Mental health counseling can offer possibilities to many people for many reasons. Some may seek therapy to process feelings of fear or shame, some for stress management, others for building healthy relationships, still others for growth and to learn to thrive in their own lives.
When it comes to finding a therapist, Iowa City, IA may offer more options than surrounding rural areas, but finding the right therapist can be more complicated than simply making an appointment at the nearest mental health center. Those who provide mental health counseling specialize in a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and which will be most effective can depend on the challenge being addressed as well as personal preference. Like physicians, therapists may center their knowledge around a particular approach in which they receive additional training and certification. What you want or need from therapy may not necessarily be available at nearby practices. This is where online therapy can help.
BetterHelp is an online platform that offers access to a wide range of mental health professionals with passion and training in a variety of specialties, and experience working with diverse populations. Fill out a simple online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your needs.
The telehealth model can also be helpful for those who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions. A person’s physical or mental health may create a challenge for traveling to and sitting in an office, and video chat, phone, and text messaging options allow you to meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home.

Christine Ewald
Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and an International Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Iowa as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona. I have 20 years of experience in the counseling field, having worked in the school settings, hospital environments, residential treatment centers and outpatient behavioral health clinics. I would describe my style as caring and supportive. I use a combination of different tools and therapies to meet the individual needs of each person that I work with. I view each session like a puzzle as you lay the pieces out there and we work together to put it together in a way that makes sense to you. I use a variety of tools to help you feel comfortable, accepted and understood. I use education, history taking, client centered therapy, family systems theory, narrative therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I believe that you are the author of your life story. I see counseling as a way to help you determine when to close a chapter and when to start a new one. I want to help you on your journey to talk about your options and make changes when you feel the need to gain a new perspective on your journey. Life is not a race, it is a journey, Each of us is simply a work in progress, trying to learn from our past so we can write our best life story. I look forward to working with you and learning your story. Specialties: Depression Anxiety Substance abuse Relationship issues Trauma Transitional Life Changes I have experience in working with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Grief, Eating Disorders, Career/School stressors, coping with life changes, family relationships, codependency, etc. Years of experience 20

Dr. Brenden Troster
I am a marriage and family therapist with a PhD in Developmental Psychology. I have 7 years of experience working as a therapist, and 25 years of experience working as a coach. I have accumulated a wide range of experience working with a diverse clientele. I have worked in school based mental health, addiction treatment, and residential treatment for children and teens. I have also worked in an outpatient setting treating severe and persistent mental illness. I have worked with children and teens that have had severe trauma through Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have also worked extensively with struggling families. Some of the many issues I have worked with people on are depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, trauma, parenting problems, relationship issues, ADHD, sexual abuse, pornography addiction, and anger management. My therapeutic style is to first listen to your story. You are the expert on your life, and I am here to listen to that experience. I try to treat everyone with respect, dignity, compassion, and understanding. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, Bowenian, motivational interviewing, and rational-emotive behavioral therapy methods. I believe in a client-centered collaborative approach in which I work to understand needs and goals that are specific to you. Your specific goals will guide our discussion and formulate your treatment plan. We all have times in our life when we could use some perspective and help with reaching our goals. We will work together to create a treatment plan and interventions that are unique to your situation. I welcome the opportunity to assist you in reaching your goals. I look forward to getting to know you and working together!

Katie Obert
I am licensed in Iowa and Missouri with 7 years of therapeutic work experience and over 19 years in the human service field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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 bravery and 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.

Aileen Barnhouse
I am licensed in Iowa with 17 years of professional counseling experience. I primarily use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I have experience in helping clients deal with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem and self-confidence, depression and coping with life changes. I also have extensive experience working with adults with attention deficit disorder (ADHD). I believe you are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. I will help you identify your strengths and then we will work together so you can learn how to use those strengths to resolve your challenges. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

Sergio Ayala
I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 9 years of professional clinical work experience. I have a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity with 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education, and over 15 years of Ministerial/Pastoral Practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & dementia caregiver stress. 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.

Kennethya Smith-Johnson
I am licensed in Iowa with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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!

Melody Hatter
Invest in yourself. You are worth it! It is not about being connected. It is about feeling connected. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas, Iowa, Colorado and Utah. I currently reside in Texas. I received a Master of Science in Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington in 2014. My undergraduate degree is in Applied Gerontology. My professional experience includes inpatient psychiatric treatment and emergency departments working with adults from age 18-95. I have engaged clients in Cognitive behavioral Therapy, Reminiscent Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy among other therapeutic modalities. Working to manage depression, anxiety, addiction, substance use/abuse, grief and/or suicidal ideation is my passion. I have motivated individuals, couples and families to engage in change. My goal is assisting people remain in the community and not become hospitalized. Together we can make that happen! There is no problem that does not have a solution. There are always options. I have an extensive "toolbox" and will encourage you to build one as well. I am genuine and that will be evident the first time we meet. Allow me to help put 'life' back into living with a new perspective. I do not provide faith based therapy nor prayer in session. If this is the type of therapy you are looking for, I will not be a good fit and recommend seeking someone with a seminary background. Thank you very much. I care. Let's talk!

Joseph Bates
I am a license clinical social worker 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, substance use, domestic violence, depression, and interpersonal issues. 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. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. 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!

Tiffany Reaves
I am licensed in Alabama, Iowa, and Massachusetts and have been in practice for over 18 years. I specialize in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I have extensive experience with childhood victims of physical and sexual abuse/neglect. I approach therapy from a trauma informed perspective. I utilize an open and nonjudgmental method when providing treatment. I'm here to provide a safe space for you to explore your emotions and offer guidance and support to you on your journey toward self-improvement and wellness. 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! Let's work on achieving your goals together!

Amanda Van Kalsbeek
If you’re here, it’s likely because life feels heavy or overwhelming, and you’re looking for support. Maybe stress is taking over, relationships feel hard to manage, or memories from the past keep surfacing and leaving you feeling stuck or disconnected. Whatever you’re carrying, therapy can be a place to find relief, healing, and understanding. As a licensed professional counselor in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota I have worked in the behavioral health field for over 9 years. I specialize in helping people who are dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and challenges in relationships or family dynamics. My approach is rooted in compassionate, trauma-informed care, where we can safely explore how past experiences shape the present and gently work toward healing. I care deeply about supporting each person on their unique journey. If you’re ready to find a bit more peace, connection, and meaning in life, I’d be honored to walk with you and support you every step of the way.
Find a therapist serving clients in Iowa
What types of therapists are available to clients in Iowa City?
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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Iowa City 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, Iowa City therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Iowa City 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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City 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.