In life, you just want to be cool and stand amongst the crowd, or just accomplish your goals your own way. However, depression has other plans. Or life sometimes throws you a wrench and you have no idea how to handle it. In this situation, a counselor based in West Des Moines can help.
West Des Moines is known for being a hipster city. People go against the grain and live life by their own rules. You can be like that as well, and a counselor can help. Speak to one today and see what you can do.

Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

Crystal Morton
Hello! I completed my Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Management in 2012 from the University of Phoenix. I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Counseling in 2016 from Bellevue University in Nebraska. I graduated with my Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certificate from Capella University in 2023. I have worked in a variety of mental and behavioral health venues, including at-risk and detained youth as a support specialist, a mental health crisis responder, an outpatient therapist, an intensive in-home therapist, and a foster care therapist. My recent primary focus has been on behavioral modification, therapeutic skills building with implementation and practice, and ABA for those with severe and persistent mental and behavioral health problems and those with neurocognitive or other delays. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, mood disruption, emotional dysregulation, ADHD, adjustment disorders, parenting problems, suicidal ideation and self-injurious behavior, and anger management as well as developmental deficits. I hold my independent practitioner license in Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota; I am board-certified through the National Board for Certified Counselors, with additional Nebraska credentials including Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor; I am a behavior analyst. I work to provide individualized and active therapeutic assessment and intervention based on strengths and needs. My counseling style is warm and engaging. I want my clients to be as involved in their treatment planning and interventions as possible. I work hard to provide a mutually respectful and dignified environment that fosters growth and development towards improved functioning and a decrease in symptoms that may be making life difficult. My approach uses a combination of cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, person-centered, motivational interviewing, and guided discovery psychotherapy modes in order to meet each individual's needs and goals. Always remember that asking for help and seeking positive change can be difficult, but they are worth it. I will support, guide, and empower you if you are ready to take that step.

Bradley Chamberlain
Results driven former program administrator for mental health clinics in Texas and Iowa, licensed clinical social worker in Iowa and Texas (LCSW/LISW) . Subject matter expertise in public policy advocacy, community organizing, grant writing, budgeting, medical social work and case management with vulnerable adult and youth populations. Previously on Texas Council Board for Children's Special Initiatives. Love to present to groups on various trauma and mental health topics for CEU opportunities, excellent oral and written communicator highly skilled in developing and presenting curriculum, database management and ability to multitask and handle complex situations. I have worked at the VA and I have experience with military families, having been a part of my family of origin and my current family. Counseling modalities include CBT, Motivational Interviewing, OCD-ERP, Trauma Informed Care and Stages of Change.

TJ (Tanya) Gorman
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.

Victoria Bartholomew
I am licensed in Kansas, Missouri, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Texas and Tennessee, with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. If you're willing to work hard make the changes, I am here to cheer you on!

Kathryn Ard
I am licensed in Alabama with over 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts. 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!

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!

James Bustamante
I am licensed in Iowa with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Nicole Randel
Welcome! I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 10+ years experience in the field. I am committed to creating a safe place for clients to explore themselves, their circumstances, and their experiences. Whatever brings you to therapy, whatever “baggage” you carry, whatever “skeletons” are in the closet, please know that you are welcome here. I have experience working with clients age 4+. My approach is solution focused, trauma informed, and client centered. I enjoy creating a relaxed, safe, and authentic therapeutic environment. If you enjoy dark humor, I’m happy to sprinkle some of that in as well. I have extensive experience working with those employed in emergency services (nurses, medical providers, EMTs, paramedics, etc.) I am also trained in A-TIP (acute traumatic incident processing). Areas of interest include depression, anxiety, chronic health issues, disordered eating, grief/loss, LGBTQIA issues, and first-responder vicarious trauma. It is incredibly difficult to ask for help and I’m glad you’re here. I look forward to being a part of your unique journey. Please don't hesitate to reach out to discuss how I can be of assistance to you throughout this process.

Lisa Fehr
I am a licensed mental health counselor in Iowa with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, depression & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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. Using a Client Centered therapy approach I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral therapy to help you recognize and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Learning and using techniques in relaxation, coping and stress management. Also using Solution-Focused therapy, encouraging you to focus on what you can do, setting goals and what steps are needed to achieve them based on your skill set and new skills explored.
Find a therapist serving clients in Iowa
Types of therapists available to clients in West Des Moines
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in West Des Moines that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), 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 West Des Moines available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. West Des Moines therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, West Des Moines therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the West Des Moines region and in the state of Iowa.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in West Des Moines can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in West Des Moines may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.