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.
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!
Anne Jessen
Hi, my name is Anne Jessen and I live in a small town in Iowa. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa, and have been licensed since 2011. I’ve also been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wisconsin since 2021. I received my Master's degree in mental health counseling in 2006 from the University of Northern Iowa. I greatly enjoy helping others, and working together with clients to assist them in achieving their goals and reaching their highest potential. I understand that life can be challenging, and sometimes we need someone who will listen and guide us through difficult times. I use a client-centered and collaborative approach, often utilizing empathy and acceptance. I also take a cognitive-behavioral approach to counseling, as I believe that improving thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can improve an individual's overall quality of life. I have experience working with depression, bipolar disorder, stress, and grief/loss. However, I don't have specialized training in treating issues related to trauma. I have spent approximately the past 14 years working in the mental health and substance abuse fields, in both non-profit and private practice locations. I am so glad that you decided to reach out for help and I look forward to partnering with you to discuss your needs and inspire you to reach your goals. *Please note, at this time, I am only conducting sessions using messaging/live chat. Therefore, I am not utilizing video or phone at this time. If you are interested in being matched with a therapist who utilizes phone or video sessions, l will gladly provide you with the information on how to transfer. Let me know if you have any questions.
Shannon Dameron
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist, mentor and coach. I have worked with clients that present with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I am also a certified instructor for Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, which is a training provided to those interested in helping decrease the stigma associated with mental health. My counseling style is eclectic. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Brandy Soto
I am a Clinical Social Worker with 15 + years of experience in various programs and settings providing mental health therapy and counseling services to children, adolescents, adults and family systems. Over the years I have worked with individuals seeking support and guidance in a variety of areas; mainly focused in the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, mood disorders, family conflict, parenting struggles and social relationships. My counseling approach is calm, warm, and supportive. I believe my role is to be a non-judgemental support and to provide respect and compassion to anyone I work with. I strive to be a person who helps guide clients along the way to their goals to obtain a more functional, happy, and stable quality of life. I utilize Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral and Trauma Focused and Mindful therapy approaches throughout treatment to meet a client's specific and individualized needs. Seeking support and help from others is difficult for many individuals. I believe everyone should feel they are the best version of themselves and seeking out support is a great first step if you are struggling and wanting to find your way to greater happiness and fulfillment in life. I would be happy to join you in your journey to provide encouragement and empowerment toward those goals. I look forward to working with you!
Paul Johnston
Hi! Welcome to the website! My name is Paul Johnston. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Iowa. As of today’s date, I have been a licensed therapist first in Colorado from 1995 to 2011, and then in Iowa since 2013. Overall, I have 33 years of experience providing mental health services for a wide range of different clients with varying concerns. I believe in a client centered approach which means that I am focused on understanding your specific issues and concerns. Over the years, my work has led me to focus on depression, anxiety, stress reduction and trauma. My approach to therapy is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The treatment plans that we develop will be based on your individual needs and symptoms. My approach is warm, and client centered. I believe in treating all my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in labels that stereotype. My approach has allowed me to work with individuals who prefer a Christian approach. Making real change takes courage, determination and insight. Seeking help is usually the first step towards accomplishing those goals. If I seem like a good fit for you or a loved one, I look forward to working with you.
Kate Alfaro
I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 12+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.
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.
Janell Moore
Hello, My name is Janell Moore and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has been providing quality counseling services for over 10 years. I have served children from age four to teenagers up to the elderly with a variety of mental health challenges. I specialize in a variety of counseling techniques that include cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, client-centered therapy, solution-focused, psychoeducational, trauma-focused therapy, and more. I have served clients who have been able to find success in their lives and learn more about how to enjoy who they are as a person. I provide a holistic approach to counseling by addressing your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. As an integrative counselor, I can ensure the highest quality of care, and progressively move you towards the goals you have for your life. I provide open-mindedness, and a non-judgmental space where you can feel safe, validated, confidential, and empowered to live life to its fullest potential for you.
Candace Delis
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Lakeland University and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I work to create a safe, comfortable and accepting environment for my clients. I have previously worked in crisis intervention as well as group therapy settings and like to focus on providing positive support for my clients. I've been told I'm not the "typical" therapist type - I have tattoos and a pretty progressive viewpoint, and I also work really hard to be relatable to my clients. I'm married and have an 18 year old stepson. The rest of my family is made up of 3 rescue dogs, 3 adopted cats, and we recently reached what I call the "livestock level" of quarantine and got chickens and goats. It's a pretty full house. I have worked with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have worked with a wide range of issues, but some of my areas of specialization include: emotional regulation (anger, anxiety), depression, self-esteem building, bipolar disorder, PTSD, grief and loss, assertiveness building, marital issues and relationship building skills. I also have experience with end of life care. My counseling style is interactive, and I believe in treating people as individuals and not labeling them with their mental health issues. You are not your illness, it is only a small part of who you are. I believe in treating people with the same respect, sensitivity, and compassion as I would like to be treated. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and solution focused counseling. I will do my best to tailor our conversations and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek support and take steps towards making a change. Life can throw us curveballs and unexpected circumstances can arise with even the best of planning. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support you and help you find the tools that will help you succeed. I look forward to working with you! My current hours are (all are CST): Mondays 9am-8pm Tuesdays 8am-8pm Wednesdays 8am-8pm Thursdays 8am-8pm Fridays 8am-7pm Saturdays 8am-4pm Some Sundays upon request
Jennifer Harrington
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.
Laura Peyton
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! I have been licensed in Iowa for 13 years as a LMHC. I have primarily worked in a residential setting helping individuals stabilize their mental health symptoms, and return to living within the community. Prior to working with adults, I have several years working with teenagers with a variety of mental health and behavioral disorders.
Jessica Bates
I am licensed in North Carolina and Iowa with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with grief and loss, 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. 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.
Cynthia Mitchell
Welcome! I'm Cyndi Mitchell, and I'm honored to join you on your journey toward healing and growth. Here's a bit about who I am and how I work: I am a licensed/certified LMHC therapist with 4 years of experience in CBT, DBT, Art Therapy and Holistic type approaches. I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University and have since dedicated myself to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach to therapy is rooted in multiple different modalities because I believe in meeting my clients where they are. I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, suicidal ideation, trauma, couples, adolescents, and families; just to name a few. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or seeking personal growth, I'm here to support you every step of the way. I try to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for my clients, because I understand the uncomfortable feelings that trying out therapy can create. My goal is to help my clients find the path that they are wanting to travel down, and help them create goals and skills to be able to achieve them. My job isn't to judge or tell my clients what to do, just be there for them in the manner that they need. Outside of therapy, I'm passionate about developing my non-profit, reading, art, music, riding motorcycles and my family. These experiences inform my practice and enrich our therapeutic journey together. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I am committed to continuously expanding my knowledge and skills to better serve my clients. I regularly participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities to stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in the field. Thank you for considering me as your therapist. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a session, please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and support you on your path to healing.
Jill Martens
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!
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.
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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
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
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