Working with a therapist can help you develop healthy coping skills and overcome many mental health challenges. If you’re looking for a therapist in Iowa, barriers to treatment can make it difficult to find in-person treatment. 

With BetterHelp, you can work with a licensed marriage and family therapist, social worker, or other mental health professional from the comfort of your home at a time that suits your schedule. Your therapist will use a person-centered therapy approach to ensure you get support tailored to your unique needs and preferences, whether you’re having mental health issues related to past trauma like sexual abuse or are experiencing low self-esteem, relationship challenges, or work-related stress.

Note that while many of the licensed mental health professionals on the platform may have served children in their prior training and careers, BetterHelp does not currently provide services like play therapy to children or adolescents.

If you’re looking for an online therapist, IA has many qualified professionals licensed to provide therapy state-wide. Connect with one of the counselors below to learn more about how therapy can help you along your life journey.

 

Read more
This is Leah Pavela-Mullins's avatar and link to their profile

Leah Pavela-Mullins

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: FL LCSW SW7224, AR LCSW 10385-C
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

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!

This is Michael (Mike) Arieta's avatar and link to their profile

Michael (Mike) Arieta

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: MN LICSW 11281, AZ LCSW LCSW-15593
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker licensed in Minnesota and Arizona. I am also an adoption competent Therapist credentialed with the CASE foundation and the Training in Adoption Competence program along with certification through the University of Minnesota's center for advanced studies in child welfare. I have been practicing for over ten years with many clients facing a wide variety of issues. I am trauma trained and competent and my counseling style connects clients to their bodies first. I am an engaging and dynamic therapist who sticks with clients until they have a sense of resolution to their issues. I approach clients with curiosity and engage with them to find out what is happening . I see each new problem as a process that the client and I work together to resolve. I look forward to working with you on your journey to a better life.

This is David Fox's avatar and link to their profile

David Fox

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IL LCSW 149020830, IA LISW 132994
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
3 years of experience

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.

This is Donald Henderson's avatar and link to their profile

Donald Henderson

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IA LMHC 001749
Trauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Iowa, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach centers on helping people heal from trauma, manage grief, and build resilience through personalized, faith-informed counseling. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, including veterans, young adults, and individuals facing significant life transitions. My therapeutic practice focuses on addressing issues like social anxiety, self-esteem, communication challenges, and personal growth. Drawing from a trauma-informed and holistic perspective, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and rediscover their inner strength. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship dynamics, or personal healing, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. My practice welcomes individuals seeking a compassionate, conservative approach to mental health support, with a particular sensitivity to Christian perspectives and values. Together, we can work towards meaningful personal transformation and emotional well-being.

This is Kate Alfaro's avatar and link to their profile

Kate Alfaro

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IA LISW 007656
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 12+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Sergio Ayala's avatar and link to their profile

Sergio Ayala

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IL LCPC 180016866, IA LMHC 094835
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

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.

This is Clinton Cunningham's avatar and link to their profile

Clinton Cunningham

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IA LMFT 087027, TX LMFT 205872
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Dr. Kimberly Athuman's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Kimberly Athuman

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IA LISW 008253
Parenting issuesDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, depression, & concentration, memory and focus (ADHD). 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!

This is Dr. Heidi Duong's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Heidi Duong

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IA LMHC 124913, WA LMHC LH 61410541
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Have you ever felt that something was missing from your life, as though you were attempting to reach a destination; however, it could not be reached? We will be looking at ways to fill up our lives that provide feelings of purpose. Sometimes it's easy to look for the next quick fix only to discover we are right where we started. Back to square one! Together, we will discover what areas of life feel unfulfilling and identify barriers and approaches to overcome the obstacles to bring more life satisfaction and self-congruency. I provide hypnotherapy, spiritual counseling as a Kvantum Energy Facilitator and mental health therapy. Through holistic and integrative therapy, we will examine the areas of life that may feel unfulfilling and develop strategies to build more meaning and consistency. By examining our current behaviors, we can develop interventions that focus on self-direction and self-autonomy. I provide mental health counseling, energy healing strategies including fitness. By reaching out to me as your mental health counselor, various resources and tools can be discovered to build more life satisfaction and congruency. This time is your time. Let's work together to find real potential and bring more life purpose and identify strategies to conquer any negative self-doubt and address any feelings of uncertainty.

This is Marcella Aronson's avatar and link to their profile

Marcella Aronson

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IA LMHC 001707
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 11 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.

This is James Bustamante's avatar and link to their profile

James Bustamante

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IA LMHC 00424
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

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.

This is Connie Seth's avatar and link to their profile

Connie Seth

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IA LISW 04200
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
30 years of experience

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.

This is Jill Jaster's avatar and link to their profile

Jill Jaster

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: IA LMHC 097088
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Iowa with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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!

This is LaQunana Cistrunk's avatar and link to their profile

LaQunana Cistrunk

Offering therapy in Iowa
License: NV LCSW 12671-C, MS LCSW C-11480
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I’m licensed in Mississippi, Nevada, and Iowa with over 11 years of professional experience in the mental health field. I’ve had the privilege of helping clients work through stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, motivation, confidence, life changes, and LGBTQ+–related concerns. My journey as a therapist began through my work with young adults in clinics, universities, and correctional settings, where I discovered my true passion for supporting others through life’s challenges. These experiences have strengthened my belief that healing starts with empathy, understanding, and the courage to take the first step. I take a person-centered approach, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with creative and practical techniques to meet each client where they are. I strive to create a safe and judgment-free space where you can process your story, explore your strengths, and find new ways to cope and grow. The trust clients place in me to walk alongside them during their most vulnerable moments is something I value deeply. Together, we can work toward healing, resilience, and lasting change.

How can a counselor support you?

Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.

Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 2,499,317 people live in IA, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.  

The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.

Please note that BetterHelp therapists in Iowa does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

The mental health therapists in Iowa support clients with varying issues through therapy, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in Iowa that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.

If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.

Emergency services to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.

How much does therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person Iowa therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.

When should I get a therapist in Iowa?

Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover the cost of in-person or online therapy with a therapist in Iowa?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.

Are online therapy sessions the safe option?

Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist