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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Heather Carlson

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LMHC,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

Welcome! I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Iowa. I have 8 years of experience working with clients. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and supporting clients through life changes. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and existential theories. 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!

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Anne Jessen

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LMHC,LPC,NCC
Self esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue
16 years of experience

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.

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Crystal Morton

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LIMHP (Nebraska),LMHC (Iowa) ,LADC (Nebraska)
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Hello! I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services/Management in 2012 from the University of Phoenix. I earned my Master of Science degree in Clinical Counseling in 2016 from Bellevue University in Nebraska. I have worked in a variety of mental and behavioral health venues, including at-risk and detained youth as a support specialist, a mental health crisis responder, outpatient therapist, intensive in-home therapist, and foster care therapist. My recent primary focus has been on behavioral modification, therapeutic skills building with implementation and practice, and resource connectivity targeting stability and maintenance in the community for those with severe and persistent mental and behavioral health problems. I have worked with clients with a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, mood disruption, emotional dysregulation, ADHD, adjustment disorders, parenting problems, suicidal ideation and self-injurious behavior, and anger management. Presently, I hold my independent practitioner license in Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota; I am board certified through the National Board for Certified Counselors, with additional Nebraska credentials including Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor. I work to provide individualized and active therapeutic assessment and intervention based on strengths and needs. My counseling style is warm and engaging. I want my clients to be as involved in their treatment planning and interventions as possible. I work hard to provide a mutually respectful and dignified environment that fosters growth and development towards improved functioning and a decrease in symptoms that may be making life difficult. My approach uses a combination of cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, person-centered, motivational interviewing, and guided discovery psychotherapy modes in order to meet each individual's needs and goals. Always remember, asking for help and seeking positive change can be difficult but it is worth it. If you are ready to take that step I will be here to support, guide, and empower you.

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Lacey Schmitt

Offering therapy in Iowa
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hello, my name is Lacey Schmitt and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I have worked as a professional counselor for over 6 years, focusing on mood disorders, trauma, aging, grief, as well as working with teens, and adults, as well as the elderly. While I have this experience in counseling, I also have extensive experience working in hospice as a social worker. My style is warm and down-to-earth. I like to use numerous perspectives and tools from many styles of therapy so that I can tailor an individualized approach together with my clients. I believe that therapy is an important space in which a person can feel safe to be their true selves, feel heard/accepted, and learn new skills, as well as grow as the individual you were meant to be. The biggest predictor of positive change in therapy is the relationship - I work hard to be clear, honest, and genuine as we learn about your situation and find solutions together. I can't wait to work together and see the changes you are excited to make.

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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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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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Dr. Daniel Ephraim Pott-Pepperman

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: Psy.D., LP
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
16 years of experience

I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a special emphasis in neuropsychology and forensic psychology. I am licensed in the states of Colorado, Iowa, and Washington, and I have worked in it for the past 15 years. In the time I have practiced in Colorado and Iowa, I worked with patients with depressive and anxiety symptoms, using an approach to assist patients in identifying their current methods of exacerbating emotional problems, such as constant verbalization of their worries. An approach that helps patients select methods of reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms from their brainstorm-generated alternatives. A modality that challenges patients' thoughts and transforms rational concerns into overpowering and irresolvable conflicts. A modality that has given the power to patients to see life through different lenses while empathizing with them; most of these patients are with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Through this modality, patients are assisted in understanding the negative functional consequences of their psychological maladies, and how these maladies are perpetuating self-defeating behaviors, such as social withdrawal, disturbed family and interpersonal relationships. An approach that has helped patients select a few methods of reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms through brainstorm-generated alternatives. An approach that has been used to challenge patients' thoughts and transform rational concerns into overpowering and irresolvable conflicts. Also, I have worked with adolescent and adult patients with serious and persistent mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. I was able to assess and help those patients with traumatic brain injury, neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and all forms of dementias. I have also used several neuropsychological assessments in diagnosing depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, and all forms of dementias. Additionally, I have worked with family members to perform capacity evaluations and the completion of a statement of expert evaluation forms for competency hearings. It is important that one recognizes when help is needed to subdue life's challenges. And it is laudable when one actually takes the steps to confront those life's challenges. It is laudable because, in today's society, it is difficult to get to that stage. Thank you for recognizing what it takes to get well emotionally. I am looking forward to serving you.

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Patricia Miller

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LCPC,LMHC,CCMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
29 years of experience

If you are reading this bio, you're looking for some support, help, healing, guidance or just someone who is very good at listening. I have been a professional clinical counselor for over 25 years. Prior to becoming a behavioral health professional, I excelled in business leadership in a variety of fields. I have lived in the southern states and mid-west states my entire life. My approach to helping others is positive, encouraging, solution focused, problem solving and crafted to meet the individual client need. The value and benefit of engaging in a trusting, confidential and respectful helping relationship has the potential to meet, and help you overcome, many of your needs.

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Christy Alten

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LAC,LPCMH,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
31 years of experience

I'm so glad that you are reaching out for help! I believe with all my heart that there is hope, and purpose and healing from pain. I am a Licensed Addictions counselor in South Dakota, and a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in South Dakota and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa. I have been practicing for over 28 years working with adults and adolescents struggling with addictions and mental health issues. This is a judgement free zone! I am a Chrisitan counselor with a passion for hope and healing through the love of God and evidenced based strategies. I am experienced in 12 Step therapies, DBT and CBT, Gottman couples work, and Polyvagal approaches. I approach counseling from an existential and spiritual perspective. We will work together to create a plan to best meet your needs and walk through the healing journey together. You are not alone! I also have a passion for helping to develop new clinicians and to support clinicians long in the field. I have over 19 years of experience providing clinical supervision and professional development. Helpers need helpers too! So don't be afraid to admit you are struggling and ask for help! You can do this! As for scheduling, I do not put all my open slots through self-scheduling. I am able to accommodate more than is posted. I have limited availability on nights and weekends, but am not opposed to making something work for you when you are willing to fully engage in the therapy process. Together we can do what we could not do alone. Thanks for reaching out!!

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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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Wendy Durant

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: LPC-S,RPT-S
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
19 years of experience

Hello there, I am a licensed professional counselor licensed in Louisiana and Texas with over 19 years’ experience working as a therapist and art therapy certified life coach. I have completed advanced studies in naturopathic medicine (natural medicine), with a specialization in behavioral health disorders. I have supported clients with multiple concerns, including behavioral modification support, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting support, sexual dysfunction, intimacy challenges, sexually addictive behaviors, career challenges, and trauma. My counseling style is warm, encouraging, and supportive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach to supporting clients combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, client-centered, solution-focused counseling, and holistic (natural) interventions to support your therapeutic goals . This space is designed to support you with addressing your expressed goals, and I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. Please know, you are not alone, I am here as part of your team to support, empower, and share valuable strategies you as you begin this quest to being your best! I look forward to connecting soon! ~Dr. Wendy Q. Durant, ND, LPC-S, RPT-S, CST Areas of Expertise • ADHD • Anger management • Anxiety, Panic Disorder, & Stress Management • Behavior Modification • Communication Challenges, • Codependency • Coping Skills • Career coaching • Depression/Postpartum Depression • Divorce • Family conflicts • Intimacy Challenges • Parenting Issues • Pre-Marital Supports • Relationship Challenges • Self-esteem • Trauma • Work-Life-Balance Clinical approaches: • Art Certified Life Coach • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) • Client-Centered Therapy • Mindfulness Practices • Holistic Therapeutic Interventions • Solution-Focused Therapy

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Ashley Bartenhagen

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

I am licensed in Iowa with 9 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 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.

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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