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.
Andrea Joyce
Hi! My name is Andrea Joyce. I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner in the state of Nebraska, a Licensed Mental Health Clinician in the state of Iowa, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Kansas. I have been in practice for 16 years. I work with diverse populations and have certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Adoption Competency (TAC), and Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT). I specialize in treating trauma and am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I also treat depression, anxiety, grief, and PTSD, in addition to other mental health concerns. I have worked in an agency setting, a university setting and with Law Enforcement. I also work very closely with foster care and juvenile court in my face to face practice. I believe to heal we have to focus forward and honor ourselves and our expereinces that have made us who we are. I believe therapy is a process that is best facilitated by taking a person centered approach and creating a safe space to begin the process of healing. By meeting the person where they are at in life, they learn to understand the path that has led them to seek growth and to work to acquire the skills needed to be successful and strong. Focus should be strength based. Just because a person is struggling, doesn’t mean they are failing. Focus on what is working and how that can be strengthened to bridge them through those struggles and get to the other side, where they can feel the success to keep moving, and thus, focusing forward. I am so grateful to be able to take this journey with you. Andrea Joyce MS,LIMHP,LMHC,LCPC,NCC,CBPC
Crystal Morton
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.
Cynthia Boyle
Hi. My name is Cindy and I am a national certified counselor(NCC) and licensed counselor in Iowa (LMHC0 and Michigan (LPC). I have had a private practice for 12+ years where I provide individual, couple and group counseling. I am a former president of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association and am active with a number of other professional counseling organizations. I began my counseling work in addictions treatment, with a particular emphasis on treating the family system. I also have specialized in working with children and adults on the autism spectrum. My training as a mental health counselor helps me assist them with the wide array of co-existing conditions they often deal with, such as: ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, etc...while my personal experience as a mother and aunt to children on the spectrum gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges parents face. While I believe a client centered approach (having empathy, unconditional positive regard, and always being authentic) is fundamental to building the counseling relationship I do not adhere to any one treatment theory or modality. Just as every client is unique, I consider it my job to partner with my client to find their learning style and preferences and then tailor a treatment approach that best suits them. I regularly utilize aspects of CBT, DBT, mindfulness and motivational interviewing. For partnership/couple counseling I often utilize research and techniques from the Gottman approach, EFT, and ACT. I have research interests in counseling ethics, personality disorders, autistic spectrum disorders and animal assisted therapy and have given professional workshops on these topics at the local, regional, and national levels. I hope this gives you an idea of who I am. At heart I am a helper, and my training and credentialing are avenues to assist me in trying to be the best helper I can. I also want you to know I really appreciate the courage it takes for someone to open up to counseling and to be a part of that process is a privilege I do not take lightly. Just a note, in order to be compliant with the variety of licensing regulations in different states, I only utilize A/V telehealth for appointments.
Dr. Brenden Troster
I am a marriage and family therapist with a PhD in Developmental Psychology. I have 7 years of experience working as a therapist, and 25 years of experience working as a coach. I have accumulated a wide range of experience working with a diverse clientele. I have worked in school based mental health, addiction treatment, and residential treatment for children and teens. I have also worked in an outpatient setting treating severe and persistent mental illness. I have worked with children and teens that have had severe trauma through Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have also worked extensively with struggling families. Some of the many issues I have worked with people on are depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, trauma, parenting problems, relationship issues, ADHD, sexual abuse, pornography addiction, and anger management. My therapeutic style is to first listen to your story. You are the expert on your life, and I am here to listen to that experience. I try to treat everyone with respect, dignity, compassion, and understanding. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, Bowenian, motivational interviewing, and rational-emotive behavioral therapy methods. I believe in a client-centered collaborative approach in which I work to understand needs and goals that are specific to you. Your specific goals will guide our discussion and formulate your treatment plan. We all have times in our life when we could use some perspective and help with reaching our goals. We will work together to create a treatment plan and interventions that are unique to your situation. I welcome the opportunity to assist you in reaching your goals. I look forward to getting to know you and working together!
Julie Butler
I’m a licensed mental health counselor with over 15 years experience in the behavioral health field, including individual, couples, family, child and group therapy. I use a holistic approach to therapy, believing there are many dimensions to mental and emotional health and wellness. I commonly use Adlerian approaches to gain an understanding of how certain beliefs and patterns were formed, then cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy techniques to help you form more positive beliefs and behaviors. My goal is to help you find healing from within so you can move forward with life feeling more satisfied, hopeful and empowered. I look forward to working with you.
Jennifer Fitkin
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.
Dr. Ashley Shelanski
I am licensed in Minnesota with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Dr. James Ruby
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.
Janet Pedroza Ramos
I am licensed in Iowa with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!
Kerry Robertson
I am licensed in Iowa with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jessica Coburn
With a decade of professional work experience and a license in Iowa, I bring a wealth of expertise to help clients navigate challenges such as stress, anxiety, addiction, grief and loss, and career difficulties. My approach centers on treating everyone with utmost respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am dedicated to tailoring our dialogue and treatment plan to address your unique and specific needs. I deeply believe in the courage it takes to pursue a more fulfilling and happier life, and I commend your decision to take those first steps toward positive change. I am here to support and empower you throughout your journey, ensuring you feel empowered to achieve your goals.
Christopher Harper
I am licensed in Iowa with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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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