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!
Krisha Uden
Welcome! My name is Krisha and I have been a mental health therapist in Nebraska for 26+ years and on the BetterHelp platform for the past 5 years. I am a Christian Counselor and hold licenses in Nebraska and Iowa. I have been blessed to be a servant of God as I work with clients to help them navigate His will and find purpose in life. I have been honored and love to hear the stories of all people! I listen with empathy and try to understand the circumstances, issues and concerns that a person brings to the process. In an effort to offer hope, I encourage an assessment of strengths in how people cope in their lives and make decisions. I work alongside people to define a treatment plan and goals that they are motivated to work towards. I strive to offer comfort and encouragement in the journey. I have had the opportunity to work with clientele dealing with all sorts of emotions, circumstances, tragedies, and relationship problems over the years. Some of these are consequences brought on by their own actions and others are dealing with what has happened to them. Assisting people to gain insight in the midst of their circumstances and develop a perspective that offers hope, meaning and purpose gives me great satisfaction! I have offered counseling in private practice and I have done so at least part time for the entirety of my career. I have also worked at a mental health center, led groups for domestic violence perpetrators and victims and grief for military families dealing with loss, led parenting training and have been involved in other roles that have given me experience in the field. I am a member of the professional organization, (AACC) American Association of Christian Counselors and receive the latest techniques and trainings offered with a Christian perspective. I have held a mental health license in Nebraska since 1999. Due to the pandemic, leadership and mental health boards wrote executive orders allowing waivers for practitioners to provide therapeutic interventions in states that they did not hold an active license. This was in an effort to ensure that citizens in the respective states were able to access telehealth services in a timely manner. Most providers were able to include online services to their offerings, and most of these waivers issued by Governors have since expired and not been extended. I did contact Iowa's state licensing board, and put in an application. I was granted a license in Iowa starting in February of 2021 and continued through September of 2022. I currently hold active licenses in Nebraska and Iowa, allowing full privileges to provide counseling services to clients both in person and via telehealth services. I was career and ministry oriented for years prior to marrying my husband, a farmer/rancher, of 17 years. Together, we have been blessed with five beautiful children, ages ranging from the oldest 16 to the youngest age 8. Finding balance between work and home has at times been a challenge, but I remain committed to use my skills to be a helper in any format that I can and with the time I have to offer. I was diagnosed in December of 2022 with early onstage breast cancer. I have been blessed by the active treatment that I have received and am considered a survivor with a very optimistic prognosis. I share this as I believe that there is purpose in the challenges of our lives and it can often give us credibility and help us to offer deeper compassion as we listen to those who are entrusted with our care. I am an active member of Christ Lutheran Church and serve in a variety of roles at church. I enjoy all sorts of crafts, adventures, sports, hobbies and activities as time permits. It takes courage to consider making changes as sometimes we just get comfortable and accept where we are as normal. Sometimes the pain of staying the same becomes much more heavy than the actual cost of making a change. I applaud you for taking that step to seeking your best life. I would love to come alongside you to hear your story, support and empower you to do what you need to meet those goals. God Bless you as you make this investment into your future! But only with God are perfect wisdom and might; He alone has true counsel and understanding. Job 12:13
Tasha Lowman
I am a mental health counselor licensed in Iowa with over 5 years experience working with children, teens and adults. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, anger management and trauma. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines several therapy techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused. I will tailor our conversations and create individualized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. It takes courage to take the first steps towards change in order to have a happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to give you support and help you along the way. I check my messages Monday through Friday, with the goal of responding in 48 hours or less. I do check messages on Saturday and Sunday in the mornings. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.
Rodney Black
I am currently licensed in Iowa and Nebraska with over 26 years of professional work experience. The bulk of my career has been in community-based settings as I felt this type of setting was where I could give back to those that have helped me and my family of origin. I had a mother that was bi-polar and had a significant borderline personality disorder. Her first major hospitalization occurred following my birth. I have grown up in the Midwest but have lived in California and South Carolina as well as serving in the US military with one deployment to Afghanistan in which I served as the highest-ranking enlisted member of the Human Intelligence component of a Brigade Combat Team. I have a grown gay son and feel that my own healing process in coming to terms with my feelings toward my mentally ill mother were greatly facilitated by friendships in the queer community and feel a great depth of gratitude and respect for this community. I have been divorced, struggled with my own addiction, co-dependency and mental health issues throughout my lifetime and have carried various mental health diagnoses at different times in my life as well. I don't look at myself as complete expert on life but to quote Brene' Brown: "I might just be a little further down the road in recovery is all". I view therapy as more of an art form in that there are skills and techniques that can be learned and applied to the work of art that is being created, but it is the process involved that brings out the beauty of the final product. I understand the importance of being heard and feel that a person’s truth can emerge through a collective experience in the interaction and engagement with another human being. I hope to bring my experience in life and working with others to your life experience. I view it as a privilege to be able to be a part of the understanding of another person’s life and hope to be part of this journey with you.
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.
Kelly Muratorri
As a licensed therapist serving clients in Iowa and Texas, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional background focuses on helping people work through stress, anxiety, trauma, and anger management challenges. I have extensive experience supporting military veterans, first responders, and individuals on the autism spectrum. My therapeutic approach is grounded in compassionate, evidence-based practices that honor each person's unique journey. I understand the profound courage it takes to seek support, and I'm committed to creating a safe, understanding environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing. Drawing from my training and professional experience, I offer targeted support for those seeking a faith-informed perspective. My practice is dedicated to providing thoughtful, respectful care that recognizes the diverse needs of individuals across different life stages and backgrounds. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inner strength and resilience, walking alongside them as they navigate personal challenges and pursue emotional well-being.
Dawn O'Regan
Hello! My name is Dawn and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I have 25 years of experience Working in Community Mental Health Organizations and in Private Practice settings. I live in Iowa and also travel frequently with my life partner. I work with clients affected by depression, anxiety, communication, inter and intrapersonal relationship difficulties. My expertise that I bring you includes building blocks of healthy relationships: 1. Clear communication 2. Emotional regulation 3. Self-worth 4. Compassion 5. Insight 6. Ability to acknowledge and verbalize others strengths and emotions. I worked as a bachelor’s level social worker for 4 years prior to Graduate School, achieving my independent license in Social Work, I have worked in private group practice, started my own individual practice and currently work in a community mental health setting. My approach to therapy is client centered: clients are the experts of their lives, and we work together on the direction an individual determines. Through a strengths-based and solutions-focused lens, I draw on multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to aid in discovering dysfunctional thought patterns leading to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I support clients through developing skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation with the goal of moving clients towards a life involving the capacity for experiencing joy and freedom. If clients are open to it, we also work using an internal family systems approach. This work goes inside your own system and identifies different parts that can be helpful or may need updating as you grow and develop. Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy exercise, yoga, walking and hiking and meditation practice in the beautiful outdoors. I also enjoy my life partner and our two dogs. Izzy is the newest member to our family and is a sweet, sassy handful!I am incredibly grateful for my precious support system of family, friends and colleagues. SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Self esteem Depression Intra and Interpersonal Communication Coping with life changes Bipolar disorder, emotional intensity disorder, anger management and self-care. Years of Experience: 25 years
Uraina Domon
I am licensed in Ohio and Washington with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & relationship issues. 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.
Sergio Ayala
I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 9 years of professional clinical work experience. I have a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity with 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education, and over 15 years of Ministerial/Pastoral Practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & dementia caregiver stress. 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. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Marcella Aronson
I am licensed in Iowa with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
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.
Mary Ruhland
As a licensed therapist in Iowa with three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem issues. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals experiencing social isolation, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person's unique journey. I focus on empowering clients to develop self-love, improve communication, explore life purpose, and heal from past experiences. Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, relationship challenges, body image concerns, or midlife transitions, I provide a supportive and understanding environment. I believe in creating a collaborative space where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and rediscover their inner strength. My goal is to walk alongside you as you work towards healing, personal growth, and meaningful life changes.
Charlette Forteza
I am licensed mental health counselor with a human-centered, holistic approach to healing. I have 17 years combined experience working with adults as well as children. I integrate mindfulness practices with evidence-based therapeutic techniques to support clients in reconnecting with their inner wisdom and navigating life’s challenges with greater clarity and compassion. I have worked with clients on relationship issues, family conflicts, self -esteem, anxiety and life transitions. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in that process.
Thomas Loney
I am licensed in Iowa with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Find a Therapist Near You in Slater , 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 Slater.
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.