Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please click here. Private Pay Affordable Therapy Rates & Privacy • Better Together Mental Health

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Rates & Privacy

Our mission is to provide exceptional, personalized care for our clients. It’s the reason behind every decision that impacts what we do. It’s all for you.

 Understand how your well-being is prioritized 

Balancing privacy and convenience

Private Pay for Exceptional Care

At Better Together Mental Health, our decision to operate as a private pay practice reflects our commitment to upholding our core values of client-centered care, confidentiality, and quality service.

By choosing to forego insurance billing, we prioritize your needs and well-being above administrative complexities, ensuring that every aspect of your therapeutic journey is centered around you.

Private pay allows us to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and privacy, as we are not bound by the requirements and limitations imposed by insurance companies. This means that your personal information remains strictly confidential, and your therapy sessions are conducted in a safe and secure environment, free from outside influence.

Confidentiality and Convenience: Your Privacy is Our Priority

We understand the importance of confidentiality in your therapy journey. Our office is nestled within the Buttonwood Business Center on the south side of Columbia, offering a discreet and convenient location for your sessions.

When you visit our office, you’ll be greeted in the shared lobby before our team walks with you to one of our offices. Our therapy rooms are designed to provide utmost comfort and privacy, each with its own unique ambiance to suit your preferences. To further ensure confidentiality, we utilize sound machines during sessions, reducing any chance of overhearing from outside.

Located near restaurants, shopping, and other prominent businesses, our office is easily accessible and blends seamlessly into your daily routine. Whether you’re seeking therapy or another service, you can trust that your privacy is safeguarded every step of the way at Better Together Mental Health.

Soft couches with pillows and throw blankets are warm, offering comfort in a well, but softly lit space. Neutral beige walls and simple art tastfully decorates the walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re making your first appointment, or have been seeing a therapist for years, we know you may have some questions for us. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions. You can also find information about what to expect here.

How do I schedule an appointment?

The first step is to visit our contact page to request an appointment as a first time client. Already a part of the Better Together family? Simply log in to your client portal to request your next session.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept major credit/debit cards and HSA cards which are automatically billed within 24 hours of your session.  If you prefer to use another source of payment please reach out and we can discuss your needs.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not, and here’s why.

Is therapy confidential?

Absolutely. We ensure your information is secure by using Simple Practice. We are also mandated reporters, if you have questions about what we are required to report, you can find more information here.

What ages do you work with?

We typically see clients 8 and older. We see children to older adults. Since we specialize in methods that involve verbal communication we ask that potential clients have the ability to engage in verbal communication.

Can I bring someone with me to my therapy sessions?

We want you to feel comfortable in therapy so if you want to bring someone you trust to support you during the first session you may.  If you want someone else to engage in therapy with you, consider couples, family, or relationship therapy.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Life happens. We get it. We want to work with you to ensure you have an appointment time that will work for you, but if something leads to you needing to cancel we ask you give as much notice as possible. The refund and cancellation policy is available to all clients in your Simple Practice patient portal.

How do I access telehealth appointments?

Your virtual meeting link will be available to you via email and text message (you can customize your notifications in the portal). You will receive a unique link for each session to ensure it is secure.

Are you ADA accessible?

Our offices and the building at the Buttonwood Business Center are ADA-accessible. If specific accommodations are needed, please let us know prior to your appointment. 

How can therapy help with my specific concerns?
Therapy can help with a wide range of specific concerns by providing personalized support, guidance, and tools tailored to your unique needs. For more information, we recommend scheduling a discovery session. We are not a good fit for:
    1. Severe mental health issues (ie psychosis) 
    2. Communication barriers that keep someone from engaging in talk therapy
    3. Clients who are unable to be physically safe in an office
    4. Seeking a specific therapy approach or to treat an issue we do not specialize in (LINK to therapy topics on home page)
    5. Clients who need intensive support or access to a provider daily
    6. Those seeking a psychological evaluation or psychiatric care
    7. Those facing legal issues (including child custody) where you are mandated to get therapy and will need reports regularly
    8. Anyone only seeking counseling to get someone else off of their case
Do you offer services for couples or families?

Absolutely! We offer couple’s therapy as well as family therapy sessions. Learn more and book an appointment here.

How long does therapy typically last?

The duration of therapy can vary widely depending on several factors, including the specific concerns being addressed, the individual’s goals, and their progress in therapy. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, therapy can range from short-term, focused interventions to long-term, ongoing support.
Short-term therapy may involve a limited number of sessions, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months, and is often focused on addressing specific issues or achieving specific goals, such as learning coping strategies for managing anxiety or improving communication skills in relationships.

Long-term therapy, on the other hand, may extend over a longer period of time, potentially spanning several months or even years. This type of therapy is often more exploratory and comprehensive, allowing individuals to delve deeper into underlying issues, gain insight into recurring patterns, and make lasting changes in their lives.

Ultimately, the duration of therapy is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual’s unique needs, progress, and preferences. It’s important for individuals to discuss their goals and expectations with their therapist to develop a treatment plan that aligns with their needs and maximizes the effectiveness of therapy.

What qualifications do your therapists have?

All of our therapists are social workers. Learn more about our team’s experience and training here.

Is therapy covered by my insurance?

Many insurance providers offer coverage for therapy. However, our office has a private-pay policy which you can learn more about here.


Do you accept Medicare/Medicaid?

We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Can I continue therapy if I relocate to a different area?

It depends. We are currently licensed to practice in Missouri and Illinois. Teletherapy sessions are available to assist with transitions or travel. Ask us more about this in your next session or discovery call. 

What if I’m feeling suicidal?

If you or a loved one is currently experiencing a psychiatric crisis or feeling like harming yourself or suicide please visit your local emergency room or call 988 (Missouri’s suicide hotline).

What Our Clients Say

"I cannot stress enough how amazing better together is. Not only do I love my counselor, but the owner’s customer service is above and beyond. She took the time to explain how to save on my billing - just all around amazing. This is where you need to go for therapy. I have learned so much over the last several months."

— Kayla M.

What Our Clients Say

"I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Beth Orns, owner & therapist at Better Together through the Columbia Women’s Network. Beth spoke on a panel about self-care & imparted so much clinical wisdom & encouragement to all of us in the room. She uses her time & finances to mentor & invest in women, women-owned businesses, & a variety of nonprofit organizations in our community."

— Allie T.

What Our Clients Say

"I was originally referred to Beth Orns while pursuing supervision for the LCSW licensure process. Gosh, did I luck out. Beth is not only knowledgeable, kind, and caring but long after our supervision window she has remained a responsive and connected colleague and friend. Beth is continually driven towards excellence in helping her clients, colleagues, friends, and family."

— Francesca T.

What Our Clients Say

"I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Jemika Gardner in a professional capacity. Jemika has always been an advocate for her patients and will prove she is the asset missing from your behavioral health link. Jemika is smart, skilled, respectful, and compassionate; she will be a wonderful choice in provider!"

— Kacee

What Our Clients Say

"I highly recommend Jemika Gardner if you are looking for a caring, understanding, compassionate attentive, problem-solving, therapist, she is very knowledgeable and trustworthy. She will go the extra mile for you and make you feel comfortable and heard. she is an excellent therapist."

— Mikki M.

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