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.

 

Psychologist Deborah Pogel providing different types of therapy in Des Moines

Deborah Pogel

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW, LISW,
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
17 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Stacey Langley providing different types of therapy in Des Moines

Stacey Langley

Clinician
License Type(s): LISW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years offering treatment

Hello! My name is Stacey and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over eight years of experience providing therapy services. Prior to that, I have worked with individuals and families as a behavioral health intervention specialist and a domestic abuse advocate. I primarily work with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting challenges and/or struggling with managing emotions, stress, and anger. I received my undergraduate and masters degree in Social Work at the University of South Dakota. My approach to therapy is warm, interactive, and client centered. I consider the client/therapist relationship to be one of the most important things in counseling. I believe clients are the experts on their lives and I am here to support and empower 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-focused, solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Psychologist Patricia Miller providing different types of therapy in Des Moines

Patricia Miller

Clinician
License Type(s): LCPC,LMHC,CCMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
29 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Susan Henry providing different types of therapy in Des Moines

Susan Henry

Clinician
License Type(s): LISW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
25 years offering treatment

My name is Susan Henry, and I love helping people and seeing them grow. I am originally from the East Coast and resided in California before settling with my family in the Midwest. I received my Bachelor degree in Psychology from Rutgers College, and I received my Master in Social Work degree from Barry University School of Social Work. I am licensed in the state of Iowa as an Independent Level Social Worker. I have worked in the counseling field for over 25 years, with expertise working with issues related to Interpersonal Relations, Grief/Loss and Adjustment, PTSD/Trauma, and Anxiety/Depression. I provide a safe, sensitive, and non-judgemental space to explore your issues. Looking forward to being a part of your journey to better days ahead.

Psychologist Dr. Emily Logan providing different types of therapy in Des Moines

Dr. Emily Logan

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
21 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Iowa with over 20 years of professional work in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Latisha McCants providing different types of therapy in Des Moines

Latisha McCants

Clinician
License Type(s): LIMHP,LMHP,LMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefDepression
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Nebraska and Iowa with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

Psychologist John Smith providing different types of therapy in Des Moines

John Smith

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years offering treatment

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

Psychologist Kristen Udell providing different types of therapy in Des Moines

Kristen Udell

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

I am licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Iowa with 6 years of professional work experience. My therapy style and approach draws influence from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, and mild 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. I view us as a team, working at finding solutions to the issues you bring to therapy as well as healing from past or present trauma. I will typically respond to messages in 24 hours after receiving them or in 48 hours if it's over the weekend. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Jessica Dominowski providing different types of therapy in Des Moines

Jessica Dominowski

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
20 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Iowa with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. 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 look forward to partnering with you in this journey.

Psychologist Amanda Phillips providing different types of therapy in Des Moines

Amanda Phillips

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
20 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Alabama and Iowa with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with Veterans, domestic violence, PTSD, and 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!

How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Des Moines, Iowa

Finding the best therapist close by in Des Moines can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing. 

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. 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, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp

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 clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Des Moines 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 professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Des Moines or online may assist 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  may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers 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 Des Moines area offering therapy for:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use
  • Couples

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 Des Moines, elsewhere in Polk, 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 licensed therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?

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 Des Moines 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:

  • With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • With therapists: $100-300
  • With a clinician: $100

While many psychologists in Des Moines 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 sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

How are therapists on a Des Moines online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in 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. 

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

Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

How does BetterHelp online therapy work?

BetterHelp clinicians 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 Des Moines 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 for in person sessions.

Through BetterHelp, 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, and more. Get matched today.

Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

What mental health issues can a therapist address?

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.

Des Moines therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform

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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.

Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

Is BetterHelp right for me?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 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 therapy in Des Moines 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 therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of 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 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 50318 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 around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Des Moines therapist?

Before seeing your therapist near you, 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. therapists near you 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 how to best help and support you.

Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

Should I find a Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 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.

Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

Is therapy 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. An experienced clinician 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 licensed clinician in Des Moines, 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.

Counseling with an online Des Moines provider

Des Moines 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 trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change 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 treatment.

Do therapists judge you in therapy?

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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Iowa

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

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp 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.

  • Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Veteranscrisisline.net - 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.
  • Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386 
  • Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
  • Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
  • Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline:  Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
  • Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) 
  • Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
  • Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673

 

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Finding therapy with a therapist in Des Moines can change your life. Expert therapy provides the most valuable insights into managing stress, building resilience, and nurturing emotional growth. With the personalized guidance and compassionate support, from a licensed mental health therapeutic expert serving clients in your area, you can gain therapy tools to overcome life’s obstacles and improve overall well-being. It's beneficial to embrace therapy in order to unlock new paths toward happiness and lasting self-improvement. Experience renewed strength and clarity with BetterHelp online therapy services and therapists. Seeking expert therapeutic guidance from a seasoned therapy counselor can foster resilience and personal growth. Embracing professional therapy allows individuals to address their emotional challenges effectively while gaining theraprutic insight and self-assurance. Therapy enhances overall well-being, inspires healthier relationships, and empowers you to navigate their life's obstacles with renewed clarity and confidence beyond measure.
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