This is Deborah Pogel's avatar and link to their profile

Deborah Pogel

Offering therapy in IA
License: MSW, LISW,
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

My name is Deborah Pogel, and I'm a licensed psychotherapist in Iowa. You can take a look at my profile to learn a little bit more about my background and approach. Please also feel free to ask questions. I approach psychotherapy from the view point that we humans don't fully know our own hearts and minds. The things we don't know about ourselves still impact our lives and our relationships. They can limit us and cause us pain. There is value in coming to know our hearts and minds more fully because it gives us the option to be able to do things differently. It offers an alternative to recreating and reliving the same painful patterns. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. Please write to me about the challenges you are facing now as well as your goals and let's go from there. It would be helpful to include a short background of your life, including major events and significant relationships. It is my belief that positive life changes can occur when a safe, empathic and supportive space is provided. I commend those willing to open themselves up and invite this positive change. When provided with the opportunity to share our thoughts and feelings with someone, that process in itself, creates healing and therefore change. I warmly invite you to contact me.

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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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Denise Stutes

Offering therapy in IA
License: LISW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Hello, I am a licensed therapist in Iowa. I have over 23 years of experience in the mental health field with the past 5 years as a therapist. Some of my background includes working in; community settings, hospitals, domestic violence shelters and in corrections. I have worked with a wide variety of individuals who have suffered from all kinds of problematic areas in their life including severe physical and mental trauma. I enjoy helping others and I love to see people grow and succeed in their journey of life. My counseling style is compassionate, direct, interactive and sometimes I like to add some humor. I also like to empower others. When you see your own strengths that is when growth takes place. My approach is a combination of family systems, cognitive behavioral, person centered and mindfulness. This is a judgement free zone. I am on your side. I believe we all are unique in our own ways. You are enough just the way you are. It takes courage to reach out and take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you. I look forward working with you and thank you for the opportunity to do so.

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Loretta Mitvalsky

Offering therapy in IA
License: LISW
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
16 years of experience

Welcome! I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW) in the glorious state of Iowa. Actually, I am a transplant from sunny Southern California, however, I now call this place home. I am a woman of color with lots of life experiences that I believe have shaped and molded me to "better help" others who are struggling with life's expected and unexpected transitions, and those who are just trying to figure out how to live their best life in this crazy world! My therapy style is adaptable and I shift my approach to meet my client's needs. I can also approach issues from a Christ-Centered focus, as I have a strong foundation in the bible and have my own personal faith journey. If you are not a spiritual type of person, I am also able to use therapy models without trying to convert you. I like to use ACT, CBT, Solution-Focused, and Family Systems therapy models, and I also enjoy mixing in some IFS and narrative styles. I do believe we all have the resources within ourselves to heal. You probably can't tell in this short paragraph that I've struggled to write, but I do have a sense of humor and a relaxed style, yet I am focused and professional. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work and B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration. I have worked 16 years as a School Social Worker and work with families and children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and other developmental delays. I am venturing back into clinical therapy because I really enjoy working with others who have a desire to change, to develop more insight, and to build problem solving skills that extend beyond their present circumstance.

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Virginia Jones

Offering therapy in IA
License: LCSW-PIP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Virginia Jones, I am a licensed mental health counselor in South Dakota and Iowa. My passion is helping others to live a life that is fully satisfying. I have worked with clients from 4 to 90 years of age, with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, life stage, trauma, and addiction issues - to name a few. I have a background in complex trauma therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, person-centered therapy, and have gained a deep appreciation for all therapy modalities. I believe in helping clients by first establishing a caring relationship through positive regard and trust. Past clients say that I am warm and approachable. I have had struggles and know it can be difficult to reach out for help. Let’s work together and see if we are a good fit. I am here to support and empower you.

