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Dr. Edgar Villarreal

Offering therapy in IA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
7 years of experience

Are parts of your life weighing you down? Do you sometimes feel powerless against your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors? Have events in your life left you searching for answers and yearning for peace? As your counselor I will help you explore your concerns and regain a sense of balance and control over your life. Together we gain an understanding of these issues and create a plan to address them. You will gain insight and the necessary skills to tackle both current and future challenges. Lets work together to make meaningful changes so you can live a more fulfilling life. Services in Spanish are also available. It takes courage to seek help and support. It takes work to live a fulfilling and happier life and to take the initial steps towards meaningful change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Ashley Paulson

Offering therapy in IA
License: LMHC,NCC,CHt
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed to provide mental health counseling in Iowa and Nebraska. I earned my Master of Arts degree with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. I have helped clients with a variety of issues in different therapeutic settings over the past 11 years. I have counseled children, adolescents, and adults as well as provided individual, group, and family therapy. I have experience working with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting struggles, relational problems, and trauma. I provide a compassionate and accepting space for clients to discuss their issues and work toward making positive changes they desire. I am passionate about empowering clients in the counseling process. I aim to help clients live the best version of themselves. I utilize client-centered, strengths-based, mindfulness oriented, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. I have additional experience in using DBT, EMDR, PCIT, and hypnosis. I focus on helping clients harness their strengths and identify steps toward achieving their goals. I have immense experience in helping clients develop healthy coping skills and adaptive beliefs. I tailor my approach to fit what works best for each client. I firmly believe it takes a brave person to reach out for help. I am here to support you when you are ready to take the first step. I am grateful to be part of your journey toward developing a more fulfilling life!

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Anne Jessen

Offering therapy in IA
License: LMHC,LPC,NCC
Self esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

Hi, my name is Anne Jessen and I live in a small town in Iowa. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa, and have been licensed since 2011. I’ve also been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wisconsin since 2021. I received my Master's degree in mental health counseling in 2006 from the University of Northern Iowa. I greatly enjoy helping others, and working together with clients to assist them in achieving their goals and reaching their highest potential. I understand that life can be challenging, and sometimes we need someone who will listen and guide us through difficult times. I use a client-centered and collaborative approach, often utilizing empathy and acceptance. I also take a cognitive-behavioral approach to counseling, as I believe that improving thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can improve an individual's overall quality of life. I have experience working with depression, bipolar disorder, stress, and grief/loss. However, I don't have specialized training in treating issues related to trauma. I have spent approximately the past 14 years working in the mental health and substance abuse fields, in both non-profit and private practice locations. I am so glad that you decided to reach out for help and I look forward to partnering with you to discuss your needs and inspire you to reach your goals. *Please note, at this time, I am only conducting sessions using messaging/live chat. Therefore, I am not utilizing video or phone at this time. If you are interested in being matched with a therapist who utilizes phone or video sessions, l will gladly provide you with the information on how to transfer. Let me know if you have any questions.

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Andrea Joyce

Offering therapy in IA
License: MS, LIMHP, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

Hi! My name is Andrea Joyce. I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner in the state of Nebraska, a Licensed Mental Health Clinician in the state of Iowa, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Kansas. I have been in practice for 16 years. I work with diverse populations and have certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Adoption Competency (TAC), and Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT). I specialize in treating trauma and am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I also treat depression, anxiety, grief, and PTSD, in addition to other mental health concerns. I have worked in an agency setting, a university setting and with Law Enforcement. I also work very closely with foster care and juvenile court in my face to face practice. I believe to heal we have to focus forward and honor ourselves and our expereinces that have made us who we are. I believe therapy is a process that is best facilitated by taking a person centered approach and creating a safe space to begin the process of healing. By meeting the person where they are at in life, they learn to understand the path that has led them to seek growth and to work to acquire the skills needed to be successful and strong. Focus should be strength based. Just because a person is struggling, doesn’t mean they are failing. Focus on what is working and how that can be strengthened to bridge them through those struggles and get to the other side, where they can feel the success to keep moving, and thus, focusing forward. I am so grateful to be able to take this journey with you. Andrea Joyce MS,LIMHP,LMHC,LCPC,NCC,CBPC

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Christine Topping

Offering therapy in IA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Iowa with 8 years of experience working with couples, families, and individuals of all age ranges. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, life stressors, grief and loss and ADHD. I also helped many divorced couples with co-parenting , and I have completed training for PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Training). My therapy style is welcoming of all concerns without judgement. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I care for each client in their own unique way to fit their goals and current situation. I change is possible for everyone. It takes courage to begin the change process and have a more fulfilling life. I am here for you if you are ready to take that step. I will provide support along the way while also challenging you. I look forward to working with you!

