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3 licensed therapists & providers in Missouri—2 in St Louis. Available as soon as today, in person and online
Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more
We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees
94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months
Discover how starting child therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
As a bilingual therapist with over five years of experience working with teens and young adults, I create a supportive, practical ...
About
As a bilingual therapist with over five years of experience working with teens and young adults, I create a supportive, practical space where we can understand what’s holding you back and build the tools you need to move forward—on and off the field.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with a master's degree in clinical counseling and over 5 years of experience in the mental health field, including the past four years providing direct therapy. I have extensive experience working with teens and young adults, supporting them through a range of emotional and behavioral challenges while providing a supportive space for growth and healing. My approach is client-centered, practical, and goal-oriented. I integrate principles from therapy, sports psychology, and coaching to help clients build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and develop meaningful, lasting change.
I am bilingual in English and Spanish, which allows me to effectively support a diverse client population and provide culturally responsive care. Originally from Venezuela, I moved to St. Louis at the age of 16. I have also traveled to over 20 countries, shaping my cultural awareness and ability to connect with clients from a wide range of backgrounds.
At 32, I bring both clinical training and real-world perspective to my work, helping clients move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Education and training
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My mission is to help you live your best life by bringing empathy and respect to the therapeutic process of exploring where you’ve...
My mission is to help you live your best life by bringing empathy and respect to the therapeutic process of exploring where you’ve been and pursuing your mental health goals with hope for the future.
I offer counseling and talk therapy services; however, I do not currently offer psychological testing. I am Sam Bearer, a licensed professional counselor with 9 years of experience working with individuals and couples from diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. I specialize in helping clients work through emotional, relational, and interpersonal issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, anger, sexual issues, family and relationship dynamics, self-image and identity, communication, and mood and personality disorders.
I hold a master's in counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary. My approach draws on multiple therapeutic modes, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, internal family systems, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, so I can stay flexible as each client explores their unique internal experience.
I love helping clients find self-acceptance as they explore their inner world and chart their own path forward. I'd love to get to know you and help you live in alignment with your values. When you need a partner to help you process life's difficulties with expertise and compassion, reach out to schedule an appointment.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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A go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is to get to know them first on their cognitive level as a “peer.” I find the best benefit in relaxing into more direct therapy approaches in the future is because they have built a strong rapport and trust with you, with a more open and positive reflection of their perspective being validated in you.
The following tools in therapy are helpful:
A client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when symptoms improve via assessments. Assessments can be through visual or auditory observation, changes in patterns of communication to the therapist, clients can literally be given assessments, etc.
Clients can supplement their time in child therapy with additional take-home assignments from the therapist that are similar to that week's session. This will provide consistency of cognitive reinforcement for the client in between sessions.
With the help of an adult, a child can learn what therapy is, how they will be attending therapy, and (as age-appropriate) learn why they will be attending therapy to prepare for their first child therapy session.
Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks St Louis.
Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in St Louis, MO have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in St Louis, MO is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy St Louis is located near Southwest Ave and S Mcclausland Ave, off I-44. It is just around the corner from Francis R. Slay Park and a short distance from Clifton Heights Park.
Shown in CT
2 therapists available in St Louis, MO
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