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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Amy Louis

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: MSEd,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

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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Krisha Uden

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: MS,LIMHP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
27 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Krisha and I have been a mental health therapist in Nebraska for 26+ years and on the BetterHelp platform for the past 5 years. I am a Christian Counselor and hold licenses in Nebraska and Iowa. I have been blessed to be a servant of God as I work with clients to help them navigate His will and find purpose in life. I have been honored and love to hear the stories of all people! I listen with empathy and try to understand the circumstances, issues and concerns that a person brings to the process. In an effort to offer hope, I encourage an assessment of strengths in how people cope in their lives and make decisions. I work alongside people to define a treatment plan and goals that they are motivated to work towards. I strive to offer comfort and encouragement in the journey. I have had the opportunity to work with clientele dealing with all sorts of emotions, circumstances, tragedies, and relationship problems over the years. Some of these are consequences brought on by their own actions and others are dealing with what has happened to them. Assisting people to gain insight in the midst of their circumstances and develop a perspective that offers hope, meaning and purpose gives me great satisfaction! I have offered counseling in private practice and I have done so at least part time for the entirety of my career. I have also worked at a mental health center, led groups for domestic violence perpetrators and victims and grief for military families dealing with loss, led parenting training and have been involved in other roles that have given me experience in the field. I am a member of the professional organization, (AACC) American Association of Christian Counselors and receive the latest techniques and trainings offered with a Christian perspective. I have held a mental health license in Nebraska since 1999. Due to the pandemic, leadership and mental health boards wrote executive orders allowing waivers for practitioners to provide therapeutic interventions in states that they did not hold an active license. This was in an effort to ensure that citizens in the respective states were able to access telehealth services in a timely manner. Most providers were able to include online services to their offerings, and most of these waivers issued by Governors have since expired and not been extended. I did contact Iowa's state licensing board, and put in an application. I was granted a license in Iowa starting in February of 2021 and continued through September of 2022. I currently hold active licenses in Nebraska and Iowa, allowing full privileges to provide counseling services to clients both in person and via telehealth services. I was career and ministry oriented for years prior to marrying my husband, a farmer/rancher, of 17 years. Together, we have been blessed with five beautiful children, ages ranging from the oldest 16 to the youngest age 8. Finding balance between work and home has at times been a challenge, but I remain committed to use my skills to be a helper in any format that I can and with the time I have to offer. I was diagnosed in December of 2022 with early onstage breast cancer. I have been blessed by the active treatment that I have received and am considered a survivor with a very optimistic prognosis. I share this as I believe that there is purpose in the challenges of our lives and it can often give us credibility and help us to offer deeper compassion as we listen to those who are entrusted with our care. I am an active member of Christ Lutheran Church and serve in a variety of roles at church. I enjoy all sorts of crafts, adventures, sports, hobbies and activities as time permits. It takes courage to consider making changes as sometimes we just get comfortable and accept where we are as normal. Sometimes the pain of staying the same becomes much more heavy than the actual cost of making a change. I applaud you for taking that step to seeking your best life. I would love to come alongside you to hear your story, support and empower you to do what you need to meet those goals. God Bless you as you make this investment into your future! But only with God are perfect wisdom and might; He alone has true counsel and understanding. Job 12:13

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Anna Murphy

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! My name is Anna and I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Iowa with over five years of experience providing therapy services. Prior to and including these last nine or so years I have worked in various settings including psychiatric hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private agencies. I have experience with a wide variety of populations and ages ranging from three years old to geriatric. I have experience with persistent/chronic mental illness, life transitions, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, substance use, DHS involvement, codependency, grief and loss, and with individuals who are struggling with managing their emotions. I received my Bachelors degree from the University of Iowa with majors in Psychology and Studio Arts, and a minor in Sociology in 2012. I then graduated from The college of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, New York with my Masters of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling in 2015. My approach to therapy is warm, interactive, and client centered. I believe individuals are experts on their stories and experiences and I am here to empower and support you. I aim to assist clients in learning the strategies and coping skills best tailored to their individual situation. I draw my approach from a combination of styles: trauma-informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused. I also enjoy utilizing expressive therapy modalities if client's are open to these experiences.

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Rebecca Erdmann

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

Hello, My Name is Becky Erdmann. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I have been counseling individuals, children, teens, and couples for almost 15 years. The last five years I have worked closely with survivors of domestic violence and significant trauma. I have a passion to see individuals become the best versions of themselves. I believe this often requires the hard work of becoming more mindful of how our emotions impact our behavior. In my experience as a therapist, I have learned that most people have the capacity to identify the answers/solutions to the barriers preventing them from living a mindful, well-adjusted, joyful life. They may just need some assistance in drawing out those solutions. I have worked in both faith-based and community health therapeutic settings. I believe real healing occurs with a holistic approach; identifying emotional, physical, spiritual, as well as psychological barriers in one's life. Although I take many approaches in therapy, I most often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Life Span Integration. I look forward to working with any individual who is dedicated to the process of removing unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors from their life in order to become the person they have always wanted to be. Blessings!