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Tuyet Noriega

Offering therapy in IA
License: MA,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist since 2010. I have worked with individuals, families, and couples in many of their life challenges. My primary focus is working with individuals who have struggles with anxiety, depression, relationship, trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, LGBTQ and parenting concerns. My experience is not limited in these topics, I have also worked with many individuals who have a wide range of concerns and/or diagnosis. My therapy style is interactive and direct, however I believe that as a client, they should be able to lead sessions and I at times change my style to fit the needs of the client. I am very flexible, compassionate, and believe in encouraging healthier boundaries and communication for clients. I have an ecliptic therapy style and will incorporate many styles in sessions if the occasions arise. My goal is to help clients feel more self confident in their life choices and work towards fulfilling the needs they are searching for in their life.

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Alice Rock

Offering therapy in IA
License: MS,LMHC,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hi. I have many years of doing substance abuse counseling in a hospital setting in Iowa. I have also worked as a school counselor with grades K - 8, I have taught Psychology courses on the college level and am familiar with all aspects of counseling theories and brain development. The college course I enjoyed teaching the most is "Wellness." This course discussed all aspects of both physical and mental health, which, of course are connected. I incorporate wellness and long-term balance in my counseling sessions.

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Sergio Ayala

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 7 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.

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Marla Voss

Offering therapy in IA
License: MSW, LISW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and in Wisconsin and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa. I am currently accepting clients to work with in both of those states. My experiences come from direct mental health and behavioral health counseling for adults aged 18 and older with a variety of presenting issues including Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, trauma, grief as well as coping with physical health concerns, chronic diseases and illness. I approach the therapeutic relationship with sensitivity and respect for people of all cultures. I strive to the therapeutic relationship, and you, with compassion, respect, and warmth. I hope that after each session you have felt heard and understood. My clinical experiences include working in community agencies and private practice. I have worked in healthcare for 30 years with my beginning experience working in a hospital. My therapy style and approach are person centered and strengths-based drawing influence from Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I help clients design treatment goals specific to them as each person is unique and different approaches work for different people. Whether working towards gaining insight into specific circumstances, symptom relief, improved function, it is my hope we can work collaboratively to achieve it. It takes a lot of strength to work towards finding a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are willing to take that step, it would be a privilege if you would allow me to walk beside you. I will do my best to respond to messages within 24 hours on my days of availability. Currently my hours of availability are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Wednesdays from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm. I am not available on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays for appointments or to respond to messages. **Please note I am fluent in English only. I do not speak any foreign languages."

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James Khile

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

Hello and kudos for taking the first steps in seeking answers! Life can be challenging, sometimes confusing and other times painful. Taking the first step to a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Iowa with over 4 years of professional work experience, and over 20 years related counseling expertise. I have experience in helping individuals, couples and families from many backgrounds. I am also a ‘Dad’ to three, beautiful and amazing, adult daughters; so (maybe) I am a veteran parent! I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, regardless of their background or station in life. Our talks will be in a judgement free zone, tailored to meet your unique and specific needs. I am here to listen and support you as best I can and look forward to talking with you on the teletherapy platform.

How to find counseling in Carson

Finding the best therapist close by in Carson 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Carson. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Carson, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Carson or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 Carson area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Carson, elsewhere in Pottawattamie, or in the greater state of Iowa.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Carson area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Carson therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Carson due to a higher cost of living. 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 Carson may not take health insurance, some in the state of Iowa may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Iowa you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Carson, Iowa 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Carson 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 lead by a therapist in Carson helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Carson 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Carson therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist 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 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 Carson 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 lot of people in IA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 51525 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Carson counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, 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 feedback and advice. A Carson 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Carson, Iowa 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.

Carson has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of 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 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Carson.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Carson:

51525

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