Your ability to appreciate the beauty and charm of the world around you will be hampered by depression. These negative feelings can really put you in a perilous position in life. You need to be able to take control of the situation so that it does not continue to worsen. When depression or anxiety problems continue to get worse, it can throw your life into turmoil.

Having the help of Ionia-area counselors will be very useful to you. They are going to be able to make sure that you get through even the most difficult days. You can always turn to the counselor when you are in need of assistance. This isn't something that you need to deal with by yourself, so count on the strength and compassion of a counselor to see you through.

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Lynn Murphy

Offering therapy in IA
License: LCSW,LISW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
13 years of experience

My name is Lynn Murphy and I earned a Masters Degree from The University of Iowa in 2019 with a focus in Individual, Family and Group therapy. I am licensed in Louisiana as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in Mississippi as a Licensed Certified Social Worker and in Iowa as a Licensed Independent Social Worker. My experience includes working with anxiety, stress, ADHD, trauma/abuse and family issues. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and families so I have an overall picture of how mental health issues affect the entire family system. I believe in meeting my clients where they are emotionally and assisting them to reach their full potential. I am non-judgmental and open minded which assists my clients in feeling comfortable with me. My work is typically based in Cognitive Behavioral therapy and strength-based therapy. I can be messaged through Better Help at any time and I will contact you in a short time. Congratulations on making the first step in reaching your full potential. I look forward to working with you to assist you in reaching that goal.

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Michelle Hoff

Offering therapy in IA
License: LMFT,LMHP,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
6 years of experience

I am Christian Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and in the state of Nebraska I am a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner with a Marriage and Family Certification. I am a National Certified Counselor. I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. I am a member of American Association of Christian Counselors and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. I have been working in the mental health field since 2015 and doing clinical work since 2017. I own my own private practice Unfolding With Truth Counseling, LLC as well as work with BetterHelp part time. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have experienced with helping individuals who suffer with depression, anxiety, addiction, family dynamic issues, relational conflicts, stress, trauma and abuse, personality issues, spiritual and military issues. My counseling style is warm and understanding. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution-focused, mindfulness, and family dynamics. I believe in providing the best approach to meet your needs and will do my best to tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. If you would like to schedule a session please feel free to reach out in a message and let me know when you are available and what times work best for you. I look forward to working with you!

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Krisha Uden

Offering therapy in IA
License: MS,LIMHP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
26 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Krisha and I have been a mental health therapist in Nebraska for 26+ years. I am a Christian Counselor and 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 15 years. Together, we have been blessed with five beautiful children, ages ranging from the oldest 14 to the youngest age 6. 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

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Cynthia Boyle

Offering therapy in IA
License: MA,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
15 years of experience

Hi. My name is Cindy and I am a national certified counselor(NCC) and licensed counselor in Iowa (LMHC0 and Michigan (LPC). I have had a private practice for 12+ years where I provide individual, couple and group counseling. I am a former president of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association and am active with a number of other professional counseling organizations. I began my counseling work in addictions treatment, with a particular emphasis on treating the family system. I also have specialized in working with children and adults on the autism spectrum. My training as a mental health counselor helps me assist them with the wide array of co-existing conditions they often deal with, such as: ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, etc...while my personal experience as a mother and aunt to children on the spectrum gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges parents face. While I believe a client centered approach (having empathy, unconditional positive regard, and always being authentic) is fundamental to building the counseling relationship I do not adhere to any one treatment theory or modality. Just as every client is unique, I consider it my job to partner with my client to find their learning style and preferences and then tailor a treatment approach that best suits them. I regularly utilize aspects of CBT, DBT, mindfulness and motivational interviewing. For partnership/couple counseling I often utilize research and techniques from the Gottman approach, EFT, and ACT. I have research interests in counseling ethics, personality disorders, autistic spectrum disorders and animal assisted therapy and have given professional workshops on these topics at the local, regional, and national levels. I hope this gives you an idea of who I am. At heart I am a helper, and my training and credentialing are avenues to assist me in trying to be the best helper I can. I also want you to know I really appreciate the courage it takes for someone to open up to counseling and to be a part of that process is a privilege I do not take lightly. Just a note, in order to be compliant with the variety of licensing regulations in different states, I only utilize A/V telehealth for appointments.

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Laci Struble

Offering therapy in IA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am a mental health counselor licensed in Iowa with 5 years of experience working as a therapist with both youth and adults. I have experience working with clients who present with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, conduct-related concerns, ADHD, attachment concerns, self-esteem issues, trauma, and serious mental health diagnoses. My therapy style is inviting and genuine. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, unconditional positive regard, and sensitivity. My approach in integrative, meaning I use a variety of therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, and client-centered therapy and tailor our sessions based on your unique and specific needs. Seeking therapy can be difficult, but it is a brave and courageous step towards improving your mental health by taking these first steps to a creating a more fulfilling life experience. I am here to guide and support you on that journey. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Katie Obert

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and Missouri with 7 years of therapeutic work experience and over 19 years in the human service field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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 bravery and 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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Courtney Jennings

Offering therapy in IA
License: MA, LMHC, MCAP
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

Welcome to your first step toward flourishing! Saying yes to counseling may be one of the healthiest gifts you can give yourself. I'm Courtney. Thank you for considering me for your journey! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida and Iowa) and Master Certified Addiction Professional and Certified Telehealth Practitioner (Florida). I have been a professional counselor for 15 years. I have a person-centered approach to counseling. The relationship and connection we develop is the most valuable tool we can utilize. Let's pursue your goals and your healing together. A bit nervous about engaging in counseling? We can start at a pace that's comfortable for you. Right now, I am offering asynchronous messaging and live chat sessions; I may add availability for phone and/or video sessions in the future.

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Melissa Reyerson-Slifer

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Iowa with 3 years of therapy experience, and over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients of all ages, and have worked with clients with a variety of concerns. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety disorders, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem, and stress. 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.

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Matthew Schmeckpeper

Offering therapy in IA
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorder
9 years of experience

I graduated from Walden University in 2014 and was initially license March of 2014 in Nebraska and gained my full licensure in August 2019. I have a reciprocal license in Iowa. I have my Provisional License for Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Nebraska and am seeking TCADC in Iowa for substance use. I have worked for community mental health, early development and mental health, school client with mental and behavioral health, residential substance use treatment, correctional treatment, Intense Outpatient and outpatient services. I have used DBT, emotional regulation, and client experiences for both what has been done historically and how they would like to change. I have passions for child abuse recovery and empowerment, been with organizations that are supportive and empowering to those that are part of or served by the organizations.

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Gina Clarke

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience as a school social worker working with children and adolescents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. However, I have a total of 29 years experience working with adults and children in a variety of settings. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. My treatment style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My office is a safe space where clients can be themselves. If you ask my students, they will say I am easy to talk to. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

How to find counseling in Ionia

Finding the best therapist close by in Ionia 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 Ionia. 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 Ionia, 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 Ionia 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 Ionia 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 Ionia, elsewhere in Chickasaw, 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 Ionia area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ionia 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 Ionia 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 Ionia 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 Ionia, 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 Ionia 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 Ionia 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 Ionia 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 Ionia 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 Ionia 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 50645 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 Ionia 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 Ionia 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 Ionia, 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.

Ionia 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 Ionia.

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

50645

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