ONLINE THERAPY FOR MISSOURI RESIDENTS
Life Hurts
Help Is Available
My ideal client is navigating complex life transitions - struggling with overwhelming anxiety, past trauma, or destructive patterns that feel impossible to break.They're sensitive individuals feeling stuck, exhausted by inner critics, and yearning for genuine connection and meaningful change.They want strategic support to rediscover resilience, rebuild self-trust, and create intentional, fulfilling lives that align with their deepest values.
The first step toward therapy can feel incredibly vulnerable.
I Understand
Many of my clients once stood exactly where you are now - hesitating, wondering if seeking help makes them somehow "weak" or if anyone else struggles like this.Here's what I want you to know:The courage it took to even read this far shows your strength, not weakness.Those feelings you're carrying - the ones that brought you here - deserve to be heard.In our work together, I create a space for two essential things:A place where you can finally share what's weighing on your heart, without judgment.A partnership to help you find your path forward, at your own pace
That emotional or mental pain you're feeling? It's real.And just like we wouldn't ignore a broken arm, we shouldn't have to suffer alone with emotional wounds.You're not "crazy" for wanting to understand yourself better or for seeking support during difficult times.I invite you to take that next step.Whether you're ready to schedule a session or just want to learn more, I'm here to help you begin this journey of healing.Let's talk about what's possible for you.
I am here to help you
Meet Stacey
My name is Stacey Stefanski.I am a licensed professional counselor providing online mental health therapy to residents of Missouri.After that first brave step we talked about above, you might be wondering what it's actually like to work with me.I bring curiosity, challenge, and yes - even humor - to our sessions. Sometimes the heaviest moments need a light touch, and the most profound breakthroughs can come with a smile. My clients often tell me they appreciate how I balance deep emotional work with moments that help them breathe and feel human.I've learned that real growth happens when we feel both supported and gently challenged. I'm not the kind of therapist who just nods and says "mm-hmm." I'm actively engaged, asking questions that help you uncover new perspectives about yourself. I'll be direct when needed, compassionate always, and won't shy away from using humor when appropriate.
Ways of Helping You
My Approach
My approach helps with:Anxiety that keeps you up at night
Depression that makes everything feel heavy
Life transitions that leave you questioning everything
Relationship patterns that keep repeating
Traumathat still impacts your present
That nagging feeling that something isn't quite rightWe'll work together to uncover what's really going on. And yes, we might even find ourselves laughing along the way - because healing doesn't always have to be heavy.Remember that pain we talked about earlier? Let's face it together, with honesty, curiosity, and maybe even a few moments of lightness. Your story matters, and I'm here to help you write its next chapters.
No 18 Month Waiting List
Why Online Therapy
Online Therapy offers you several advantages.First, I don't have an 18 month waiting list.
Typically, clients are able to schedule an appointment within the next two to three weeks.
Waiting to address your hurt only hurts you more.Second, online therapy offers you convenience and privacy.
You can connect to our sessions from your PC, laptop or phone.
Basically, from anywhere you have an internet connection.
And this can afford you additional privacy.
You can connect from any place where you feel SAFE.Finally, I use an online platform that protects your health information (HIPPA-compliant).
It also allows you to manage your insurance and payments with ease.
My Specialties
Trauma
Traumatic events, such as abuse, domestic violence, war, accidents or natural disasters can severely impact mental health.Experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event often leaves lingering psychological and biological changes in victims.Common reactions to trauma include reliving the traumatic experience through flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding any reminders that trigger distressing memories, feeling emotionally numb or detached from loved ones, increased arousal like insomnia, irritability or being easily startled.These trauma responses can persist long after the event, disrupting work, relationships and overall well-being.When symptoms last over months and negatively influence daily life, a trauma-related disorder like post-traumatic stress disorder may develop.Seeking therapy is important for trauma victims, as processing the event in a safe environment and learning coping skills can help reduce distressing symptoms over time.Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based option that has been shown to heal trauma wounds by gradually confronting memories and regulating emotion.With compassion and specialized care, trauma survivors can gain resilience, regain a sense of safety and security, and reclaim their lives from the traumatic experience.
Depression
Depression is a serious mood disorder that impacts how a person feels, thinks, and functions on a daily basis.Individuals experiencing depression often have a low mood, a lack of interest or pleasure in activities they once enjoyed, significant changes in appetite or sleeping patterns, low energy, poor concentration, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide.These symptoms can be influenced by both biological and situational factors.Depression causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.It goes beyond common experiences with sadness or grief—the effects of depression can be debilitating.Left untreated, depression may become a long-term or recurrent condition.However, with the right treatment plan, which may include counseling, medication, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies, depression is very treatable and many individuals can effectively manage their symptoms.For someone experiencing depression, seeking a mental health evaluation and care can help them regain a sense of emotional well-being and functionality in their daily life.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that can become problematic when it is excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily functioning.Those suffering from anxiety experience intense fears or worries more days than not, often about future events and situations outside of their control.Physical symptoms of anxiety can include increased heart rate, sweating, tremors, difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness and more.Anxiety disorders, which include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and others, affect millions of people and can diminish one's quality of life if left unaddressed.Anxiety has the potential to impact relationships, work or school performance, and maintain unsafe behaviors to avoid perceived threats.The causes are complex, with contributions from genetics, life experiences, medical conditions and personality traits.With professional support, lifestyle management and a commitment to challenging anxious thoughts and behaviors over time, one experiencing problematic anxiety learns to live a fuller life despite ongoing life stressors.
Affordable Options
Rates and Insurance
Out of Pocket:$125 per session. Payable via credit/debit/FSA/HSA.Out of Network:$125 per session. I can send you a bill that you can submit to your insurance provider. Please doublecheck what your provider reimburses you for out of network providers.In Network:
I am currently credentialed with the following insurance companies:AETNA
ANTHEM BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD
CARELON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
CIGNA
OSCAR
OXFORD
UNITED HEALTHCAREWhat you pay is dependent on your insurance co-pay.I use Headway.co as my virtual therapy platform. When you register with Headway, the system will collect your insurance and inform you what your co-pay will be.
Creating a safe, warm, and respectful therapy environment is essential for fostering trust and openness
The Therapy Environment
Safe
Here, you can explore difficult emotions, share challenging experiences, and voice thoughts you may have never spoken aloud - all without fear of judgment or criticism. My role is to maintain clear boundaries and consistent support, ensuring you have the security needed to engage in meaningful therapeutic work. This emotional safety extends to confidentiality, respect for your limits, and the freedom to move at your own pace. Whether you're sharing victories or vulnerabilities, you'll find a protected space where your trust is honored and your emotional well-being is paramount.
Warm
I bring authenticity and openness to each session, fostering an atmosphere where sharing comes naturally and vulnerability feels safer. Through empathetic listening and sincere engagement, I work to create a space that feels less like a sterile office and more like a sanctuary where you can exhale, be yourself, and explore your thoughts and feelings without hesitation.
Respectful
Respect means honoring your story without judgment, acknowledging your autonomy in the therapeutic process, and recognizing that you are the expert of your own life. I believe that meaningful therapy can only occur when clients feel genuinely respected - not just as patients, but as whole people bringing their full selves into the room. This respect extends to your boundaries, your pace of progress, and your individual goals for therapy.
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