[3]

Cleveland Clinic

Medical News Today

Walden University

Indeed

ChoosingTherapy.com

Verywell Mind


The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.

Zocdoc›Psychotherapists›St Louis, MO