In life, your mental state can sometimes feel like a flood. Whenever you're faced with a sudden emotion, the feelings you have can come flooding in. Depression can drown you, anxiety can make you crawl up to higher ground, and other problems can flood your life as well. In a situation such as this, a counselor based in Waterloo can help. 

Waterloo had a flood in 2008, and the city managed to recover from that. You can recover from your own floods in life, and a counselor can help be the respondents who help you. Speak to one today. 

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Christine Topping

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Waterloo
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Iowa with 8 years of experience working with couples, families, and individuals of all age ranges. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, life stressors, grief and loss and ADHD. I also helped many divorced couples with co-parenting , and I have completed training for PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Training). My therapy style is welcoming of all concerns without judgement. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I care for each client in their own unique way to fit their goals and current situation. I change is possible for everyone. It takes courage to begin the change process and have a more fulfilling life. I am here for you if you are ready to take that step. I will provide support along the way while also challenging you. I look forward to working with you!

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TJ (Tanya) Gorman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Waterloo
Counselor License Type(s): LIMHP,LADC,CDGC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
22 years of experience

I am TJ Gorman and I have been working as a therapist since 2001. However, I have worked in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I began working in inpatient mental health as an intake worker and then worked with the homeless providing case management and outreach. I started my counseling profession in the field of substance abuse and gambling. After completing my masters degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Drake University in 2007, I continued to enhance my therapy skills and furthered my knowledge in trauma. While at a large non-profit, I provided assessment, individual and group therapy. I served on several committees and helped implement changes to our organization and completed the Change Leader Academy through the NIATx program. This helped our agency better serve clients by mainstreaming paperwork, improving access to services and building retention. I also served as a clinical supervisor while at this agency. I have presented locally and regionally on trauma and addictions and as a parent of both biological and adoptive kids, I understand the unique challenges that can come with family disruptions. I currently hold licenses and certifications in mental health, gambling and substance use disorders. My theory of change focuses on better understanding how our childhood shapes who we are so we can become who we want to be. Helping persons heal these past trauma's or hurts, helps support long term success and a renewed sense of purpose. Sometimes the coping skills we use to help us become disruptive and damaging. Learning how to be at peace with our emotions, setting boundaries, and identifying healthier coping skills we can live the life we really want and deserve.

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Kathee Foxan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Waterloo
Counselor License Type(s): LISW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

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.

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Denise Stutes

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Waterloo
Counselor License Type(s): LISW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Hello, I am a licensed therapist in Iowa. I have over 23 years of experience in the mental health field with the past 5 years as a therapist. Some of my background includes working in; community settings, hospitals, domestic violence shelters and in corrections. I have worked with a wide variety of individuals who have suffered from all kinds of problematic areas in their life including severe physical and mental trauma. I enjoy helping others and I love to see people grow and succeed in their journey of life. My counseling style is compassionate, direct, interactive and sometimes I like to add some humor. I also like to empower others. When you see your own strengths that is when growth takes place. My approach is a combination of family systems, cognitive behavioral, person centered and mindfulness. This is a judgement free zone. I am on your side. I believe we all are unique in our own ways. You are enough just the way you are. It takes courage to reach out and take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you. I look forward working with you and thank you for the opportunity to do so.

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Jennifer Fitkin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Waterloo
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Utah, Colorado and Florida, as well as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in Iowa. I have been working as a therapist for over 19 years. I was initially licensed in Iowa, and have physically worked in Nevada, Australia, and Utah. I started my career in a girls’ residential treatment facility and have also worked in community-based settings with foster care youth and juvenile justice youth. In addition, I worked in a men’s medium security prison supporting rehabilitation and reintegration. I have worked as a therapist, clinical supervisor, deputy senior clinician and senior clinician. Most recently, I was the Clinical Director of a residential treatment facility working with attachment issues. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Northern Iowa. I have received additional training in Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and The Good Lives Model (GLM). I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing in a strengths-based approach within the GLM framework. I have experience with family, group and individual therapy and enjoy the challenge of working with diverse clients. When not working, I enjoy traveling, hiking, paddleboarding, backpacking and camping. I like physical challenges as well, and am a CrossFit L1 Trainer, who advocates for exercise and nutrition as an important part of maintaining good mental health. I also love animals and my dog, Boomer, regularly attended with me in-person while working in Utah, and occasionally makes an appearance on telehealth sessions.

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Lori Hancock-Muck

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Waterloo
Addictions
15 years of experience

Hello! My name is Lori Hancock-Muck. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 25 years experience working in the behavioral health field. I received my Master's of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwest Missouri State University in 2000. I have worked in a variety of settings to include correctional facilities, community mental health centers, outpatient hospital based substance use disorder treatment programs, and employee and student assistance programs. I specialize in addiction services and have worked with adults, adolescents, and families. Addiction can be debilitating, affecting almost every aspect of your life to include relationships with friends and family, your career, and your spiritual and physical well being. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming obstacles 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. I like to utilize a variety of treatment methods to include motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, harm reduction, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Depending on who you are will determine your therapy plan, which will be customized to be unique to your strengths and needs. Change is scary and not easy; however it can also be rewarding and sustainable. I hope to be able to join you on this journey!

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Lance Lashley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Waterloo
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and New Mexico and have 5 years of professional work experience. I like helping clients who are dealing with anxiety, depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, and/or Bipolar Disorder. 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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Deginesh Worku

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Waterloo
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I also love working with people who are questioning and want to talk about their faith in God. 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.

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Charlene Thiede

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Waterloo
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LMSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefParenting issuesDepression
37 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Michigan and the state of Iowa. I use a person-centered and strengths-based approach that begins where you are in the present and focuses on your strengths in order to move forward. I have been trained in the use of a number of clinical approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy for children, Solution Focused Therapy and more. I will help you explore the problems you are facing in order to identify the changes that you want to make in your life. I began my career as a School Social Worker, an experience that gave me insight into the problems that children face in schools. During those years, I specialized in working with children and their families. I also worked as a clinical social worker providing behavioral health counseling to children, adolescents and adults in a private mental health clinic and later ina large family service agency. My goal in each counseling session is for you to leave feeling more hopeful and confident that you can move forward in a positive way. A receptionist once told me that my clients come in looking sad and go out with a smile, a compliment that warmed my heart.

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This is Marilyn Garcia's avatar and link to their profile

Marilyn Garcia

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IA, Waterloo
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa, New Jersey, New York and Virginia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Waterloo

Finding the best therapist close by in Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo. 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 Waterloo, 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo, elsewhere in Black Hawk, 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Waterloo, 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 50707 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 Waterloo counselor?

Before seeing your Waterloo 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. Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo, 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.

Waterloo 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 Waterloo, 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo.

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

50701, 50702, 50703, 50704, 50707

Popular cities near Waterloo, IA

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