Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Barry Plumlee

Barry Plumlee

LMFT, LCMFT

Missouri

Experienced therapist focused on change

Continue with Barry

At a glance

Credentials
LMFT, LCMFT
License
LMFT, Oklahoma / LMFT01363; LMFT, Missouri / 2017030440; LCMFT, Kansas / LCMFT 703
Experience
21 years
Languages
English
Location
Missouri

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational support
    • Family patterns
    • Skill building

    About Barry

    Barry Plumlee is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and parenting concerns. He uses a calm, direct style to help clients sort through upsetting events and find practical ways to cope. Barry holds LMFT and LCMFT credentials and brings 21 years of experience to his work.

    He meets people where they are and focuses on clear goals. Sessions often look at family patterns, communication, and how past events affect current feelings. Barry draws on Motivational Interviewing to support change, along with client-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches to build skills people can use between sessions.

    Barry’s background includes many years in community mental health and children and family services, plus work with adult and marital concerns. That experience informs a flexible style that balances listening with gentle challenge. He often helps clients develop coping strategies for trauma, addiction-related struggles, and complex family situations.

    Practical matters are part of the process. He often helps parents with difficult behaviors, people navigating mood disorders, and clients managing compassion fatigue or first responder stress. Sessions are structured to focus on immediate coping steps and longer-term patterns.

    Evening and weekend hours are a feature of his schedule, with most work happening after 5 p.m. on weekdays and Sunday afternoons. Prospective clients should confirm session formats and scheduling details before booking.

  1. How his approaches work online and in session

    Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that helps people find their own reasons to change. It focuses on listening, reflecting, and guiding clients toward decisions that matter to them, which can be useful for addiction, ambivalence, and making life changes.

    Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship. The therapist follows the client's lead, offers empathy, and helps people feel understood while they sort out their priorities and emotions.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It teaches practical skills like thought reframing and behavioral experiments that can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and manage mood symptoms.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. He collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences rather than imposing one model. That collaborative process helps shape what happens session by session.

    Confirm the available session options before booking so you know how he is meeting with clients. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when helpful, and reduce travel time. It also lets people join from different locations when scheduling is tight. Discuss scheduling needs during the matching process to find appointment times that work with evening and Sunday availability.
  2. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesADHD

    Also works with

    AddictionsRelationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

    Additional focus areas

    Adoption and foster careAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHearing impairedImpulsivityMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy

    Experience

    21+ years

    Listed in

    Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas

    Languages

    English

  3. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Barry commonly address?

    He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting struggles, trauma and abuse, ADHD, addictions, relationship issues, sleeping problems, anger, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

    What is his general therapeutic style?

    He uses a compassionate, goal-oriented style that balances listening with practical steps. The work often focuses on improving communication and building everyday coping skills.

    How much experience does he have?

    He has 21 years of professional experience, including roles in community mental health and children and family services alongside adult and marital work.

    What credentials and region are associated with this therapist?

    He holds LMFT and LCMFT credentials with licensure in Missouri and is based in Missouri for practice.

    Which languages are supported for sessions?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Can people outside the country work with him?

    He does not accept international clients at this time.

    How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    What steps are involved in beginning work with this therapist?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

  4. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

Back to all therapists

Barry Plumlee Continue with Barry