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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TJ (Tanya) Gorman

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LIMHP,LADC,CDGC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
22 years of experience

I am TJ Gorman and I have been working as a therapist since 2001. However, I have worked in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I began working in inpatient mental health as an intake worker and then worked with the homeless providing case management and outreach. I started my counseling profession in the field of substance abuse and gambling. After completing my masters degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Drake University in 2007, I continued to enhance my therapy skills and furthered my knowledge in trauma. While at a large non-profit, I provided assessment, individual and group therapy. I served on several committees and helped implement changes to our organization and completed the Change Leader Academy through the NIATx program. This helped our agency better serve clients by mainstreaming paperwork, improving access to services and building retention. I also served as a clinical supervisor while at this agency. I have presented locally and regionally on trauma and addictions and as a parent of both biological and adoptive kids, I understand the unique challenges that can come with family disruptions. I currently hold licenses and certifications in mental health, gambling and substance use disorders. My theory of change focuses on better understanding how our childhood shapes who we are so we can become who we want to be. Helping persons heal these past trauma's or hurts, helps support long term success and a renewed sense of purpose. Sometimes the coping skills we use to help us become disruptive and damaging. Learning how to be at peace with our emotions, setting boundaries, and identifying healthier coping skills we can live the life we really want and deserve.

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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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Cara Kelley

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: MS,NCC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot I have experience counseling people of all ages in both individual and group settings. I have ties to the military community and have been an advocate for veteran suicide awareness. I have my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and have completed courses in Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), Psychological First Aid (PFA), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and am a QPR Gatekeeper for education in suicide prevention. I believe counseling provides a safe, warm, supportive relationship where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings and learn new strategies for coping with situations and emotions. My desire is to work with you to develop new patterns in your life that can lead to healthier coping skills, increased confidence, and a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your life. I believe my role is to help you utilize what you already know and your strengths to help you overcome barriers in order to grow more fully into who you want to become. I believe in the strength of human resiliency, but sometimes we become stuck and need help to move forward. I believe that one must take a holistic approach to overall health. The mind, body and spirit are so intimately connected that one most certainly influences the others. As far as human nature is concerned, I believe you have a desire to do what is right, but often find you do the very things that might not be in your best interests. That desire to do what is right is what gives me hope for everyone. I believe you can never fall too far to benefit from counseling. I believe everyone can change – if they really want to. I want to be the person that helps you on your journey of hope. I think so many people keep everything bottled up and do not share their feelings and fears with anyone. This can lead them to believe they are the only one feeling this way and that can be a very dark place. I want you to know you are not alone and that there is hope!

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Sergio Ayala

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 7 years of professional clinical work experience. I have a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity with 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education, and over 15 years of Ministerial/Pastoral Practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & dementia caregiver stress. 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.

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Alissa Zoucha

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: MS, LIMHP, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefCoping with life changesADHD
13 years of experience

I have approximately 13 years' experience assisting people in the mental health field. I specialize in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma and attachment and bonding. I am trained in multiple modalities of therapy, and I individualize my treatment to what your needs are. Life can be difficult to navigate through and no one should feel like they have to do it alone. I welcome ALL people to my virtual therapy office and have experience working with the queer community, different cultures, races, and ethnicities. I have discovered that building a supportive and enthusiastic relationship through therapy, can create a safe place to explore life struggles, understand difficult issues, develop new skills, enrich relationships, and work through situations to lead a more successful life. I believe that within a safe, trust-filled therapeutic relationship, people can decide upon and implement the changes necessary to improve their lives. My goal is for you to feel understood, validated, and free of judgement. If you are ready for a wonderful change in your life and would like some support, let's work together.

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Michele Lewis

Offering therapy in Iowa
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I'm Michele and I am excited you are taking steps to feel better about yourself and are interested to learn more about me. I'm a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri and Iowa, and a qualified mental health professional. I am a certified clinical tele-mental health provider and a certified clinical trauma professional and grief professional. I've been a therapist for more than 25 years and I absolutely love what I do. I help young people learn to live authentically in spite of experiencing trauma in their past and help them express their true inner self. I counsel adult children who care for their aging parents to cope with caregiver stress and work through grief and loss as they witness the change in their parent's mobility and cognition. With my years working in geriatrics, I help aging adults process feelings about aging gracefully. My certification and experience working with grief and loss lends my ability to help people of all ages work through the deep impact of sadness, emptiness, and stress from losing a loved one or going through an upsetting life change. My therapy approach is synergistic, warm and accepting. Therapy in my practice is a place of no judgment. It's a place of self-discovery. It's a place of speaking your mind feely, sharing your true thoughts and feelings that maybe you've been hesitant to say aloud before. It's a place of trying new things and thinking about solutions in new ways. In therapy, you get to explore what is holding you back or causing unhappiness at work or in your relationships. As you become more comfortable talking to me and exploring your inner self, you get to build skills and strategies that allow you the freedom to express who you are to those in your life. You discover how to build authentic connections with friends and family. You learn to use strategies to shrink depression and anxiety and become confident in the person you are and who you really want to be. I utilize a variety of techniques, such as, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology theory, stress management with mindfulness, empowerment work, mind / body / spirit connection to increase emotional expression and wellness, mood management, anxiety reduction, and finding your path to work / life balance. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, KS with a concentration in mental health. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from William Jewell College in Liberty MO. I am excited to begin our work together!

