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.
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Christine Topping
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Iowa with 8 years of experience working with couples, families, and individuals of all age ranges. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, life stressors, grief and loss and ADHD. I also helped many divorced couples with co-parenting , and I have completed training for PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Training). My therapy style is welcoming of all concerns without judgement. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I care for each client in their own unique way to fit their goals and current situation. I change is possible for everyone. It takes courage to begin the change process and have a more fulfilling life. I am here for you if you are ready to take that step. I will provide support along the way while also challenging you. I look forward to working with you!
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Sheila Funk-Jansen
Hello, my name is Sheila Funk-Jansen. I am a licensed clinical therapist in Iowa and Illinois. I graduated with my MSW in social work in 2003 from University of Missouri-Columbia. I have worked with a variety of courageous people in my journey to help them be more vulnerable, brave, and resilient. For the last 25+ years, I I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, family conflicts, and many other areas of life. I believe people have the resiliency to move the barriers that life presents to us. Life is all about learning. Learning about ourselves and giving up our comforts in life are scary even if they are unhealthy. Each person is unique and I am here to start where you are at in your journey. I utilize therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focus Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing along with utilizing other modalities. The client and therapist's alliance is crucial in providing a safe, non judgmental space to be open and vulnerable to see their potential and resiliency to grow when experiencing hurt and pain. I see people through the week along with some weekends. I work with schedules as much as I can to help get people in sooner when needed. I look forward in working with you. Sheila
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Carly Turner
Hello, My name is Carly Turner. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa. I have been practicing as a Therapist for 4 years. I graduated in May of 2017 from the University of New England with my Master’s Degree in Social Work. I have experience working with people who have struggled with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, trauma, abuse, bipolar disorder, relationship concerns, anger management, eating disorders, personality disorders, caregiving, and geriatric concerns. My counseling style is warm and reflective. I believe the most important component of a counseling relationship is listening in a sensitive and respectful way. My approaches include; Strengths Based, Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Trauma Focused Therapy. We will work together to find the best tools to empower you as you navigate the trail you are taking and achieve your goals. Thank you for taking time to read more about me. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey.
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Kathleen Cates-Richardson
I am licensed in Iowa, and Arizona with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, grief, coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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.

Dijana Dugalic
I am licensed in Iowa, with 8 years of experience. I enjoy helping clients with a variety of concerns, including: stress, depression, anxiety, trauma/abuse, suicidal ideation, anger or emotion management, and difficult life transitions. 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. I look forward to learning more about you and helping you achieve your goals. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and now we can work on getting you feeling better.

Mary Pulscher
I am licensed in Iowa as a therapist with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with 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!

Melissa Reyerson-Slifer
I am a licensed therapist with over 4 years of therapy experience, and over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients of all ages, and have worked with clients with a variety of concerns. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety disorders, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem, and stress. 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.

Kaley Clark
I am licensed in Iowa with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!

Nicole Hamilton-Brahm
I am licensed in Iowa with 4 years of professional work experience. 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.

Cynthia Lawson
I am a U.S. Army veteran who has become a licensed clinical social worker or LCSW in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I am also licensed in both Iowa & South Dakota as a clinical social worker in private practice. My goal is trying to bring mental health services to more communities. I spend my time between TX, IA & SD. My bachelor's degree is in health science. I have my first master's degree in criminal justice, the second master's degree in social work, and my third master's degree is in public administration. I have experience in helping clients with stress, ADHD, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, coping with life changes & many other concerns. I am a huge advocate for spending time outside and learning self-care. This can be something as simple as sitting on the porch watching the sun set. Kudos to my fellow veterans, first responders & medical professionals out there, thank you for your service. 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. Life can be prickly like a cactus, sometimes we need help to navigate times where we get stuck. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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
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- Iowa City, IA
- Waterloo, IA
- Ames, IA
- West Des Moines, IA
- Council Bluffs, IA
- Ankeny, IA
- Dubuque, IA
- Urbandale, IA
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