Therapists in Kearney, NE
It takes a great deal of energy second guessing your decisions and worrying that you are failing yourself and those around you. And once you expend that much "mental energy" spinning your wheels, irritations and feelings of inadequacy increase. It doesn’t take long to then feel like you're losing control and wonder what you keep doing wrong. When this happens, we often distance ourselves further, we stop expressing our feelings, and we begin to suffer in silence. And, it can be scary reaching out to a counselor because you really want to connect with them.
It takes a great deal of energy second guessing your decisions and worrying that you are failing yourself and those around you. And once you expend that much "mental energy" spinning your wheels, irritations and feelings of inadequacy increase. It doesn’t take long to then feel like you're losing control and wonder what you keep doing wrong. When this happens, we often distance ourselves further, we stop expressing our feelings, and we begin to suffer in silence. And, it can be scary reaching out to a counselor because you really want to connect with them.
I work with adolescents and adults process and heal from the lasting effects of trauma, whether from personal experiences, family dynamics, or generational cycles. Using evidence-based methods like CBT, family systems insights, and practical solutions, I guide clients in understanding their past, gaining clarity, and building a path forward. Through our work, clients find relief, self-forgiveness, and empowerment, leaving with the tools to confidently navigate challenges and make healthy life choices, feeling truly seen and supported throughout their journey.
I work with adolescents and adults process and heal from the lasting effects of trauma, whether from personal experiences, family dynamics, or generational cycles. Using evidence-based methods like CBT, family systems insights, and practical solutions, I guide clients in understanding their past, gaining clarity, and building a path forward. Through our work, clients find relief, self-forgiveness, and empowerment, leaving with the tools to confidently navigate challenges and make healthy life choices, feeling truly seen and supported throughout their journey.
Brianna believes that every single person has value. She believes therapy gives people a way to process through past experiences or current issues that may be holding them back in relationships, self-confidence, self-acceptance, or from where they want to be in life. Her goal as a therapist is to meet you wherever you are in life and work alongside you, growing you from the strengths you already have, to get you to where you desire to be. She works to provide an open, non-judgemental, environment where clients feel welcome and safe to work through their obstacles keeping them from living their best life.
Brianna believes that every single person has value. She believes therapy gives people a way to process through past experiences or current issues that may be holding them back in relationships, self-confidence, self-acceptance, or from where they want to be in life. Her goal as a therapist is to meet you wherever you are in life and work alongside you, growing you from the strengths you already have, to get you to where you desire to be. She works to provide an open, non-judgemental, environment where clients feel welcome and safe to work through their obstacles keeping them from living their best life.
You may be nervous to start, so let’s start together. Whether that means healing from trauma, managing anxiety, finding freedom from disordered eating, or simply learning how to feel more like yourself again. Maybe you want your relationships to change and need to make an appt. to explore this. Get curious about that change.
I bring over 19 years of clinical experience to my work, using evidence-based practice with individualized care. I specialize in supporting those struggling with eating disorders, relationship challenges, addressing depression and anxiety, and past trauma. This process is about just starting where you are.
You may be nervous to start, so let’s start together. Whether that means healing from trauma, managing anxiety, finding freedom from disordered eating, or simply learning how to feel more like yourself again. Maybe you want your relationships to change and need to make an appt. to explore this. Get curious about that change.
I bring over 19 years of clinical experience to my work, using evidence-based practice with individualized care. I specialize in supporting those struggling with eating disorders, relationship challenges, addressing depression and anxiety, and past trauma. This process is about just starting where you are.
I take a client-centered approach to counseling so that there is an open and trusting atmosphere. I am non-judgmental and non-confrontational. I honor my client's autonomy and provide genuine empathy. I combine a Motivation Interviewing style with other counseling intervention methods so that my clients can safety explore their experience and ambivalence.
I take a client-centered approach to counseling so that there is an open and trusting atmosphere. I am non-judgmental and non-confrontational. I honor my client's autonomy and provide genuine empathy. I combine a Motivation Interviewing style with other counseling intervention methods so that my clients can safety explore their experience and ambivalence.
I am here to provide a safe and supportive space where you can be heard without judgment and begin to sort through the difficult challenges life throws your way. I will assist in giving you practical tools to help manage your stress and emotions, and also provide deeper clarity on your struggles to help you understand yourself better, to heal from the past, and to move forward with confidence.
I am here to provide a safe and supportive space where you can be heard without judgment and begin to sort through the difficult challenges life throws your way. I will assist in giving you practical tools to help manage your stress and emotions, and also provide deeper clarity on your struggles to help you understand yourself better, to heal from the past, and to move forward with confidence.
