Therapy can be a way for you to take charge of your mental and emotional health. Through sessions with a licensed mental health counselor or therapist, you can gain practical tools to foster personal growth and overall life satisfaction. A therapists caring and compassionate counseling process can also give you the clarity and insight you need to to start creating the life you want.
Therapists and other healthcare providers can offer specialized support for individuals of all ages. Teenagers, the elderly, or adult individuals can benefit from unique therapy sessions, suited to their needs. While a child and family psyhcologist can help your child overcome behavioral issues, a psychotherapist can offer you support and treatment for issues related to a medical condition, or a professional in social work can help your family during difficult times.
If you’re seeking a therapist, Ames, IA, has a variety of online options available. Clear Brook Counseling Professionals is one platform that offers quality professional counseling services in Des Moines and Ames, IA, allowing you to schedule appointments with knowledgable, compassionate therapists. Online therapy allows you to book appointments at your own convenience, depending on your day-to-day life. You can receive the guidance and support of a therapist from the comfort of your home, while cooking with a family member, or going on a walk. The accessibility of online therapy fosters both individual and community mental health.
If you’re looking to begin therapy, you can explore some of the therapists below that offer quality online services in your area. Explore their profiles and see if any of them are a good fit for you.
Ashley Paulson
I am licensed to provide mental health counseling in Iowa and Nebraska. I earned my Master of Arts degree with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. I have helped clients with a variety of issues in different therapeutic settings over the past 11 years. I have counseled children, adolescents, and adults as well as provided individual, group, and family therapy. I have experience working with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting struggles, relational problems, and trauma. I provide a compassionate and accepting space for clients to discuss their issues and work toward making positive changes they desire. I am passionate about empowering clients in the counseling process. I aim to help clients live the best version of themselves. I utilize client-centered, strengths-based, mindfulness oriented, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. I have additional experience in using DBT, EMDR, PCIT, and hypnosis. I focus on helping clients harness their strengths and identify steps toward achieving their goals. I have immense experience in helping clients develop healthy coping skills and adaptive beliefs. I tailor my approach to fit what works best for each client. I firmly believe it takes a brave person to reach out for help. I am here to support you when you are ready to take the first step. I am grateful to be part of your journey toward developing a more fulfilling life!
Amy Louis
Hello, I'm Amy, I have been a licensed mental health counselor in Iowa for over a decade, was lucky to be prepared for the license by an amazing graduate program in counseling psychology. Since grad school I have worked with many clients and their families helping them reach their goals and overcoming struggles with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, health issues, loss, body image, identity, confidence and the things in life that beat us up. I am a positivity based therapist that will meet you where you are at and help you get where you want to be. I use pieces of many therapeutic approaches however I like to call it you centered, finding what best works to help you get to your balance and move forward. One of my mantra's is enjoy, and to enjoy we need to get into our lives and live. I want to help you enjoy and live! This is about you, the time is now to live the life you want. I look forward to working with you!
Lydia Frazier
I specialize in issues related to depression, anxiety, current or past trauma, and the impact of these on your life today. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults. I will always use an eclectic and individualized approach to treatment, drawing from many modalities such as mindfulness, interpersonal, trauma or solution focused, and will adhere to a strengths based model to move you through challenging times. I will use a holistic lens when hearing your story. We can explore how family of origin, chemistry, sleep patterns, diet, and movement impact you today, and then create a vision and plan for living the authentic life you crave. It takes courage to seek and accept help and change, and I am excited about the opportunity to be on this path alongside you!
Lacey Schmitt
Hello, my name is Lacey Schmitt and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I have worked as a professional counselor for over 6 years, focusing on mood disorders, trauma, aging, grief, as well as working with teens, and adults, as well as the elderly. While I have this experience in counseling, I also have extensive experience working in hospice as a social worker. My style is warm and down-to-earth. I like to use numerous perspectives and tools from many styles of therapy so that I can tailor an individualized approach together with my clients. I believe that therapy is an important space in which a person can feel safe to be their true selves, feel heard/accepted, and learn new skills, as well as grow as the individual you were meant to be. The biggest predictor of positive change in therapy is the relationship - I work hard to be clear, honest, and genuine as we learn about your situation and find solutions together. I can't wait to work together and see the changes you are excited to make.
Kathee Foxan
I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with experience working as a professional therapist in the state of Iowa for the last fourteen years, counseling clients with concerns regarding mood, anxiety, anger based, and personality disorder symptoms. I have worked as a therapist in a community mental health center for the last thirteen years and as a therapist to residents in nursing home settings four the last six years. In my thirteen years of experience, I have counseled people of all ages, stemming from the age of three, to my oldest client, aged ninety-three. I work with a particularly large amount of people in oppressed situations, including those struggling with; poverty, substance abuse/addiction, history of trauma, legal involvement, people of color, and those struggling with the loss of independence.
