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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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!
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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!
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Dr. Brenden Troster
I am a marriage and family therapist with a PhD in Developmental Psychology. I have 7 years of experience working as a therapist, and 25 years of experience working as a coach. I have accumulated a wide range of experience working with a diverse clientele. I have worked in school based mental health, addiction treatment, and residential treatment for children and teens. I have also worked in an outpatient setting treating severe and persistent mental illness. I have worked with children and teens that have had severe trauma through Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have also worked extensively with struggling families. Some of the many issues I have worked with people on are depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, trauma, parenting problems, relationship issues, ADHD, sexual abuse, pornography addiction, and anger management. My therapeutic style is to first listen to your story. You are the expert on your life, and I am here to listen to that experience. I try to treat everyone with respect, dignity, compassion, and understanding. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, Bowenian, motivational interviewing, and rational-emotive behavioral therapy methods. I believe in a client-centered collaborative approach in which I work to understand needs and goals that are specific to you. Your specific goals will guide our discussion and formulate your treatment plan. We all have times in our life when we could use some perspective and help with reaching our goals. We will work together to create a treatment plan and interventions that are unique to your situation. I welcome the opportunity to assist you in reaching your goals. I look forward to getting to know you and working together!
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Denise Stutes
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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Tonya Randolph
I am currently a certified school counselor and I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Louisiana for the last 3 years. I have over 12 years of experience working with children and families as a school counselor. I have had specialized training in play therapy, bully prevention, applied suicide intervention training (ASIST), and currently hold a tele-mental health certification. I have previously operated a domestic violence crisis line, provided anger management classes for students and parents, and was the coordinator of an afterschool program for middle school students. My counseling style is meeting my clients where they are at present and providing unconditional positive regard. My approach to therapy is client centered, solution focused and cognitive behavioral. I am not adverse to trying new approaches if I feel that it will help my client achieve their goals for counseling. I believe even the strongest people sometimes need extra support. It takes wisdom and courage to ask for help. If you are ready to take the next steps, I will be your partner in building a strong healthy future.
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Alyssa “Petersen” Domel
“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” (Joshua J. Marine) Everybody struggles with the challenges of life and everyone deserves a full and fruitful life. I am committed to facing these challenges with you and walking along side you to create the life that you deserve. I am trained in working with adolescents, adults, and families who struggle with substance abuse and dependence, depression, anxiety, postpartum anxiety and depression and personality disorders. I also have specialized trauma training for individuals with PTSD, C-PTSD, or unspecified traumas. I am also certified to work with those individuals who follow the Medicine Wheel traditions. Together we can meet and overcome the challenges that are preventing you from being the best you! Please email or call to schedule your first step on your new journey!
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Rochelle Rheingans
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, licensed in the state of Minnesota. I have been in private practice for 8 years now. Clients I have worked with have diagnoses from depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and personality disorders to name a few. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. My counseling style varies depending on each individual client. I make every attempt to treat clients as a whole person, not to divide a person's life challenges as separate from the person. This is helpful to see that a problem can be resolved by relying on other strengths of the individual. I will use humor and normalizing as tools to help clients as well as skill building and self compassion as tools the clients can use to help themselves when they are ready. I do not shy away from challenges and I know that reaching out for help is scary and going into a place of unknown. I look forward to walking alongside clients as they journey through the process of starting to live their best life. I will be your biggest cheerleader, loudest advocate and strongest defender as you go through the challenges and triumphs of counseling.
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Courtney Jennings
Welcome to your first step toward flourishing! Saying yes to counseling may be one of the healthiest gifts you can give yourself. I'm Courtney. Thank you for considering me for your journey! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida and Iowa) and Master Certified Addiction Professional and Certified Telehealth Practitioner (Florida). I have been a professional counselor for 15 years. I have a person-centered approach to counseling. The relationship and connection we develop is the most valuable tool we can utilize. Let's pursue your goals and your healing together. A bit nervous about engaging in counseling? We can start at a pace that's comfortable for you. Right now, I am offering asynchronous messaging and live chat sessions; I may add availability for phone and/or video sessions in the future.
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Kelly Kinney
I am licensed in Iowa (LISW) with 22 years of professional experience providing individual therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder. I also have significant 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. Taking the first step to improve your life through therapy takes courage and I am here to support you in that process. Seeing people change and make progress towards their goals has always been my favorite part of this work.
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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 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.
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