Shannon Baldonado
Hello and welcome! I am Shannon, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have dedicated over 12 years to supporting individuals on their journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth and bring a wealth of experience and expertise to sessions, specializing in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life and career coaching, to name a few. I attended New Mexico Highlands University where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2011 and my Master’s degree in Social Work with a Clinical Concentration in 2012. Embarking on the path of therapy is a courageous and transformative decision. To honor this, I practice from a wide range of perspectives to meet the needs of each individual client. I believe that meeting each person where they are and honoring their experience is key to building trust and making progress. I am passionate about helping others reach their goals and look forward to helping you reach yours! I have chosen BetterHelp because of the various ways that clients can access therapy. I respect the vulnerability it takes to reach out for whatever your needs are and love that there is an alternative platform to do this. I look forward to working with you!
Lidia Atencio
I am a counselor licensed in New Mexico with over 10 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including family issues, parenting, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is based on ‘Unconditional Positive Regard.’ This style focuses on accepting and supporting people exactly as they are, without evaluating or judging them. I believe that people should be treated with respect and compassion without being judged. I will help you create goals to meet your unique and specific needs. You have shown courage by taking this first step towards change. I am here and ready to help you. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Katherine Souza
I bring 23 years of experience as a therapist and 16 of these years in behavioral health leadership. I have taught at several university and trained new therapists. I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families. I am energized by this profession and look forward to many more years. My treatment philosophy is holistic, systemic and client centered. I utilize a holistic picture including consideration of mind, body and spirit. I involve clients in their treatment planning. I am responsive to individual needs respecting preferences and life experience. Along with my client, I address the current issues and look at how to resolve these.
Nancy Tabet
I am a client-centered therapist with over 15 plus years experience in the field of individual counseling with a focus on women's issues, life adjustment issues, grief, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, career challenges, self-esteem issues, and other issues related to achieving your best self. I have worked with clients within the context of private practice as well as treatment facilities and hospital settings. This provides me with a certain scope of understanding and experience. I am licensed in both New Mexico and Florida. Both professionally and personally, I strive to understand each client's own unique cultural and personal experience. My clarity of understanding comes from being highly engaging, inquisitive, and interactive while being respectful, warm and accepting. By working together, we derive a workable and achievable treatment plan which prioritizes your most meaningful therapy outcome. I invite you to take that remarkable step of engaging in therapy. To do so is to be brave and self-questioning. And I will do everything I can to empower you and further your journey to self-awareness and action. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey.
Ona Ramsey
Hello, thank you for considering me to assist you in whatever journey life has brought you. Yes, a journey. Challenges are experiences that get us to the next stage of our personal development. However we should never feel like we have to go there alone. I completed the Master's in Social Work program with a minor in Alcohol and Other Drugs. I am clinically licensed in New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, and Maryland. I have over 15 years of experience in individual, marital, family, and group therapy. Much of my work has been with military personnel and their families. This clinical experience exposed me to working with many people from all over the world and with a variety of cultural backgrounds. Approaches in treatment are a combination of strengths-based, cognitive behavioral therapy, relationship dynamics, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, addictions and motivation, relationship abuse, anger management, couples therapy to include integrated sex approaches, and more. I apply a holistic approach with cognitive, emotional, behavioral, sensory, and person in environment approaches. The goal of treatment is to show clients they have the skills and internal resources to meet their personal goals.
Rhonda Aragon
Overcoming life’s challenges can be difficult without the right tools. I provide those tools, along with empathy, active listening, and thoughtful reflection. In addition to my social work education, my professional experience and personal insights enhance the awareness, intuition, and expertise I bring to support my clients. I understand how addiction can take control and the strength required to overcome it and maintain sobriety. I have extensive experience working with clients facing challenges such as drug and alcohol addiction, coping with the fear of death, grieving the loss of loved ones, healing from sexual abuse, navigating domestic violence, managing anger, and resolving relationship issues. Some of my other specialties include improving low self-esteem, managing stress, anxiety, depression, grief and Loss, coping with divorce, and infidelity, and the power of forgiveness. Most clients report feeling relieved after the first two sessions and keep using and applying the tools provided. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT, Strength perspective, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative therapy, alongside mindfulness practices. Additionally, I am trained in Eye movement desensitization Reprocessing, (EMDR). My goal is to support you in developing effective strategies to manage and overcome your challenges. I have six years of experience working with Child Protective Services in New Mexico. I also spent two years at Springer Women’s Correctional Facility, where I provided individual therapy and facilitated a residential drug and alcohol group therapy program. Additionally, I served as a Clinical Supervisor/Director at Krossroads Integrative Health Services in New Mexico for two years, delivering both individual therapy and intensive outpatient services to individuals struggling with addiction. I hold a BA in psychology & social & criminal justice, and a MA in social work. I also have valuable life experiences that enrich my knowledge and skills. I use this expertise to support you in your journey to recovery.
Vanessa Heim
I am a licensed in Virginia and New Mexico with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, bi-polar, and thought disorder. I am trained in cognitive therapies for trauma, CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) for PTSD. I have many years of experience teaching coping skills in DBT, (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). My approach is mind/ body focused, and based in mindfulness. 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.
Katherine Burns
Life presents obstacles, such as traumas and loss, that may muddle our understanding of our unique gifts and strengths. We often are left with a distorted understanding of ourselves and a loss of clarity. I can work along side you to help you tap into your wisdom and learn new skills to move forward in the way that feels true to you. I have worked with individuals struggling with life transitions, identity issues, self esteem, codependency, career changes, infertility and grief. My personal and professional experiences have curated an interest in identity, origins, genealogy and how the many facets of culture contributes to our concept of “roots”. I am interested in helping adults who are grappling with DNA discoveries, often from genetic tests. Unknown genetic information frequently reveals family secrets and can cause a multitude of responses, commonly causing an identity disruption which affects the entire family. This experience is referred to as Misattributed Parentage Experience (MPE) or Non Parent Expected (NPE) and includes adoptees, donor conceived individuals and a variety of unique conceptions. I provide support for families facing fertility issues and the many choices on that path. I also enjoy working with people who are contemplating parenthood and all of the complexities that entails. My unique lens is helpful for clients facing these increasingly common situations. I am a compassionate and open person who can be your support through self discovery and healing. My approach to therapy is strength based and curious. I believe you are the expert on your life and my job is to help you process potential changes in your identity and decide if your choices are still serving you. Please reach out if you feel I may be helpful on your journey.
Suzanne Ornelas
I am licensed in New Mexico with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Xochitl Valenzuela
I am licensed in New Mexico with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Des Moines
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 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines. 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines region and in the state of New Mexico. 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines, elsewhere in Union, or in the greater state of New Mexico. 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 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:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Des Moines may not take health insurance, some in the state of New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 Des Moines online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Des Moines, New Mexico 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 Des Moines 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 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.
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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 NM, 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 88418 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 Des Moines counselor?
Before seeing your Des Moines 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. Des Moines 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 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines, New Mexico 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.
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 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 Des Moines, New Mexico
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 Des Moines 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 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.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Des Moines:
88418