Adam Dollen
Adam is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Iowa as well as a nationally board certified counselor. Adam holds Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Adam’s experience includes working for CommonSpirit Health, Jackson Recovery Centers as an addiction counselor, Families First of Western Iowa as an in home behavioral skills specialist, Gerard of Iowa as a counselor on an adolescent inpatient unit, and served as a minister for over 20 years. He has been utilizing skills from treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. In his personal time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with family.
Paul Johnston
Hi! Welcome to the website! My name is Paul Johnston. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Iowa. As of today’s date, I have been a licensed therapist first in Colorado from 1995 to 2011, and then in Iowa since 2013. Overall, I have 33 years of experience providing mental health services for a wide range of different clients with varying concerns. I believe in a client centered approach which means that I am focused on understanding your specific issues and concerns. Over the years, my work has led me to focus on depression, anxiety, stress reduction and trauma. My approach to therapy is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The treatment plans that we develop will be based on your individual needs and symptoms. My approach is warm, and client centered. I believe in treating all my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in labels that stereotype. My approach has allowed me to work with individuals who prefer a Christian approach. Making real change takes courage, determination and insight. Seeking help is usually the first step towards accomplishing those goals. If I seem like a good fit for you or a loved one, I look forward to working with you.
Kayla Baxter
I am licensed in Minnesota and Iowa with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
James Judkins
I am licensed in Iowa with over 36 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Chidi Ojinnaka
I am licensed in Iowa with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jessica Hobart
I am licensed in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Connie Seth
I am licensed in Iowa with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Joan Burgos
Hello! My name is Joan E. Burgos, and I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor licensed to practice in the state of Iowa. For seven years, I have worked as a counselor for two major community mental health agencies in the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. During this time, I have worked with both teenagers and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health issues, from depression to schizophrenia. I graduated with my MA in clinical psychology from the University of Tulsa in 2013. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, and my own therapeutic style combines elements of each. I've been passionate about psychology my entire life. As someone who has experienced serious mental health issues herself, I am intimately familiar with both sides of the therapeutic relationship. I have found it extremely beneficial to my practice to understand what it's like to sit in the client's chair, sharing a client's expectations for treatment. As a trans woman, it has been my pleasure to grow along with my local LGBT+ community. I have served as a volunteer counselor for an outdoor camp for LGBT+ youth, assisting teens with mental health issues and addressing crises that popped up during the trip. As a person of color, I have labored within my community to improve resource accessibility for other people of color, working most closely with the local Hispanic community. When I'm not doing therapy, I am an avid gamer and writer. I write primarily urban fantasy and science fiction, and I enjoy immersing myself in psychological and philosophical readings. I have a BA from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, in both English and Philosophy. I look forward to meeting and working with you to help you discover and become the best version of you.
Toni Elliott-Boulter
I am licensed in Texas, Arizona, and Iowa with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I like to have a balance of empathy, proper assessment, support and a little humor sometimes too. I feel a good rapport is of utmost importance. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change.
Peter Jones
I am licensed in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Ohio with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have great experience with bipolar, schizophrenia, and PTSD trauma. My unique experience allows me to understand and best communicate with a person in need. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Ames
Finding the best therapist close by in Ames can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Ames that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Ames. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Ames, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Ames region and in the state of Iowa. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Ames or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Ames area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Ames, elsewhere in Story, or in the greater state of Iowa. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Ames area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ames therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Ames due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Ames may not take health insurance, some in the state of Iowa may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Iowa you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost of therapy question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How is a licensed therapist on this Ames online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Ames, Iowa working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Ames psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this therapist license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Ames above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this therapy tips question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Our specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression therapy
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress therapy
- Eating disorder therapist
- Grief therapy
- Attachment therapy
- Relationship therapy
- Children, adolescents, and teen therapy
- Addiction (substance abuse) therapy
- Divorce therapy
- Trauma or PTSD therapy
- Bipolar disorder therapy
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders therapist
- OCD counselor
- ADHD therapy
- Mood disorders therapy
- Sex addiction therapist
- Complex trauma therapy
- Life transition therapy
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Ames provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Ames?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Ames therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in IA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 50014 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family therapy question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Ames counselor?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Ames therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first therapy session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Ames licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Ames counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this do I need therapy question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. An experienced clinician can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based licensed clinician in Ames, Iowa can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Ames has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Ames, Iowa
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Ames therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Psychologist therapy services offered to clients in the below Iowa zip codes by BetterHelp therapists in Ames at an affordable cost:
50010, 50011, 50012, 50013, 50014
Start therapy with a therapist Ames provides to your location.
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