For over 100 years, Sheaffer’s luxury fountain pens were made in Madison. As you write the story of your life, work stress, unhealthy relationships, and personal losses obscure the better parts of your tale.

You wonder how others manage their challenges while you struggle to keep going.
Every day, you push yourself harder, but it doesn’t help. You don’t understand why nothing works out for you. Your mental health declines as worry and sadness take over. With the right support, you can improve your life. Talk to a Fort Madison area counselor to write a better story for yourself.

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Deborah Pogel

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Fort Madison
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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Andrea Joyce

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Fort Madison
Counselor License Type(s): MS, LIMHP, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

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

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Emily Minear

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Fort Madison
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

Hello, my name is Emily Minear and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have been working as a professional counselor for over 5 years now. Before I was a licensed counselor I also worked in a psychiatric hospital setting on adult and geriatric units. I have practiced in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I am also certified and have many years of experience working in Substance Use and Addictions. This is something I am very passionate about. One thing to note is that my schedule right now consists of mostly mornings.

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Tarin Bickford

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Fort Madison
Counselor License Type(s): LISW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
30 years of experience

Thanks for taking the time to read my profile! My name is Tarin Bickford and I've been a clinical social worker for more than two decades. In that time, I've worked with children and adults dealing with a wide-variety of issues such as trauma, addiction, mental health concerns, intimate partner violence, PTSD and child abuse (as well as many other life-altering issues). My approach to therapy is multi-faceted and I incorporate many modalities into my work (although I primarily use cognitive behavioral, acceptance and commitment and solution-focused therapy). Life can be so challenging and I commend you for taking the first step toward a better future. Engaging in the therapeutic process opens windows and doors you didn't even realize were closed. Together we can work on anything that is troubling you so that you can enjoy life to the fullest. I want to help you become the best version of yourself and will do this by fostering a therapeutic relationship built on mutual respect, trust and an abundance of kindness. You deserve to be safe, happy and well-treated. Let's work together to turn your life into exactly what you want it to be.

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Dr. Jill Hackley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Fort Madison
Counselor License Type(s): Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

Dr. Jill Hackley is a Licensed Psychologist. She is licensed in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska. She is an Iowa Health Services Provider with diverse clinical experiences. She obtained her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology. She obtained a Master’s Degree from Drake University in Community Counseling. She uses a variety of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Dr. Hackley’s areas of focus include anxiety, depression, adoption/attachment, foster care and family issues. A majority of her experiences have been working with children and adolescents within an inpatient and residential setting. She has been working in the mental health field as a psychologist for 15 years doing individual, group, family therapy and psychological testing.

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Michele Lewis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Fort Madison
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I'm Michele and I am excited you are taking steps to feel better about yourself and are interested to learn more about me. I'm a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri and Iowa, and a qualified mental health professional. I am a certified clinical tele-mental health provider and a certified clinical trauma professional and grief professional. I've been a therapist for more than 25 years and I absolutely love what I do. I help young people learn to live authentically in spite of experiencing trauma in their past and help them express their true inner self. I counsel adult children who care for their aging parents to cope with caregiver stress and work through grief and loss as they witness the change in their parent's mobility and cognition. With my years working in geriatrics, I help aging adults process feelings about aging gracefully. My certification and experience working with grief and loss lends my ability to help people of all ages work through the deep impact of sadness, emptiness, and stress from losing a loved one or going through an upsetting life change. My therapy approach is synergistic, warm and accepting. Therapy in my practice is a place of no judgment. It's a place of self-discovery. It's a place of speaking your mind feely, sharing your true thoughts and feelings that maybe you've been hesitant to say aloud before. It's a place of trying new things and thinking about solutions in new ways. In therapy, you get to explore what is holding you back or causing unhappiness at work or in your relationships. As you become more comfortable talking to me and exploring your inner self, you get to build skills and strategies that allow you the freedom to express who you are to those in your life. You discover how to build authentic connections with friends and family. You learn to use strategies to shrink depression and anxiety and become confident in the person you are and who you really want to be. I utilize a variety of techniques, such as, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology theory, stress management with mindfulness, empowerment work, mind / body / spirit connection to increase emotional expression and wellness, mood management, anxiety reduction, and finding your path to work / life balance. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, KS with a concentration in mental health. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from William Jewell College in Liberty MO. I am excited to begin our work together!

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Gina Clarke

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Fort Madison
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience as a school social worker working with children and adolescents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. However, I have a total of 29 years experience working with adults and children in a variety of settings. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. My treatment style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My office is a safe space where clients can be themselves. If you ask my students, they will say I am easy to talk to. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Connie Seth

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Fort Madison
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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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Kari Ross

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Fort Madison
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida, Illinois and Iowa with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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. 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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Lindsey Hays

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Fort Madison
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 am proud of you for getting started!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Fort Madison

Finding the best therapist close by in Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison. 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 Fort Madison, 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison, elsewhere in Lee, 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Fort Madison, 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 52627 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 Fort Madison counselor?

Before seeing your Fort Madison 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. Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison, 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.

Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison, 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 Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison.

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

52627

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