Working with a therapist can help you develop healthy coping skills and overcome many mental health challenges. If you’re looking for a therapist in Iowa, barriers to treatment can make it difficult to find in-person treatment.
With BetterHelp, you can work with a licensed marriage and family therapist, social worker, or other mental health professional from the comfort of your home at a time that suits your schedule. Your therapist will use a person-centered therapy approach to ensure you get support tailored to your unique needs and preferences, whether you’re having mental health issues related to past trauma like sexual abuse or are experiencing low self-esteem, relationship challenges, or work-related stress.
Note that while many of the licensed mental health professionals on the platform may have served children in their prior training and careers, BetterHelp does not currently provide services like play therapy to children or adolescents.
If you’re looking for an online therapist, IA has many qualified professionals licensed to provide therapy state-wide. Connect with one of the counselors below to learn more about how therapy can help you along your life journey.

Cynthia Boyle
Hi. My name is Cindy and I am a national certified counselor(NCC) and licensed counselor in Iowa (LMHC0 and Michigan (LPC). I have had a private practice for 12+ years where I provide individual, couple and group counseling. I am a former president of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association and am active with a number of other professional counseling organizations. I began my counseling work in addictions treatment, with a particular emphasis on treating the family system. I also have specialized in working with children and adults on the autism spectrum. My training as a mental health counselor helps me assist them with the wide array of co-existing conditions they often deal with, such as: ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, etc...while my personal experience as a mother and aunt to children on the spectrum gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges parents face. While I believe a client centered approach (having empathy, unconditional positive regard, and always being authentic) is fundamental to building the counseling relationship I do not adhere to any one treatment theory or modality. Just as every client is unique, I consider it my job to partner with my client to find their learning style and preferences and then tailor a treatment approach that best suits them. I regularly utilize aspects of CBT, DBT, mindfulness and motivational interviewing. For partnership/couple counseling I often utilize research and techniques from the Gottman approach, EFT, and ACT. I have research interests in counseling ethics, personality disorders, autistic spectrum disorders and animal assisted therapy and have given professional workshops on these topics at the local, regional, and national levels. I hope this gives you an idea of who I am. At heart I am a helper, and my training and credentialing are avenues to assist me in trying to be the best helper I can. I also want you to know I really appreciate the courage it takes for someone to open up to counseling and to be a part of that process is a privilege I do not take lightly. Just a note, in order to be compliant with the variety of licensing regulations in different states, I only utilize A/V telehealth for appointments.

Jenifer Regennitter
Hello! My name is Jenifer, and I am a licensed therapist in both Illinois and Iowa. I have a Masters of Science in Education in Counseling and a Bachelors degree in psychology from Western Illinois University. I have worked as a Masters-level clinician in behavioral health since 2000, and have experience working in virtually every level of care--from residential, to inpatient, to outpatient, to community mental health. This has given me the opportunity to work with individuals at various levels in their mental health journey. I see adults of any (or no) spiritual background, but can offer Christian Counseling for those seeking a safe place to discuss their faith as it relates to their life struggles. Whatever you are at spiritually, emotionally, or mentally, I meet you where you're at! In terms of my counseling approach, I primarily practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Art Therapy and Trauma-Centered therapy. I provide counseling for those stuck in depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, or unhealthy coping patterns. Effective counseling is a collaborative experience; that means you and I will work together to identify opportunities for growth and healing, as well as the strengths you already have. I do give homework assignments from time to time so that you can continue your healing work outside session. My passion is helping people see what is possible so they can live life with more joy, peace, and wellness. I look forward to working with you!

LaJuana Walker-McGill
I am licensed in Florida with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, anger management, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Victoria Bartholomew
I am licensed in Kansas, Missouri, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Texas and Tennessee, with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. If you're willing to work hard make the changes, I am here to cheer you on!

Timothy Dearhamer
I am licensed in Oklahoma and Iowa with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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!

James Judkins
I am licensed in Iowa with over 37 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!

Dr. Ashley Shelanski
I am licensed in Minnesota with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

John Smith
I am licensed in Iowa with 10 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.

Dr. James Ruby
Hello! I am James Ruby and I am grateful that you have taken a few minutes to look at my profile. I hope we have the opportunity to work together to help you reach your goals! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I did my MA at Northeastern IL University in Chicago, IL and my PhD at Loyola University in Chicago. I have been working with individuals, couples, and families since 1998. I would imagine that you might want to know a bit about how I work, what I believe about the counseling process, etc. Let me try and give you some information that will help you make the best decision for you, you and your partner, or you and your family... I believe that our past is important, but it doesn't define us. We are shaped by our past and we can learn from it, but we are the authors of our own lives. So, we can write a new chapter for ourselves that will better enable us to reach our goals. Sometimes, our ways of thinking can get in our way. We might have learned some things early in life that no longer seem to work for us. These thoughts and beliefs can feel like "the truth," but they really are only thoughts and beliefs. They can change. We can change. We can grow. We can thrive! I also believe that we humans are complex beings, with multiple dimensions to our lives - the cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual, to name a few. All of those dimensions can work for us, or against us, so I like to help my counseling clients look at all of those dimensions. Within each of us is a wealth of knowledge and strength that our problems can make us forget. I like to help my clients tap into that knowledge and activate those strengths. So, I occasionally ask my clients to complete questionnaires or do some "homework" between sessions that helps them move in the direction they would like to go. I would be privileged to have the opportunity to help you reach your goals. I know what it feels like to have the weight of sadness, anxiety, or frustration keep you down. I work in a judgment free atmosphere, so there is no need to feel excessive guilt or shame. In fact, those things can get in our way. I have helped many people get through their most difficult days and come out on the other side, ready to live the life they deserve. I'd love to have the chance to do the same for you. If you have any questions for me, I welcome them. I want you to find the best match for you and your counseling needs.

Shelly Flachs
Welcome to the therapeutic journey towards self-discovery and healing. I'm Shelly Flachs, a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving individuals across Illinois, Iowa, Maine, and Missouri. With over a decade of dedicated experience, I've had the privilege of supporting individuals facing various challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and life-altering situations. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empowerment, focusing on solutions, and honoring your unique strengths. Drawing from cognitive-behavioral theory, emotional freedom technique (EFT), and Safe and Sound Protocol, I tailor each session to suit your individual needs. I believe in fostering a genuine, positive, and safe environment where you can explore your story with respect and authenticity. Embarking on the journey of therapy can be daunting, but it's a courageous step towards personal growth and resilience. I commend you for taking that first step. Together, we'll identify your goals and create personalized plans to achieve them, guiding you towards a more fulfilling life. Specializing in stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, depression, and navigating life changes, I offer a range of clinical approaches, including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, EFT, and Safe and Sound Protocol. With a commitment to your well-being and growth, I'm honored to walk alongside you on this transformative journey. Let's embark on this path together, towards a brighter, more empowered tomorrow.
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 2,499,317 people live in IA, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in Iowa support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- 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: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
When should I get a therapist in Iowa?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy the safe option?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
Popular cities in Iowa
- Des Moines, IA
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Davenport, IA
- Sioux City, IA
- Iowa City, IA
- Waterloo, IA
- Ames, IA
- West Des Moines, IA
- Council Bluffs, IA
- Ankeny, IA
- Dubuque, IA
- Urbandale, IA
Find your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming