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!
Amanda Thooft
Amanda specializes in supporting individuals and couples navigating life transitions and relationship challenges. Whether you’re adjusting to a new stage of life, experiencing changes in family dynamics, or wanting to build healthier, more fulfilling connections, Amanda provides a safe and supportive space to explore what’s most important to you. Her approach is strengths-based and flexible, tailored to your unique needs and goals. Amanda believes therapy works best when it feels collaborative and personal, and she draws from a variety of methods to create a style that fits you—not the other way around. Clients who work with Amanda often appreciate her compassionate, encouraging, and direct style. She offers both warmth and honest feedback, helping people move through uncertainty with clarity and confidence. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Amanda is passionate about helping clients grow through change, strengthen their relationships, and step into a life that feels authentic and meaningful.
Dr. Brenden Troster
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a PhD in Developmental Psychology. I bring over 7 years of experience as a therapist and more than 25 years of experience as a coach. My career has taken me into school-based mental health, addiction treatment, residential care for children and teens, and outpatient settings supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. This wide range of experience has given me a deep understanding of the many ways people struggle—and the many ways they can heal. I have supported clients working through depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, addiction (including pornography), self-harm, anger management, and recovery from abuse. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and have extensive experience walking alongside people as they process and overcome painful life experiences. Therapy starts with your story. You are the expert on your life, and my role is to listen, understand, and help you move toward the goals that matter most to you. I provide a space grounded in respect, compassion, and dignity where you can feel safe to be yourself. I draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Bowenian theory, and Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy. I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” therapy. Instead, we collaborate to create a plan that fits your needs, your values, and your pace. Life brings challenges that none of us are meant to face alone. Whether you’re working through anxiety, healing from trauma, managing stress, or wanting a clearer perspective on where you’re headed, I will be in your corner. Together, we’ll build practical strategies and lasting tools so you can move forward with confidence, resilience, and hope. I look forward to getting to know you, listening to your story, and supporting you as you work toward positive change.
David Fox
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois and Indiana, I have spent most of my career working to help people that have experienced trauma understand their own narrative. Sometimes, life events occur in adulthood that necessitate short term intervention to assist us to process, understand and reset. My treatment approach involves not only listening, but more importantly, hearing exactly what each person chooses to tell me so that I can understand their unique issue and help them move forward. Your treatment plan will be created by you and for you so that the piece of you that has been impacted is made whole. I look forward to meeting you and working together to empower you to be excited about today, tomorrow and your future.
Anna Murphy
Hello! My name is Anna and I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Iowa with over five years of experience providing therapy services. Prior to and including these last nine or so years I have worked in various settings including psychiatric hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private agencies. I have experience with a wide variety of populations and ages ranging from three years old to geriatric. I have experience with persistent/chronic mental illness, life transitions, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, substance use, DHS involvement, codependency, grief and loss, and with individuals who are struggling with managing their emotions. I received my Bachelors degree from the University of Iowa with majors in Psychology and Studio Arts, and a minor in Sociology in 2012. I then graduated from The college of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, New York with my Masters of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling in 2015. My approach to therapy is warm, interactive, and client centered. I believe individuals are experts on their stories and experiences and I am here to empower and support you. I aim to assist clients in learning the strategies and coping skills best tailored to their individual situation. I draw my approach from a combination of styles: trauma-informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused. I also enjoy utilizing expressive therapy modalities if client's are open to these experiences.
Barbara "Barb" Kroening
Asking for help can be very difficult and I believe it takes a lot of strength. I feel everybody needs a little help at some point in their life and there is nothing wrong with that. I embrace the opportunity to be the person people can reach out to for that help. I feel honesty is very important and will offer a safe, non judgmental space for you to openly share your thoughts and struggles. I am a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Iowa with 15 years work experience. I believe it is important to meet people where they are at and am willing to do so while also offering gentle encouragement to help people get to where they want to be. I have worked with individuals with substance abuse issues, anger issues, trauma history, relationship issues, grief and loss, and parenting issues. I have worked closely with immigration populations on a professional and personal basis. I look forward to hearing from you.