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Timothy Dearhamer

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issues
5 years of experience

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!

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James Judkins

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
36 years of experience

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!

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Connie Seth

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
30 years of experience

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.

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Toni Elliott-Boulter

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepression
15 years of experience

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.

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Dr. Tracy Mallett

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: Psy.D.,LMFT,Psychologist
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and an international parenting, divorce, and coparenting coach. I have been working with single adults, couples, children and families for over 25 years. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have problems with self-worth, who have experienced trauma, and with families in conflict. I am Level II trained in the Gottman Method, and utilize this extensively with couples. My clients are learning to master such issues as overcoming depression; trauma recovery; anxiety reduction; managing existential and identity issues, reducing stress, and controlling anger. I have counseled in mental health, addiction treatment, and criminal justice settings. Currently, I have a private practice in south Florida (family-options.com), where I supervise master's level mental health counseling and psychology trainees. I also teach graduate-level courses in ethics, disaster and trauma response, abnormal behavior, community counseling, and criminal behavior, and I mentor graduate dissertation students in forensic psychology. I have worked with individuals who are struggling with a wide range of concerns, including such things as managing anxiety, stress and depression; estrangement from family; career changes; marital infidelity; recovery from divorce; marital communication difficulties; and parenting challenges. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have problems with self-worth, who have experienced trauma, and with families in conflict. Through our interactions, I hope that you will find a safe place where we can explore your concerns and develop a plan that will have you actively pursuing your goals and living the life you want. Together, we can undo false belief systems and unhealthy habits. My therapeutic style is strengths-based, meaning that I will work with you to identify your strengths and the strategies that have worked well for you in the past, and nurture those skills to their highest potential. I am committed to getting to know you as an individual, and working hard to earn your trust and discover exactly what changes you hope to make in your life. You are the expert in your own life and in what you need, and the pace in which you would like to go, and it's my honor to adapt my counseling style to your needs and help you create the life that you want. I may "push" you out of your comfort zone at times in order to challenge you to meet the goals you have set for yourself, but I will provide you with a safe environment and will always be empathetic and patient and put you first. I am licensed as a psychologist in Florida, California, Arizona, and Iowa, and have obtained an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission. ** Please note that I am available ONLY via asynchronous messaging and will not be scheduling live sessions. *** ** If you choose me as your counselor, our work together will be exclusively via messaging -- I will substantively answer any of your messages within 24 hours or less. ** I strive to support, encourage, educate, and empower my clients. I encourage lots of feedback from my clients, and I am very open to constructive criticism, because I want this process to be helpful and useful for you. Together, we will create an individualized treatment plan that empowers you to overcome obstacles and create specific, achievable tasks that will put you on the a solid path to meet your goals. Therapy is an investment in time, money and emotional energy, and I look forward to joining you in helping to ensure that your investment pays off! (Disclaimer: I am a contracted employee for BetterHelp; any posted reviews of my work were not solicited by me).

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Heidi Bellile

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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.

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Tammi Green

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

My name is Tammi Green. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Counseling and Crisis Trauma from Liberty University and a Masters in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I use an eclectic approach to counseling to match the best method possible to the person and situations they are facing. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, client-centered, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, emotional coaching, and Christian based approaches. I have experience with working with all age groups from 0 to 80+ that have faced a variety of struggles from attachment disorders, ADHD and ADD, Autism, suicidal ideation, transition struggles, family counseling, low self-esteem, anger, ODD, substance use, prison transition, anxiety, trauma, depression, PTSD, emotional identification, parenting, care givers and burn out, behavioral issues, and people and families facing health issues. I am very much a person centered therapist meaning each person’s struggles are unique to them and I match my treatments to that person not a theory.

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Whitney Wanderscheid

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionADHD
8 years of experience

My goal is to meet every individual with compassion and respect while providing a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment wherever you are on your journey. Establishing and maintaining a positive therapeutic relationship is key in working together to work towards a place of healing. As a client-centered therapist, my treatment approach is to focus on your individual needs to help you reach your goals. 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 and empower you in that journey. I use a range of styles and techniques in my work, for what is most beneficial and comfortable for each person. I have experience working in school settings, private practice, and community mental health. I am licensed in South Dakota with 8 years of professional work experience "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." -Maya Angelou

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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