On the shore of the Puget Sound, the city of Des Moines, Washington is sometimes confused with Des Moines, Iowa, but there is a big difference. For instance, the population in Des Moines, Iowa is about 20 times that of Des Moines, Washington and they do not have the amazing coastlines in Iowa like they do in Washington.
In fact, the City of Des Moines, Washington is noted for its Des Moines Beach Park, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the view of the Puget Sound. Sometimes, you may not feel like going out and hanging out at the beach though, and it is times like that when you should reach out to one of the many counselors in Des Moines who are there for you when you need them.
Dr. Paula Ehrmantraut
As a psychologist/therapist, I want to work with you to gain the tools and strategies to help you move past the area that is of concern. I have been in practice for nearly 20 years, having raised three beautiful daughters and now enjoying 4 grandchildren. I believe that we must find the positive and the good in each day even if it's small to give us the power and motivation to move forward. It is not always easy, but it is definitely worth it. My approach combines cognitive behavioral, client/person-centered, solution-focused, psychoanalysis, trauma-focused CBT, and teaching individuals how to be kind to self by using healing oriented approach therapies. I will tailor our treatment plans to meet your unique and specific needs. When you are ready to take your first step towards change, I am here to help guide you toward a more productive life. Lets talk and begin a new chapter. You will not be judged, but understood.
Mary Ann Skender
I believe that everyone should have a safe and nonjudgmental space to work through life's challenges. Everyone owes themselves the time and energy to learn, heal and grow to be their best selves. I have worked with a wide range of clients dealing with issues such as depression and anxiety, family and relationship issues, drug and alcohol problems, incarceration and life changes. I combine different modalities to suit the needs of the individual; including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and solution-focused therapy to help clients live the kind of life they envision for themselves. I hold a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) license and a Substance Use Disorder Professional Certification (SUDP) in the state of Washington. I look forward to supporting and guiding you on your path to making positive life changes.
Layla Hernandez
Welcome to Betterhelp! My name is Layla, and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Colorado. I have been working in the mental health field for 8 years, and I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I became a counselor because I believe that everyone deserves to be understood, heard, and supported while working towards becoming their best selves. I have worked in military and civilian settings as both a therapist and first responder for mental health crisis. I attended Regis University, where I earned a master's degree in mental health counseling. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Adam Johnson
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working for years in intensive outpatient therapy facilities and impatient hospital facilities to get the best knowledge I can to assist my clients. I received a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nicholls State University in 2018. I enjoy hiking, being in nature, spending time with friends, playing games with my wife, and continuing my education in numerous areas surrounding mental health so that I may provide helpful information for my clients. Therapy is a relationship built on a foundation of trust. I view therapy as a collaborative process in which we work as a team to explore and define problematic situations, develop future goals, and work to guide and direct the patient(s) to an overall better quality of life by assisting in the development of increased insight, coping skills, and problem solving skills. The goals of therapy are established in collaboration as a team with the overall objective being the successful resolution of the problems that are deemed the most important by the client. The length of counseling varies from person to person. As long as you are benefiting from counseling, I encourage you to continue attending sessions; however, I will let you know when I no longer feel that you need therapy. I have developed numerous healthy self soothing and coping skills, along with problem solving strategies as a means to assist my clients with regulating their emotions and helping them improve their mental health. I understand the struggles you can have while working on your mental health and will be patient with you as we work together to achieve your goals. I work with individuals of all ages with a variety of presenting issues including individual, interpersonal, and family issues. I have experience working with problems with adolescents, and life difficulties in adulthood that may be related to disturbances in family relationships and increased distress. These issues include crisis management, grief, depression, anxiety, codependency, parenting and family relationships, and anger management. I have experience in treating children and adolescents, who have experienced trauma and abuse, engage in self-harming behavior, and impulse control issues. If I think your issues are in an area that I do not feel qualified to treat, I will discuss this with you and attempt to refer you to a professional who is better qualified to work with you.
Theresa Bowes
Life can sometimes be difficult and surprising. There are ebbs and flows. The seasons of our life hold challenges, new issues arise, and we are sometimes confused. Perhaps what we seek is a new question. That question might lead to new answers and strategies for navigating through the present challenge. I’m a counselor with over 20 years of experience and specialized trainings. I’ve become familiar with the variety and depth of our human circumstances and encounters. I hold a conviction and personal view that every person’s trials and perceptions are their truth and that they present an opportunity for growth. What is true for you, your reality, is our starting point toward achieving goals. Counseling is a tool that helps us get current with our life. In the partnering of counselor and client, I utilize a holistic focus that validates your experience, finds the wisdom that makes the most sense in your challenge, and gives you a place to be seen and accepted without a need to be other than your true self. With my ease of listening with empathy and intuition, and my ability to guide through the background noise and chaos of life events, your life story and the innate wisdom it holds will unfold so you can develop strategies that are in your highest and best interests.
Kimberly Brooks
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience counseling and life coaching. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, anger issues, career challenges, grief, and many other challenging issues. I have also helped many people who have experienced diverse types of traumas. My therapy style is warm and compassionate, but direct and honest. I provide a holistic perspective, am interactive and empathetic. I will give you an opportunity to be transparent while providing safety and sensitivity. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, and solution-focused approaches. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes great courage to seek a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Jennifer Ambriz
Dr. Ambriz’s counseling style reflects client-centered, empathic, strength based, and non-judgmental approaches to foster a therapeutic alliance. Her theoretical orientation is eclectic and she adapts counseling techniques to each unique individual client. The foundation of her clinical skills include Mindfulness based interventions, holistic approaches, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT+), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and Havening Techniques.
Julie Zemke
I am authentic and direct but a compassionate therapist who will work with you and assist in empowering you to move forward in meeting your goals. I have a particular interest in promoting healthy boundaries and giving voice to your needs in a more assertive manner. I believe a sense of humor is a critical coping skill. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, and navigating life changes. I am licensed in Georgia, Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. I have 15 years of professional work experience. My clinical expertise is in adult mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma, having worked in a variety of settings to include inpatient, residential, jail, crisis intervention, and outpatient mental health clinics. I incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) treatment interventions. I have found great fulfillment in helping individuals better manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and overall functioning. I feel honored to listen and provide tools shown to improve overall quality of life. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I know that availability is a key factor in selecting a therapist that can meet your needs. I offer live chat/video/phone sessions on the weekends and weeknights only. I am very accessible via messaging.
Dr. Minsu Kim
I am a bilingual (Korean and English) licensed psychologist in Maryland and Washington, and I've been helping people over the past 8 years. I've been working in various settings, including hospitals, community centers, and private practice, helping a wide range of people struggling with intimacy issues, trust issue, work-related stress, feeling worried, feeling depressed, familial conflict, feeling unmotivated, and other psychological problems. In therapy sessions, I want you to feel comfortable and safe. You can share your thoughts and feelings with me, and you don't have to worry about being judged. It takes a lot of courage to want things to be better and take the first steps to make a change. I'm here to help you give you the strength to do that. I'm really excited about the change to work with you. I look forward to helping you on your journey to feeling better and happier.
Hayley McLemore
I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. 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.
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 Washington. 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 King, or in the greater state of Washington. 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 Washington 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 Washington 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, Washington 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 WA, 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 98198 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, Washington 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, Washington
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:
98148, 98198