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

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LMHC,NCC,CHt
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

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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Christine Topping

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

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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Katherine (Katie) Strub

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: MA,LMHC,EMDR Therapist
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families. I have worked with individuals with a wide variety of concerns including trauma (abuse, neglect, domestic violence, first responders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder criteria, emotional abuse, grief and loss, abandonment, etc.), depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family of origin issues, emptiness, invisibility, LGBTQ+, and many many more. I am an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist and I utilize other methods in including solution-focused, strength-based, relaxation/stress management, and many others. No two clients are the same, so I do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach. I believe each person has potential for growth and healing, but each of us has encountered barriers to achieving our greatest potential through internal or external experiences. It can be very difficult to recognize those barriers and address them, and it can be very helpful to have a therapist partner accompany you on the healing journey. I like to illustrate therapy using the metaphor of bowling: my client is the bowler and has the power to choose the direction they throw the ball, the ball they select, and the power they use to throw the ball down the lane. I, as the therapist, am the bumpers - I respect my client's decisions in how they throw the ball, I guide us down the lane and keep us from going in the gutter :) The most frequent feedback I get from my colleagues and clients is that I am "real." That is, I do not pretend to be perfect and I do not expect perfection. I also am very honest because that is what I ask of my clients. I look forward to working with you and getting to know you better!

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David Smith

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hello and thank you for considering me as your therapist - I am licensed as an LMHC in Iowa and have 25 years of professional work experience. My approach is one in which I recognize the significance (and courage) of your decision to consider counseling and together, we will seek out solutions that build upon your strengths. I would describe myself as accessible, empathetic, pragmatic, and action-oriented. Therapy by design will challenge anyone to step outside their comfort zone and attempt to reshape their life. Typically, we all seek out similar things in life...joy, peace, connectivity, etc...but often, we feel stuck in reaching our life goals. It is my role to assist you with assessing the issues that are preventing you from living your best life and further assisting you with seeking out alternative ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving in order to bring about that change into your life. In professional terms, I would describe myself as "eclectic" in my therapy approach but I tend to emphasize solution-focused, cognitive/behavioral, motivational, and family systems brands of therapy in approaching my work with others. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & depression. I am equally comfortable working with individuals and couples. It is my belief 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. Finally, therapy is a two-way street as I believe it is advisable to do a "check in" with clients as to how I am doing in the work we are engaged in and receive feedback. The process of therapy is a joint effort and it is vital that you as a client (or couple) not only feel heard but that therapy is progressing and assisting you in making change in your life. Thank you.

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Jennifer Fitkin

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Utah, Colorado and Florida, as well as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in Iowa. I have been working as a therapist for over 19 years. I was initially licensed in Iowa, and have physically worked in Nevada, Australia, and Utah. I started my career in a girls’ residential treatment facility and have also worked in community-based settings with foster care youth and juvenile justice youth. In addition, I worked in a men’s medium security prison supporting rehabilitation and reintegration. I have worked as a therapist, clinical supervisor, deputy senior clinician and senior clinician. Most recently, I was the Clinical Director of a residential treatment facility working with attachment issues. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Northern Iowa. I have received additional training in Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and The Good Lives Model (GLM). I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing in a strengths-based approach within the GLM framework. I have experience with family, group and individual therapy and enjoy the challenge of working with diverse clients. When not working, I enjoy traveling, hiking, paddleboarding, backpacking and camping. I like physical challenges as well, and am a CrossFit L1 Trainer, who advocates for exercise and nutrition as an important part of maintaining good mental health. I also love animals and my dog, Boomer, regularly attended with me in-person while working in Utah, and occasionally makes an appearance on telehealth sessions.

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Candace Delis

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

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

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Jessica Bates

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

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.

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Joseph Bates

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
30 years of experience

I am a license clinical social worker 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, substance use, domestic violence, depression, and interpersonal issues. 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. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive 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 to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Jodie Marlette

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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Michael (Mike) Arieta

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: MSW, ,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker licensed in Minnesota and Arizona. I am also an adoption competent Therapist credentialed with the CASE foundation and the Training in Adoption Competence program along with certification through the University of Minnesota's center for advanced studies in child welfare. I have been practicing for over ten years with many clients facing a wide variety of issues. I am trauma trained and competent and my counseling style connects clients to their bodies first. I am an engaging and dynamic therapist who sticks with clients until they have a sense of resolution to their issues. I approach clients with curiosity and engage with them to find out what is happening . I see each new problem as a process that the client and I work together to resolve. I look forward to working with you on your journey to a better life.

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Nicole Hamilton-Brahm

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

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.

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Melody McKibbin

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

My name is Melody- I am a faith-based clinician located in Texas(but licensed in 10 other states and am here to support you on your journey! I specialize in treating BPD, grief, depression, and anxiety.  I have 3 years of experience in private practice and community mental health settings and am passionate about serving individuals ages 25 and up. Unsure if a faith-based approach is right for you? That is completely okay. In our sessions, we can explore how faith might relate to your community, personal growth, and values in a way that feels right for you. I genuinely welcome individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs, and I’m committed to tailoring our work together to meet your needs.

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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