Find a Therapist for Self-Esteem in Wichita

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

This page explains self-esteem, how treatment can help, and how to find therapists in Wichita who work with it. You’ll also find practical guidance for getting care in a car-dependent city, including options that may reduce travel burden.

  • Justine Grosso, Psychologist

    Justine Grosso

    Psychologist

    1829 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514

    Justine Grosso is a Psychologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Self Esteem, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Intimacy Concerns.

    Integrative, somatic, trauma-informed psychotherapy. "You're not broken, your nervous system is trying to protect you."

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  • Christy Hofsess, Psychologist

    Christy Hofsess

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Christy Hofsess is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 4 years. They treat Self Esteem, Trauma, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife.

    My mission is to help individuals and couples reach their full potential for connection and growth using a holistic and culturally responsive approach.

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  • Carlin Anderson, Psychologist

    Carlin Anderson

    Psychologist, Sport Psychologist

    7401 Metro Boulevard, Edina, Minnesota 55424

    Carlin Anderson is a Psychologist in Edina, Minnesota and has been in practice for 22 years. They treat Self Esteem, Athletic Performance, Performance Anxiety.

    Grounded in empathy and evidence-based interventions, we are 20+ sport psychology experts providing service & care to individuals, teams, & sport orgs.

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  • Hider Shaaban, Psychotherapist

    Hider Shaaban

    Psychotherapist, Psychologist

    255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

    Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Self Esteem, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma, Gender Identity.

    Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.

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  • Ragan Snyder, Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Work (LSCSW)

    Ragan Snyder

    Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Work (LSCSW)

    9415 East Harry Street, Wichita, Kansas 67207

    Ragan Snyder is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Work (LSCSW) in Wichita, Kansas. They treat Self Esteem, Intimacy Concerns, Work/Life Balance.

    I welcome and affirm clients of all identifies and background.

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  • Brennen Smith, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Brennen Smith

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    6525 East Mainsgate Road, Wichita, Kansas 67226

    Brennen Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Wichita, Kansas and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Self Esteem, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Autism.

    I'm glad to walk with you on a journey of transformation. I hope my past experiences of overcoming my own mental strife can aid you.

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Understanding Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is the way a person sees and values themselves. When it is low, thoughts may turn harsh or doubtful, emotions can include shame or discouragement, body sensations may show up as tension or heaviness, and behavior may shift toward avoiding people or giving up on goals. It exists on a spectrum, from mild periods of self-doubt to more disruptive patterns that affect daily life. This is a recognized mental health concern and not a personal flaw. In Wichita, people may notice it showing up in how they handle work, school, relationships, or everyday choices.

A clear label can make it easier to find the right kind of support because it gives people a shared way to describe what they are experiencing. It can also help them look for care that fits their needs, whether that is in person or through telehealth, especially when travel, cost, or provider options vary.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Self-Esteem can look different from person to person, and the signs may change depending on the situation, stress level, or support someone has. Some people may notice only a few of these, while others feel them more strongly.

  • Being very hard on yourself
  • Doubting your abilities, even when others trust you
  • Feeling like you do not measure up to other people
  • Having trouble accepting compliments
  • Avoiding new chances because you expect to fail
  • Apologizing a lot or worrying about upsetting others
  • Needing a lot of reassurance before making choices
  • Feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable speaking up

Why This Happens

Self-esteem usually reflects a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental influences, not one single cause. It can be affected by temperament, mental health concerns like anxiety or depression, past criticism or trauma, family relationships, social comparison, and repeated stress. In a city like Wichita, practical pressures such as transportation challenges, access to support, and everyday stress can also shape how someone feels about themselves. Low self-esteem is not a personal failing.

How Treatment Works

Treatment for self-esteem concerns is usually a combination of skills, support, and sometimes medication, depending on your symptoms and goals. In Wichita, it can also help to think about access and cost, since most people drive to appointments, bus service varies by neighborhood, telehealth can reduce travel burden, and sliding-scale clinics may have waitlists.

  • CBT can help you notice harsh self-talk and practice more balanced ways of thinking. In everyday life, that can make criticism, mistakes, and social situations feel less overwhelming.
  • ACT can help you build room for difficult feelings while still moving toward what matters to you. It may be useful if you want to stop getting stuck in self-doubt and start taking small, steady steps.
  • DBT can help with coping skills, emotional control, and handling intense reactions to stress or rejection. That can make it easier to stay grounded during tough conversations or setbacks.
  • Trauma-informed therapy can help if past experiences have affected how you see yourself. It focuses on feeling safe, understood, and less blamed while you work on confidence.
  • Group therapy or peer support can help you realize you are not dealing with this alone. It can also give you practical ideas from other people who are working on similar struggles, along with support for sleep routines, stress management, and other healthy habits.