Misty Warren
I am licensed in Iowa and Nebraska with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!
Michele Lewis
I'm Michele and I am excited you are taking steps to feel better about yourself and are interested to learn more about me. I'm a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri and Iowa, and a qualified mental health professional. I am a certified clinical tele-mental health provider and a certified clinical trauma professional and grief professional. I've been a therapist for more than 25 years and I absolutely love what I do. I help young people learn to live authentically in spite of experiencing trauma in their past and help them express their true inner self. I counsel adult children who care for their aging parents to cope with caregiver stress and work through grief and loss as they witness the change in their parent's mobility and cognition. With my years working in geriatrics, I help aging adults process feelings about aging gracefully. My certification and experience working with grief and loss lends my ability to help people of all ages work through the deep impact of sadness, emptiness, and stress from losing a loved one or going through an upsetting life change. My therapy approach is synergistic, warm and accepting. Therapy in my practice is a place of no judgment. It's a place of self-discovery. It's a place of speaking your mind feely, sharing your true thoughts and feelings that maybe you've been hesitant to say aloud before. It's a place of trying new things and thinking about solutions in new ways. In therapy, you get to explore what is holding you back or causing unhappiness at work or in your relationships. As you become more comfortable talking to me and exploring your inner self, you get to build skills and strategies that allow you the freedom to express who you are to those in your life. You discover how to build authentic connections with friends and family. You learn to use strategies to shrink depression and anxiety and become confident in the person you are and who you really want to be. I utilize a variety of techniques, such as, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology theory, stress management with mindfulness, empowerment work, mind / body / spirit connection to increase emotional expression and wellness, mood management, anxiety reduction, and finding your path to work / life balance. My schedule provides sessions in the evenings and weekends. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, KS with a concentration in mental health. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from William Jewell College in Liberty MO. I am excited to begin our work together!
Mary Pulscher
With over 25 years of dedicated clinical experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem concerns. I am particularly passionate about working with older adults and addressing a wide range of emotional experiences, from workplace stress to relationship transitions. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and holistic, designed to help individuals rediscover their inner strength and purpose. I offer supportive guidance for those struggling with isolation, communication difficulties, social anxiety, and personal growth. Whether you're experiencing life transitions, managing chronic conditions, or seeking to heal from past experiences, I am committed to creating a safe and understanding environment where you can explore your emotions and develop meaningful strategies for wellness. I bring extensive expertise in addressing diverse challenges, including caregiver stress, mood disorders, relationship dynamics, and personal transformation. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, cultivate self-compassion, and create positive change in your life.
Melody McKibbin
I am Melody McKibbin, a licensed therapist. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name on this page. I specialize in personality disorders and Christian faith-based counseling. I am certified in DBT and a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider specializing in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). I am pursuing my Ph.D in Psychology at Liberty University with a concentration in Theology. I have 4 years of experience in private practice and community mental health settings and am passionate about serving individuals ages 25 and up. I’m from Texas, have been married for 14 years, and have a teenage daughter and two Russian Blue cats. Outside of work, I love painting, hanging with my Russian Blue cats, writing fiction, and spending time with friends. I became a therapist because I enjoy helping people grow into their best selves. I identify as a conservative Christian, and I can incorporate faith-based counseling and Biblical insights into our sessions. Psalm 91:11-12 "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, they will lift you in their hands so you will not strike your foot against a stone."
James Bustamante
I am licensed in Iowa with over 30 years of experience in behavioral health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, depression, relationship issues, LGBTQ issues, and issues specific to parenting individuals transitioning. 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.
Connie Seth
I am licensed in Iowa with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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.
Kerry Robertson
I am licensed in Iowa with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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.
Charles Robson
I am licensed in Iowa with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!
Find a Therapist Near You in Rinard , Iowa
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Iowa can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Iowa is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Iowa, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Iowa (IA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Iowa, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Iowa with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Iowa
When searching for a therapist near me in Iowa, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Iowa, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Iowa.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Iowa want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Iowa
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Iowa without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Iowa (IA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Iowa
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Iowa, including residents in Rinard.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Iowa do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.