Transitioning to adulthood can be a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. Maintaining friendships, managing a new job, and learning about yourself can be overwhelming. You may wonder if the beliefs you grew up with are still a good fit for you. This can lead to feelings of fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
Transitioning to adulthood can be a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. Maintaining friendships, managing a new job, and learning about yourself can be overwhelming. You may wonder if the beliefs you grew up with are still a good fit for you. This can lead to feelings of fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
I have been a counselor for over 30 years and have been married for 38 years and love to do relationship counseling. I encourage couples and individuals to come in to discuss their life issues before they become major ones down the road. Having raised two children, my heart also goes out to teenagers and young adults and the challenges they face. I am here to help clients move toward a positive and productive use of coping skills to handle the problems they are currently struggling with.
I have been a counselor for over 30 years and have been married for 38 years and love to do relationship counseling. I encourage couples and individuals to come in to discuss their life issues before they become major ones down the road. Having raised two children, my heart also goes out to teenagers and young adults and the challenges they face. I am here to help clients move toward a positive and productive use of coping skills to handle the problems they are currently struggling with.
From the heaviness of loss, the strain of daily tasks with living anxiety or depression, or working towards overcoming past difficulties, every situation deserves a supporting person to help navigate the healing. Life does not have to be done alone and neither do any complications, whether you see them as large or small. Emotions, thoughts, and feelings are all an innate part of what makes us who we are. To be greeted by them with empathy and warmth from someone else can be something everyone deserves.
From the heaviness of loss, the strain of daily tasks with living anxiety or depression, or working towards overcoming past difficulties, every situation deserves a supporting person to help navigate the healing. Life does not have to be done alone and neither do any complications, whether you see them as large or small. Emotions, thoughts, and feelings are all an innate part of what makes us who we are. To be greeted by them with empathy and warmth from someone else can be something everyone deserves.
I understand the pain involved with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, adjustment disorders and PTSD. My name is Patricia Ruppert and I am a Provisional License Mental Health Practitioner practicing in Kearney, NE. I have a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, a Minor in Foreign Language, and a teaching endorsement (4th-9th grade) from the University of Nebraska. I received my (M.S. Ed) Master's Degree of Arts in Education: Clinical Mental Health from University of Nebraska at Kearney. I fluently speak English and Spanish. I also provide Immigration Evaluations.
I understand the pain involved with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, adjustment disorders and PTSD. My name is Patricia Ruppert and I am a Provisional License Mental Health Practitioner practicing in Kearney, NE. I have a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, a Minor in Foreign Language, and a teaching endorsement (4th-9th grade) from the University of Nebraska. I received my (M.S. Ed) Master's Degree of Arts in Education: Clinical Mental Health from University of Nebraska at Kearney. I fluently speak English and Spanish. I also provide Immigration Evaluations.
Erica works with people of all ages, providing individual and family therapy. She believes in a strength-based approach and that everyone has skills and qualities that can be built upon in order to facilitate change.
Erica works with people of all ages, providing individual and family therapy. She believes in a strength-based approach and that everyone has skills and qualities that can be built upon in order to facilitate change.
My name is Kyra Gans and I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner in the state of Nebraska. I enjoy working with those from different walks of life including children, adolescents, college students, adults, families, couples, probation, DHHS cases, and am interested in working veterans. I have completed training in IOWA-PCIT which works with children and parent when a child struggles with attachment and behaviorally. Additionally, I have completed some training in TF-CBT for those who have experienced trauma. Further training that I am pursuing at this time is DBT and CPT.
My name is Kyra Gans and I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner in the state of Nebraska. I enjoy working with those from different walks of life including children, adolescents, college students, adults, families, couples, probation, DHHS cases, and am interested in working veterans. I have completed training in IOWA-PCIT which works with children and parent when a child struggles with attachment and behaviorally. Additionally, I have completed some training in TF-CBT for those who have experienced trauma. Further training that I am pursuing at this time is DBT and CPT.
The love of people and the passion of working with others so they can heal from past experiences is what drew me into the field of counseling. What an amazing opportunity to watch people discover their full potential! I have experience working in multiple areas including working with college students as they move forward with their future, overcoming obstacles as they attain their goals. I have experience working at The Meadows in Arizona, trained under Pia Mellody. I have worked extensively with tauma and those committed to sexual recovery. I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, trained under Dr. Patrick Carnes.
The love of people and the passion of working with others so they can heal from past experiences is what drew me into the field of counseling. What an amazing opportunity to watch people discover their full potential! I have experience working in multiple areas including working with college students as they move forward with their future, overcoming obstacles as they attain their goals. I have experience working at The Meadows in Arizona, trained under Pia Mellody. I have worked extensively with tauma and those committed to sexual recovery. I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, trained under Dr. Patrick Carnes.
Are you tired of feeling stuck in patterns of anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, self-doubt, or the weight of past experiences? At Mertens Counseling, we know how painful it can be when life feels overwhelming or you’re unsure how to move forward. Our compassionate team specializes in helping teens and adults heal from trauma, manage stress, and improve emotional well-being. Using evidence-based, trauma-informed care, we help you build resilience, confidence, and deeper connection—with yourself and others—so you can find lasting peace and fulfillment.
