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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Leah Pavela-Mullins

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LCSW,C-ET
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Susan Frauenholtz

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: PhD,MSW,LISW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Welcome - Have you been overwhelmed by life's demands recently? Would you like to feel more confident in relationships and comfortable in your own skin? Are you finding it difficult to cope with change and loss? Reaching out for support is a big first step. As a licensed clinician in Iowa and Virginia with two decades of experience, I will work collaboratively with you as a partner to explore solutions and help you reach your goals. My approach to counseling is to create a space that feels safe, nonjudgmental, and welcoming. I am very strengths-based and tailor my approach to your individual needs and preferences. The focus of my practice is working with women on concerns including anxiety, self-esteem, depression, grief and loss, life changes, and relational challenges. In addition, I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and can support you in resolving previous trauma and moving forward to greater fulfillment and joy. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Denise Stutes

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LISW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Hello, I am a licensed therapist in Iowa. I have over 23 years of experience in the mental health field with the past 5 years as a therapist. Some of my background includes working in; community settings, hospitals, domestic violence shelters and in corrections. I have worked with a wide variety of individuals who have suffered from all kinds of problematic areas in their life including severe physical and mental trauma. I enjoy helping others and I love to see people grow and succeed in their journey of life. My counseling style is compassionate, direct, interactive and sometimes I like to add some humor. I also like to empower others. When you see your own strengths that is when growth takes place. My approach is a combination of family systems, cognitive behavioral, person centered and mindfulness. This is a judgement free zone. I am on your side. I believe we all are unique in our own ways. You are enough just the way you are. It takes courage to reach out and take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you. I look forward working with you and thank you for the opportunity to do so.

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Sarika Griffin

Offering therapy in Iowa
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Nebraska, Iowa, and Florida with 8 years of experience. I have worked with clients with various concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance misuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse—providing support, advocacy, safety planning, and resources to survivors of powerbase violence. I focused on building my knowledge to provide inclusive, trauma-informed advocacy and mental health services with integrity and innovation. My therapy style is warm, direct, and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines attachment-based, internal family systems, solution-focused, client-centered, and dialectical behavior therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you if you are ready to take that step. I look forward to working with you!

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Jennifer Harrington

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas and Iowa with 7 years of clinical counseling experience, and 14 years in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depressed mood, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Kayla Reisinger

Offering therapy in Iowa
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
3 years of experience

Life is difficult, unpredictable, and not always beautiful. As a therapist, I will support you in working through the feelings that accompany those difficult times and work towards developing healthy view of yourself. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed with the stresses of everyday life, parenthood or work, experienced trauma, want to mend a relationship, explore attachment, or just need support through a trying time, I am here to help you reach your goals. I have a passion for supporting those who have experienced a "mother wound", or disrupted attachment to the maternal figure in their lives; whether it be abuse or growing up around narcissistic caregivers. I practice several types of therapy and will work to utilize the one that will best fit your needs in this journey. People don't seek counseling when things are going well, so I will approach our sessions without judgement, but instead compassion and empathy and open ears. You will have a safe space to voice your concerns and struggles, knowing that we will work together to build the best plan for you.

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Dr. Ashley Shelanski

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

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.

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Dr. James Ruby

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: PhD,LMHC,NCC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
22 years of experience

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.

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Elie Hays

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Jill Martens

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Nebraska with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Kellee Foote

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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!

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Kerry Robertson

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & depression. 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.

How can therapists in Iowa support you?

Therapists in Iowa 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 Iowa, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in Iowa 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 BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of Iowa working 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 in Iowa, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in Iowa support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • 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

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some commonly asked questions can be found 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.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

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 in Iowa can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover 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 safe?

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.

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