~ Clinical services ~
Virtual Therapy
Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is a valuable outlet to work through issues that arise in the course of life. You do not need to have a diagnosed mental illness to benefit from therapy. Statistics show that approximately 75% of people in therapy show some benefit.
I currently provide telehealth therapy sessions that are 45 minutes in length on two separate platforms:
BetterHelp is a great choice for people who are uninsured or under-insured. Frequently Asked Questions about fees associated with BetterHelp can be found here.
SonderMind is a great choice for individuals whose insurance does cover therapy sessions. Frequently Asked Questions about accepted insurance networks and appointment cost can be found here.
Initial
Appointment
The initial therapy appointment is often referred to as an intake appointment. It is fairly different from subsequent appointments in that I am getting to know you and gathering information regarding your background, chief complaint, current supports, and various other related topics.
Follow Up Appointments
During the intake appointment, we discuss the frequency of subsequent sessions as well as goals/objectives. Homework is often part of therapy, and will be tailored to your specific needs.
Virtual Supervision
Becoming a licensed social worker requires supervision by a social worker already licensed in your state. I am trained to provide that supervision in both Missouri (LCSW) and Kansas (LSCSW)! While the requirements and application processes are similar in each state, there are some subtle differences.
You can find information about the licensure process in Missouri by clicking here.
You can find information about the licensure process in Kansas by clicking here.
What You Will Get
To receive virtual clinical supervision, you will enter into a contract for the completion of your required hours. This will vary depending on whether you are seeking licensure in 1 or both states. All contracts require the completion of supervision hours to occur in no less than 24 months. Additional information for each state’s requirements can be found here for Missouri and here for Kansas.
Individual Session Cost: $125/hr
Group Session Cost: $75/hr
- Clinical Supervision available for both Missouri and Kansas
- Customized training plan for supervision in 1 or both states
- Twice monthly sessions using a combination of individual and group
- Follow-ups between sessions via text and email
- Activity guidance and personalized feedback
Common Questions
Getting started is easy! If you are a prospective supervision student, please click the “Let’s Talk” button a little further down this page and shoot me an email explaining your situation and what you are looking for. If you are a prospective therapy client, you can also click the “Let’s Talk” button, or you can connect with me on one of my online platforms.
BetterHelp | Melissa Loudon
SonderMind | Main Page
In Missouri, LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. A social worker who has achieved this licensure has completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). These hours must be completed in no less than 2 and no more than 4 years.
In Kansas, LSCSW stands for Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker. A social worker who has achieved this licensure has completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). These hours must be completed in no less than 2 and no more than 6 years.
I achieved my undergraduate degree in social work in 2006, but I began work in the human services field a few years before that! I started in juvenile justice before moving onto child welfare work. I worked with families with identified substance use concerns within the Drug Court framework and later went on to work exclusively with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for 10 years. I provided telehealth therapy on a part time basis before making the leap to full time in late 2022. I now have nearly 20 years of experience altogether!
Appointments canceled within 24 hours or less of appointment time may be subject to charge. No-call/no-show will result in a charge.
Yes, great question! Before we even get into it, let me say this: If you have the opportunity to work somewhere and be supervised for your clinical license at no additional cost, DO IT!! This is an invaluable perk to employment even if you think you may change paths or focus throughout your career.
Having said that, many of us (myself included) had to pay for our supervision. There are many costs associated with being a clinical supervisor in the way of both money and time. Supervisors must obtain formal training at their own cost. They are responsible for overseeing all of their supervisees’ client contact including reviewing assessments, progress notes, correspondence, and other paperwork. The clinical supervisor is legally and ethically responsible for each of your clients, which is a big responsibility and time commitment to take on. It is a wonderful and rich experience that deepens your knowledge base and skill set! If you have additional questions or comments about this, please reach out!