Are you tired of feeling stuck in patterns of anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, self-doubt, or the weight of past experiences? At Mertens Counseling, we know how painful it can be when life feels overwhelming or you’re unsure how to move forward. Our compassionate team specializes in helping teens and adults heal from trauma, manage stress, and improve emotional well-being. Using evidence-based, trauma-informed care, we help you build resilience, confidence, and deeper connection—with yourself and others—so you can find lasting peace and fulfillment.
Melissa currently works with adults, children ages 12 and up, families, and couples. She has specialized training in the areas of behavior and trauma. Melissa has the ability with her licensure to see most insurances, including Tricare and Medicare!
Melissa currently works with adults, children ages 12 and up, families, and couples. She has specialized training in the areas of behavior and trauma. Melissa has the ability with her licensure to see most insurances, including Tricare and Medicare!
We have openings this week. Please feel free to call. We are always looking to serve. We work to provide diagnostic clarity and properly aligned evidence-based treatment and interventions for your needs at this time. I approach treatment to all including multicultural treatment for children of very young ages from 6-12, and teenagers and adults that are in need of help through 1:1 talk therapy and/or skill/brain training. I can help be a positive influence to key milestones in the treatment process. If you are need of crisis counseling please notify us.
We have openings this week. Please feel free to call. We are always looking to serve. We work to provide diagnostic clarity and properly aligned evidence-based treatment and interventions for your needs at this time. I approach treatment to all including multicultural treatment for children of very young ages from 6-12, and teenagers and adults that are in need of help through 1:1 talk therapy and/or skill/brain training. I can help be a positive influence to key milestones in the treatment process. If you are need of crisis counseling please notify us.
My name is Meredith McDowell, and I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner. I am a registered service provider with the State of Nebraska. I enjoy working with all types of clients. I work with families, adolescents, adults on probation or parole, couples, and veterans of all ages. I work with all types of addictions as well. I am certified with the State of Nebraska to complete drug and alcohol evaluations. I have been Gottman Trained in Level 1 and 2, in order to work with couples.
My name is Meredith McDowell, and I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner. I am a registered service provider with the State of Nebraska. I enjoy working with all types of clients. I work with families, adolescents, adults on probation or parole, couples, and veterans of all ages. I work with all types of addictions as well. I am certified with the State of Nebraska to complete drug and alcohol evaluations. I have been Gottman Trained in Level 1 and 2, in order to work with couples.
Amy Worley is a counselor with a sincere commitment to enhancing the well-being of young adults, adults, couples and families. My experience and expertise lies in guiding individuals and relationships through life’s challenges using a holistic approach rooted in empathy and collaboration.
Amy Worley is a counselor with a sincere commitment to enhancing the well-being of young adults, adults, couples and families. My experience and expertise lies in guiding individuals and relationships through life’s challenges using a holistic approach rooted in empathy and collaboration.
I believe that therapy is a chance to grow and develop holistically in an environment where every individual is honored and respected. I am trained in community counseling and marriage & family therapy, with specialized training in family systems conceptualizations.
I have worked with with individuals ranging across the lifespan, as well as college students, and marital/premarital couples. I work with a variety of issues including, depression, anxiety, forgiveness work, life transitions and struggles, marital discourse, etc.
I assess each individual and family holistically, looking at the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual influences.
I believe that therapy is a chance to grow and develop holistically in an environment where every individual is honored and respected. I am trained in community counseling and marriage & family therapy, with specialized training in family systems conceptualizations.
I have worked with with individuals ranging across the lifespan, as well as college students, and marital/premarital couples. I work with a variety of issues including, depression, anxiety, forgiveness work, life transitions and struggles, marital discourse, etc.
I assess each individual and family holistically, looking at the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual influences.
If you’re feeling lost, broken, or like you’re barely holding it together, please know you’re not alone—and there is hope. Life can be overwhelming, especially when you're carrying pain that no one else can see. I’m here to walk with you through the hard parts, at your pace, with compassion and without judgment. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can feel heard, supported, and begin to heal. You don’t have to have it all figured out—I’ll meet you right where you are, and we’ll take the next steps together.
If you’re feeling lost, broken, or like you’re barely holding it together, please know you’re not alone—and there is hope. Life can be overwhelming, especially when you're carrying pain that no one else can see. I’m here to walk with you through the hard parts, at your pace, with compassion and without judgment. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can feel heard, supported, and begin to heal. You don’t have to have it all figured out—I’ll meet you right where you are, and we’ll take the next steps together.
See more therapy options for Kearney
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Kearney, NE
70+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in Kearney, NE who prioritize treating:
| 89% | Anxiety |
| 82% | Depression |
| 75% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 72% | Relationship Issues |
| 70% | Self Esteem |
| 66% | Coping Skills |
| 66% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 97% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
| 84% | Medicaid |
| 76% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Kearney, NE see their clients
| 77% | In Person and Online | |
| 23% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 84% | Female | |
| 14% | Male | |
| 2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Kearney?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.


