This is Gina West-Hendrickson's avatar and link to their profile

Gina West-Hendrickson

Offering therapy in IA
License: MS,LMHC,RPT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepression
16 years of experience

Hello. I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Iowa. I have over 16 years of experience working with individuals of varying ages to overcome everyday life challenges. I have experience with those struggling with depression, anxiety, /trauma, family and/or parenting issues as well as relationship and career concerns. My treatment approach is open and honest. I will incorporate cognitive-behavioral , rational-emotive and client centered approaches with skill training in mindfulness activities to help clients feel more grounded and calm. However, I am always focused on what the needs of the client are and will individualize to the clients specific needs. I do have specialized training in EMDR and Play therapy techniques. EMDR is a treatment for trauma related issues and Play therapy techniques involve utilizing play as a way to process through feelings and trauma.

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Valerie Marsh

Offering therapy in IA
License: M.S.,L.M.F.T.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

As a licensed marriage and family therapist and life coach with over 20 years experience, my ultimate goal is to help you uncover your full potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to release negative emotions and resolve challenges in your life that are preventing you from attaining your personal goals. By applying complimentary therapeutic approaches, I share knowledge and skills that will create a more joyful and happy life for both individuals and couples. In this turbulent time of confusion, worry and sadness that you may be experiencing, (due to problem with life stressors, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss), I can offer you new tools and guidance to attain inner strength and confidence, have more loving relationships and a happier life. Utilizing cognitive behavioral, solution focused, mindfulness and positive psychological approaches, I specialize in a holistic approach to help people find new solutions to recover from the negative consequences of difficult life transitions and/or relationships. If you are seeking greater self confidence, joy, peace and contentment in your life, maybe it's time for a different approach and a new breakthrough! Let's work together to create a plan to meet your unique and specific needs.I am here to support and empower you, and really do understand what you are going through, and can help. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Arthur Garvin

Offering therapy in IA
License: LCPC,LPC,MA
GriefParenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigue
22 years of experience

I am a clinical professional counselor licensed in Kentucky, Missouri Kansas, Iowa, and Colorado with more than 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I've treated clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse issues, process addictions, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I've also helped many people heal, who have experienced physical trauma, neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with sensitivity, mutual - respect, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and gestalt, with mindfulness and awareness. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to confront dysfunctional habits and patterns, and to seek a more fulfilling and meaningful life. You are ready to take that step to change, and I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Brenda Ticknor

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and Nebraska with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Jennifer Ruden

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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!

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Cynthia Mitchell

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

Welcome! I'm Cyndi Mitchell, and I'm honored to join you on your journey toward healing and growth. Here's a bit about who I am and how I work: I am a licensed/certified LMHC therapist with 4 years of experience in CBT, DBT, Art Therapy and Holistic type approaches. I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University and have since dedicated myself to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach to therapy is rooted in multiple different modalities because I believe in meeting my clients where they are. I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, suicidal ideation, trauma, couples, adolescents, and families; just to name a few. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or seeking personal growth, I'm here to support you every step of the way. I try to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for my clients, because I understand the uncomfortable feelings that trying out therapy can create. My goal is to help my clients find the path that they are wanting to travel down, and help them create goals and skills to be able to achieve them. My job isn't to judge or tell my clients what to do, just be there for them in the manner that they need. Outside of therapy, I'm passionate about developing my non-profit, reading, art, music, riding motorcycles and my family. These experiences inform my practice and enrich our therapeutic journey together. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I am committed to continuously expanding my knowledge and skills to better serve my clients. I regularly participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities to stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in the field. Thank you for considering me as your therapist. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a session, please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and support you on your path to healing.

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Alfred Jaryan

Offering therapy in IA
Anger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

To understand and connect to the present moment, we must first reconnect to our past experiences. through my clinical and educational experiences, I believe that our past experiences live in our present bodies and shows up through the thoughts, beliefs and emotions we carry about the environment. In therapy, I create a safe space for my clients to engage in this healing process through curious, open-ended questions, modeling, cognitive challenging, supportive reflections, processing culture/diversities, motivational Interviewing strategies, and Self-Care approaches. I value Authenticity, Professionalism, and diversity in all forms. Our stories need to be understood, not changed. I am passionate about helping a diverse population of individuals, couples, and families connect to their healing resources because we are all experts in our own lives. By learning how to love and care for ourselves, we developed and maintained healthier relationships. The imperfections and wounds that we carry in our bodies require the same love and care as our best parts. I graduated from Argosy University, Twin-Cities, with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I implement a client-centered and motivational interviewing approach to help my clients maintain therapeutic success in the community. I have five years of clinical experience providing individual and family therapy to a diverse clientele in an intensive inpatient/outpatient co-occurring mental health and chemical dependency treatment center and schools, communities, and private practice agencies. I also have experience working with clients who have experienced multiple severity levels of trauma, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and struggles with addictions. I value a one-day-at-a-time approach by helping clients learn how to focus on the “here and now.” When not working, I enjoy exercising, playing basketball, and spending time with family. I also engage in self-care activities like going for walks, reading, and listening to music.

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James Bustamante

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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.

This is Allison Sykes's avatar and link to their profile

Allison Sykes

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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. 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 Charlene Thiede's avatar and link to their profile

Charlene Thiede

Offering therapy in IA
License: MSW,LMSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefParenting issuesDepression
37 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Michigan and the state of Iowa. I use a person-centered and strengths-based approach that begins where you are in the present and focuses on your strengths in order to move forward. I have been trained in the use of a number of clinical approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy for children, Solution Focused Therapy and more. I will help you explore the problems you are facing in order to identify the changes that you want to make in your life. I began my career as a School Social Worker, an experience that gave me insight into the problems that children face in schools. During those years, I specialized in working with children and their families. I also worked as a clinical social worker providing behavioral health counseling to children, adolescents and adults in a private mental health clinic and later ina large family service agency. My goal in each counseling session is for you to leave feeling more hopeful and confident that you can move forward in a positive way. A receptionist once told me that my clients come in looking sad and go out with a smile, a compliment that warmed my heart.

How to find counseling in Forest City

Finding the best therapist close by in Forest City 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 Forest City. 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 Forest City, 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 Forest City 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 Forest City 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 Forest City, elsewhere in Winnebago, 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 Forest City area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Forest City 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 Forest City 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 Forest City 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 Forest City, 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 Forest City 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 Forest City 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 Forest City 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 Forest City 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 Forest City 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 50436 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 Forest City 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 Forest City 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 Forest City, 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.

Forest City 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 Forest City.

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

50436

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