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Adam Dollen

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

Adam is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Iowa as well as a nationally board certified counselor. Adam holds Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Adam’s experience includes working for CommonSpirit Health, Jackson Recovery Centers as an addiction counselor, Families First of Western Iowa as an in home behavioral skills specialist, Gerard of Iowa as a counselor on an adolescent inpatient unit, and served as a minister for over 20 years. He has been utilizing skills from treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. In his personal time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

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Alice Rock

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: MS,LMHC,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hi. I have many years of doing substance abuse counseling in a hospital setting in Iowa. I have also worked as a school counselor with grades K - 8, I have taught Psychology courses on the college level and am familiar with all aspects of counseling theories and brain development. The college course I enjoyed teaching the most is "Wellness." This course discussed all aspects of both physical and mental health, which, of course are connected. I incorporate wellness and long-term balance in my counseling sessions.

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Kelly Muratorri

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: EMDR-Trained
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger management
6 years of experience

Hello! I'm a licensed mental health counselor in the states of Iowa, Oregon, and Texas. I have more than six years of experience in the counseling field. I'm a Navy veteran with an amazing son who has autism, and I am blessed to be able to homeschool him. I earned my MS in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2019. I also have a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. I have extensive training and experience in trauma-informed treatment. Most of my experience has been with combat veterans, first responders, and individuals with complex posttraumatic stress. I utilize a variety of therapy approaches incorporating techniques to individualize treatment, but the primary modalities I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Self-awareness is key to healing, so my practice is client-centered. These approaches will provide you with methods to solve problems utilizing your own strengths. Other approaches may be used to help facilitate your progress. I do not work with paraphiliac disorders or sex offenders. I believe it is essential to build trusting relationships with clients. I've had an array of life experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. These positive and negative experiences help me connect with others in a unique way. My primary goal is to help others evoke their own strengths and resources to heal and make positive changes in their lives. With this platform, you can send a message at any time. I am not physically available 24/7, however I do try to respond to messages at least once per day.

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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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Kennethya Smith-Johnson

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

I am licensed in Iowa with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dr. James Ruby

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

Hello! I am James Ruby and I am grateful that you have taken a few minutes to look at my profile. I hope we have the opportunity to work together to help you reach your goals! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I did my MA at Northeastern IL University in Chicago, IL and my PhD at Loyola University in Chicago. I have been working with individuals, couples, and families since 1998. I would imagine that you might want to know a bit about how I work, what I believe about the counseling process, etc. Let me try and give you some information that will help you make the best decision for you, you and your partner, or you and your family... I believe that our past is important, but it doesn't define us. We are shaped by our past and we can learn from it, but we are the authors of our own lives. So, we can write a new chapter for ourselves that will better enable us to reach our goals. Sometimes, our ways of thinking can get in our way. We might have learned some things early in life that no longer seem to work for us. These thoughts and beliefs can feel like "the truth," but they really are only thoughts and beliefs. They can change. We can change. We can grow. We can thrive! I also believe that we humans are complex beings, with multiple dimensions to our lives - the cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual, to name a few. All of those dimensions can work for us, or against us, so I like to help my counseling clients look at all of those dimensions. Within each of us is a wealth of knowledge and strength that our problems can make us forget. I like to help my clients tap into that knowledge and activate those strengths. So, I occasionally ask my clients to complete questionnaires or do some "homework" between sessions that helps them move in the direction they would like to go. I would be privileged to have the opportunity to help you reach your goals. I know what it feels like to have the weight of sadness, anxiety, or frustration keep you down. I work in a judgment free atmosphere, so there is no need to feel excessive guilt or shame. In fact, those things can get in our way. I have helped many people get through their most difficult days and come out on the other side, ready to live the life they deserve. I'd love to have the chance to do the same for you. If you have any questions for me, I welcome them. I want you to find the best match for you and your counseling needs.

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Larry Jackson

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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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Mary McLaggan

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, with 20 years of professional experience. I have experience in helping clients with ADHD, stress and anxiety, as well as depression, and coping with life changes. 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 in seeking a happier and more fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Heidi Duong

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Have you ever felt that something was missing from your life, as though you were attempting to reach a destination; however, it could not be reached? We will be looking at ways to fill up our lives that provide feelings of purpose. Sometimes it's easy to look for the next quick fix only to discover we are right where we started. Back to square one! Together, we will discover what areas of life feel unfulfilling and identify barriers and approaches to overcome the obstacles to bring more life satisfaction and self-congruency. I provide hypnotherapy, spiritual counseling as a Kvantum Energy Facilitator and mental health therapy. Through holistic and integrative therapy, we will examine the areas of life that may feel unfulfilling and develop strategies to build more meaning and consistency. By examining our current behaviors, we can develop interventions that focus on self-direction and self-autonomy. I provide mental health counseling, energy healing strategies including fitness. By reaching out to me as your mental health counselor, various resources and tools can be discovered to build more life satisfaction and congruency. This time is your time. Let's work together to find real potential and bring more life purpose and identify strategies to conquer any negative self-doubt and address any feelings of uncertainty.

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Thomas Loney

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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