When it comes to finding a therapist, Des Moines, IA may offer more choice than many places in the Midwest. However, finding the right therapist can be more complicated than just reaching out to the nearest practice. For one thing, there are a number of evidence-based therapeutic methods in psychotherapy. What works best can depend on the nature of the mental health challenge, as well as personal preferences.
With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you get a wider variety of choices. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 mental health care professionals who specialize in everything from adjustment disorders, to blended family issues, to personality disorders. By taking an online questionnaire, BetterHelp will connect you with a therapist who meets your personal needs. And because therapeutic alliance can be so essential to client success, if you feel the need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
Current clients of BetterHelp also have a level of convenience that in-person therapy generally doesn’t offer. Sessions can fit easily into any schedule, and video chat, phone, and text messaging options allow you to speak to your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office.
Therapy can be a solution to dealing with many of life’s challenges. Whether you’re using therapy as a complementary treatment to psychiatric medication, learning coping skills to manage anxiety disorders, or healing family conflict, BetterHelp can connect you to the right mental health professional. Increased mental wellness and self-understanding may be closer than you think.

Kathee Foxan
I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with experience working as a professional therapist in the state of Iowa for the last fourteen years, counseling clients with concerns regarding mood, anxiety, anger based, and personality disorder symptoms. I have worked as a therapist in a community mental health center for the last thirteen years and as a therapist to residents in nursing home settings four the last six years. In my thirteen years of experience, I have counseled people of all ages, stemming from the age of three, to my oldest client, aged ninety-three. I work with a particularly large amount of people in oppressed situations, including those struggling with; poverty, substance abuse/addiction, history of trauma, legal involvement, people of color, and those struggling with the loss of independence.

Anna Murphy
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.

Rochelle Rheingans
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, licensed in the state of Minnesota. I have been in private practice for 8 years now. Clients I have worked with have diagnoses from depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and personality disorders to name a few. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. My counseling style varies depending on each individual client. I make every attempt to treat clients as a whole person, not to divide a person's life challenges as separate from the person. This is helpful to see that a problem can be resolved by relying on other strengths of the individual. I will use humor and normalizing as tools to help clients as well as skill building and self compassion as tools the clients can use to help themselves when they are ready. I do not shy away from challenges and I know that reaching out for help is scary and going into a place of unknown. I look forward to walking alongside clients as they journey through the process of starting to live their best life. I will be your biggest cheerleader, loudest advocate and strongest defender as you go through the challenges and triumphs of counseling.

Jennifer Smentek
Hello! I’m Jennifer, a LISW in Iowa with over 25 years of professional social work experience. I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your emotions, gain insight, and build resilience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. My approach is strengths-based and solution focused while integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques to create a personalized plan that works for you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Janell Moore
Hello, My name is Janell Moore and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has been providing quality counseling services for over 10 years. I have served children from age four to teenagers up to the elderly with a variety of mental health challenges. I specialize in a variety of counseling techniques that include cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, client-centered therapy, solution-focused, psychoeducational, trauma-focused therapy, and more. I have served clients who have been able to find success in their lives and learn more about how to enjoy who they are as a person. I provide a holistic approach to counseling by addressing your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. As an integrative counselor, I can ensure the highest quality of care, and progressively move you towards the goals you have for your life. I provide open-mindedness, and a non-judgmental space where you can feel safe, validated, confidential, and empowered to live life to its fullest potential for you.

Melissa Reyerson-Slifer
I am a licensed therapist with over 4 years of therapy experience, and over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients of all ages, and have worked with clients with a variety of concerns. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety disorders, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem, and stress. 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.

Kayla Baxter
I am licensed in Iowa with 5 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. 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.

Misty Warren
I am licensed in Iowa and Nebraska with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Eric Mason
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Nevada, Nebraska, and Iowa with over 9 years experience working in substance abuse therapy and over 5 years experience in mental health therapy. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with an extensive range of concerns including depression, anxiety, anger management, victims of crime, trauma, physical abuse, sex abuse, and LGBTQ issues. I have also helped people who have experienced incarceration and perpetrators of physical abuse. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in addiction studies at Nevada State College in 2011. I continued my education and completed my masters degree in Social Work at the University of New England in 2015. My counseling approach is inviting, warm, and interactive. I believe in meeting clients where they are at with respect, compassion, and empathy. My approach combines motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, psychodynamic, humanistic therapy.

Catherine Howard
I am licensed in Iowa and Nebraska with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in Iowa
What types of therapists are available to clients in Des Moines?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Des Moines that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Des Moines available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Des Moines therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Des Moines therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Des Moines region and in the state of Iowa.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Des Moines can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Des Moines may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Des Moines offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.