Connecting the Dots: Therapy

We know that seeking professional support for your mental health can be overwhelming. To make the process clearer, we've gathered together resources for finding a therapist, information about payment and insurance, and interviews with local therapists. Let us help you connect the dots so that you're able to live, learn, grow, and connect as you would like.

Considering therapy?

Finding a therapist

The relationship you have with your therapist is one of the most important determinants of therapeutic success -- that is, getting the help you want out of therapy. That's why it's so important to find a good fit, even if it takes a few tries. Find out more about what to look for in a therapist with these resources:

What to consider when looking for a therapist (National Institute of Mental Health)
How to find a therapist in your community (KU Counseling and Psychological Services)

Once you're ready to search, starting with Psychology Today's directory can be a good first step:

Find a Therapist directory (Psychology Today)

Important terms

Hear from local therapists about their practices

We interviewed local therapists for their takes on finding the right fit, what to expect from therapy, and how to approach sensitive subjects. Please note: these interviews touch on suicide and self-harm.

Cassy Ainsworth, LSCSW, CDWF

Interview

Cassy Ainsworth, LSCSW, CDWF is a therapist, a supervisor, and an adjunct professor. As a therapist, she specializes in trauma work and practices from an intersectional approach tailoring the therapy to the unique needs of each individual person. See full bio in video description.

Dr. Christian Vargas

Interview

Christian Vargas, PhD is a licensed psychologist and owner of Congruent Psychological Services LLC. Dr. Vargas has experience working with adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, identity development, life transitions, and stress management. She enjoys providing support to members of marginalized communities who are coping with the additional stressors of society. See full bio in video description.

Juliet Nelson and Killian Derusha, DBT Center of Lawrence

Interview

Co-founders of the DBT Center of Lawrence, Juliet Nelson, LCP and Killian Derusha, LSCSW are practitioners of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, a mental health treatment model designed by Marsha Linehan that is evidenced-based and effective for changing problematic behavior. For much more information, see their bios in video description.

Brock Caffee, LCMFT

Interview

Brock Caffee, LCMFT helps individuals and families manage distressing feelings and break problematic patterns. Brock has experience with trauma, attachment, relationship and communication patterns, grief and loss, serious and persistent mental illness, parent-child relationships, premarital and prenatal counseling, life transitions, and career selection. See full bio in video description.

How will I pay?

Paying for therapy

Free mental health tools and therapy services

KSPHQ/National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Call 988 for free and confidential support during a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The line is available 24/7.
Crisis Text line
- Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor 24/7.
MyStrength
- A digital program designed to promote mental health.
- Free for Douglas County residents with access code douglascounty
Employee Assistance Plan
- Some employers offer Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs) which provide their employees with free counseling and referrals for a wide range of services.
HeadQuarters Kansas
- Through partnership with the KU School of Social Welfare, HeadQuarters Kansas provides counseling and therapeutic services through the Counseling Center Clinic. Sessions are available by appointment, in a limited capacity. The rate for payment is a suggested donation of $10 per session for all clients, regardless of insurance coverage.
Positive Bright Start
- Local agency offering free therapy services for children under the age of six and their families
KU Positive Psychotherapy Clinic
- The Center for Psychoeducational Services at KU is offering online therapy for adults in Kansas experiencing depression, anxiety, and general life concerns. Clients can receive up to 9 sessions provided at no cost, by students and faculty in the Counseling Psychology programs.

Insurance

If you have health insurance, you can contact your insurance company for information about covered therapy practices in your area. Your insurance company's website might also have an online database of covered therapists.

Insurance plans differ widely, so be sure to take note of which providers are in your network, your plan's coverage for mental health services, and any payments or fees you'll be responsible for.

Sliding Scale Payments

Mental health professionals know that the cost of therapy can be an insurmountable barrier to access. To combat this problem, some therapists offer sliding scale payments or regular counseling slots at below market rate. If a therapist's regular session fee is $150, the sliding scale might allow you to pay $50 instead. You can find therapists who offer sliding scale slots in Psychology Today's directory.

Local Health Centers

In Lawrence, local centers Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and Heartland Community Health Center offer sliding scale counseling to members of the public. The Treatment and Recovery Center of Douglas County accepts walk-ins for those experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

Bert Nash accepts walk-ins Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 9am-8pm.

To receive counseling at Heartland, you must be referred by a Heartland primary care physician.

The Urgent Care Unit at the TRC is open from 8am-8pm weekdays and 12-4pm weekends, 365 days a year. Crisis walk-ins are accepted 24/7 at the facility.

University of Kansas Psychological Clinic

Members of the public can also access sliding scale counseling services through KU's Psychological Clinic. Wait times can be extensive. The clinic offers both telehealth and in-person appointments.

For current students, KU Counseling and Psychological Services offers sessions for $15 per office visit. Students are not required to pay office fees immediately.

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Connecting the Dots: Therapy