Settled in 1868 as a survey camp for the Burlington and Missouri Railroad, Creston was named for its location on the crest of the railroad line between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. It was mostly an agricultural town built around the flour mill that was built in the early 20th century. Much of Creston was damaged during the 2012 tornado and had to be rebuilt, but luckily nobody was killed.

Tornados and other disasters are known to cause PTSD and other mental health issues, which need to be treated by a mental health professional. There are quite a few excellent therapists and counselors in the Creston area who are available to help you with anything you may be concerned about. Talk to one of these professionals today.

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Deborah Pogel

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Creston
Counselor License Type(s): MSW, LISW,
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

My name is Deborah Pogel, and I'm a licensed psychotherapist in Iowa. You can take a look at my profile to learn a little bit more about my background and approach. Please also feel free to ask questions. I approach psychotherapy from the view point that we humans don't fully know our own hearts and minds. The things we don't know about ourselves still impact our lives and our relationships. They can limit us and cause us pain. There is value in coming to know our hearts and minds more fully because it gives us the option to be able to do things differently. It offers an alternative to recreating and reliving the same painful patterns. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. Please write to me about the challenges you are facing now as well as your goals and let's go from there. It would be helpful to include a short background of your life, including major events and significant relationships. It is my belief that positive life changes can occur when a safe, empathic and supportive space is provided. I commend those willing to open themselves up and invite this positive change. When provided with the opportunity to share our thoughts and feelings with someone, that process in itself, creates healing and therefore change. I warmly invite you to contact me.

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Anna Murphy

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Creston
Counselor License Type(s): 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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Cynthia Boyle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Creston
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
15 years of experience

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.

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Patricia Miller

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Creston
Counselor License Type(s): 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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Lorie Bray

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Creston
Counselor License Type(s): NBCC, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

My name is Lorie Bray and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I graduated with a Bachelors in Social Worker and a Masters of Science in Education in mental health counseling from Western Illinois University. I use a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution focused therapy. I have experience working with individuals struggling with negative self-talk, low self-esteem, relationship issues, challenging irrational beliefs, anxiety, and depression.

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Brenda Ticknor

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Creston
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and Nebraska with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Jonathan Winston

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Creston
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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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Janet Pedroza Ramos

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Creston
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

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!

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Josh Brewster

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Creston
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementCoaching
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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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Darcy Wiebrand

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Creston
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCompassion fatigueADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, depression, & compassion fatigue. 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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How to find a therapist for counseling in Creston

Finding the best therapist close by in Creston can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Creston that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Creston. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Creston, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Creston region and in the state of Iowa. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Creston or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Creston therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Creston area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Creston, elsewhere in Union, or in the greater state of Iowa. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Creston area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Creston therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Creston due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Creston may not take health insurance, some in the state of Iowa may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Iowa you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Creston online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Creston, Iowa working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Creston psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Creston above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Creston provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Creston?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Creston therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Creston therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Creston therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in IA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 50801 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Creston counselor?

Before seeing your Creston therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Creston therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Creston licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Creston counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Creston, Iowa can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Creston has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Creston, Iowa

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Creston therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Creston.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Creston:

50801

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