In Wichita, focus on finding a provider who is experienced with Self-Esteem and feels like a good fit.

Finding the right provider in Wichita

When looking for therapy for self-esteem in Wichita, choose a therapist licensed in Kansas so care is appropriate for where you live, especially if you use telehealth or need insurance coverage. Licensing can affect whether appointments are covered and whether the therapist can legally provide services across state lines. MiResource can filter by licensure to help you find therapists licensed in your state.

Local Care Logistics in Wichita

In Wichita, access to care can be easier in some areas than others. Downtown Wichita, Old Town, Delano, Riverside, and College Hill may offer better options than farther-out parts of the city, but many people still drive to appointments because the city is car-dependent and bus service varies by neighborhood. Parking is generally available, which can help reduce stress. Telehealth can cut travel time, and asking for flexible appointment times can make scheduling easier. Because university semester peaks and summer schedule changes can affect availability, it helps to book early and ask to be added to more than one waitlist. Sliding-scale care may be available, though some options have waits, so checking insurance acceptance ahead of time can prevent delays.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Wichita

• Take a 10-minute walk at Riverside Park or Naftzger Park and notice one thing you did well today.

• Pick one small task at home in East Wichita or West Wichita, then stop when it is finished so you can practice noticing progress.

• Before sleep, write down two strengths or efforts from the day and keep the list somewhere easy to revisit.

• If leaving the house feels like a lot, plan one low-pressure outing to Pawnee Prairie Park or Great Plains Nature Center and focus on showing up, not performance.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Use emergency services right away if low self-esteem is leading to thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or you feel unable to stay safe. If the situation is urgent or you need immediate support, call 988 or 911, and you can also contact COMCARE Crisis Services at (316-660-7500) or the Adult Mobile Crisis Team (AMCT) via COMCARE of Sedgwick County. If you can get to a hospital, Wesley Medical Center, Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph, and Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa are options in Wichita. Because Wichita is car-dependent and parking is generally available, many people drive to appointments or urgent care.

  1. Watch for a crisis: thoughts of self-harm, feeling unsafe, or being unable to cope right now.
  2. Call 988 or 911 immediately if there is any immediate danger; you can also call COMCARE Crisis Services at (316-660-7500).
  3. If you can travel safely, go to Wesley Medical Center, Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph, or Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa.
  4. Expect urgent care to focus on safety and next steps, and be prepared to wait while staff assess the situation.

Common Questions About Self-Esteem

Q: How do I know if I need a therapist for Self-Esteem? A: If low self-esteem is affecting your relationships, work, school, or daily mood, therapy may help. A therapist can help you understand negative self-talk, build confidence, and practice healthier coping skills. If you feel stuck, overly self-critical, or unable to move past setbacks on your own, that is a good reason to reach out. In Wichita, it can also be helpful to choose a format that fits your transportation and schedule.

Q: What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist? A: That can happen, and it does not mean therapy is not for you. A strong fit matters, so it is okay to be honest about what is not working or to look for someone else. Many therapists expect that some clients will need a different style, pace, or personality match. If getting to appointments is a challenge in Wichita, telehealth may make it easier to keep searching without adding travel stress.

Q: Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for Self-Esteem? A: Online therapy can be very helpful for Self-Esteem, especially if regular travel is inconvenient. It may be a good option if you want more flexibility, less commuting, or easier access from home. In-person therapy can also be a strong choice if you prefer face-to-face interaction and can get to appointments reliably. In Wichita, where most people drive and parking is generally available, either option may work depending on your comfort and schedule.

Q: What should I ask a potential therapist for Self-Esteem? A: You can ask how they help people with Self-Esteem, what their approach is, and what a typical session looks like. It is also helpful to ask whether they offer in-person or telehealth visits, accept your insurance, or have sliding-scale options. Since insurance acceptance varies by provider in Wichita, asking about cost upfront can save time and stress. You may also want to ask how they handle goal setting and how they would support you if progress feels slow.

Q: Does therapy for Self-Esteem really work? A: Therapy can be very effective for Self-Esteem because it gives you tools to challenge harsh self-judgment and build a more realistic view of yourself. Progress often comes through steady practice, honest reflection, and trying new ways of thinking and responding. It may not change everything overnight, but many people find it helps them feel more confident and less stuck. If getting to appointments is difficult, telehealth can make it easier to stay consistent and keep moving forward.

Local Resources in Wichita

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Wichita, KS who treat Self-Esteem. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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