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Janita Easter

Offering therapy in IA
License: LMSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Therapist in the state of Michigan with over 10 years of experience in Behavioral Health. I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, relationship issues and personality disorders. I have helped many clients overcome the lasting effects of trauma and reduce the frequency and severity of their symptoms. Mental Health deserves equal importance as physical health and it takes dedication to achieve your goals. I am a dedicated Therapist here for you, let me guide you on your journey to feeling better! My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion; I meet my clients where they are and we start building from there. My areas of training include Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Trauma Focused and DBT Informed. I use a Humanistic approach and dialogue based format. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a resolution and work toward a happier life. I applaud you for taking the first steps towards change. Together we can work toward a healthier, happier you!

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Tiffany Reaves

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama, Iowa, and Massachusetts and have been in practice for over 17 years. I specialize in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I have extensive experience with childhood victims of physical and sexual abuse/neglect. I approach therapy from a trauma informed perspective. I utilize an open and nonjudgmental method when providing treatment. I'm here to provide a safe space for you to explore your emotions and offer guidance and support to you on your journey toward self-improvement and wellness. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Let's work on achieving your goals together!

This is Toni Elliott-Boulter's avatar and link to their profile

Toni Elliott-Boulter

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas, Arizona, and Iowa with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I like to have a balance of empathy, proper assessment, support and a little humor sometimes too. I feel a good rapport is of utmost importance. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change.

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Dr. Tracy Mallett

Offering therapy in IA
License: Psy.D.,LMFT,Psychologist
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and an international parenting, divorce, and coparenting coach. I have been working with single adults, couples, children and families for over 20 years. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have problems with self-worth, who have experienced trauma, and with families in conflict. I am Level II trained in the Gottman Method, and utilize this extensively with couples. My clients are learning to master such issues as overcoming depression; trauma recovery; anxiety reduction; managing existential and identity issues, reducing stress, and controlling anger. I have counseled in mental health, addiction treatment, and criminal justice settings. Currently, I have a private practice in south Florida (www.family-options.com), where I supervise master's level mental health counseling and psychology trainees. I also teach graduate-level courses in ethics, disaster and trauma response, abnormal behavior, community counseling, and criminal behavior, and I mentor graduate dissertation students in forensic psychology. (Disclaimer: I am a contracted employee for BetterHelp; any posted reviews of my work were not solicited by me). I have worked with individuals who are struggling with a wide range of concerns, including such things as managing anxiety, stress and depression; estrangement from family; career changes; marital infidelity; recovery from divorce; marital communication difficulties; and parenting challenges. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have problems with self-worth, who have experienced trauma, and with families in conflict. Through our interactions, I hope that you will find a safe place where we can explore your concerns and develop a plan that will have you actively pursuing your goals and living the life you want. Together, we can undo false belief systems and unhealthy habits. My therapeutic style is strengths-based, meaning that I will work with you to identify your strengths and the strategies that have worked well for you in the past, and nurture those skills to their highest potential. I am committed to getting to know you as an individual, and working hard to earn your trust and discover exactly what changes you hope to make in your life. You are the expert in your own life and in what you need, and the pace in which you would like to go, and it's my honor to adapt my counseling style to your needs and help you create the life that you want. I may "push" you out of your comfort zone at times in order to challenge you to meet the goals you have set for yourself, but I will provide you with a safe environment and will always be empathetic and patient and put you first. I am licensed in Florida and Arizona, and have obtained an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission. Therefore, I may ONLY work with subscribers who reside in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CNMI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. I strive to support, encourage, educate, and empower my clients. I encourage lots of feedback from my clients, and I am very open to constructive criticism, because I want this process to be helpful and useful for you. Together, we will create an individualized treatment plan that empowers you to overcome obstacles and create specific, achievable tasks that will put you on the a solid path to meet your goals. Therapy is an investment in time, money and emotional energy, and I look forward to joining you in helping to ensure that your investment pays off!

This is Tracy Sineway's avatar and link to their profile

Tracy Sineway

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, recovering from addiction, coping with grief and loss, finding motivation and self-compassion. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, and compassion. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Lester

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lester 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 Lester 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 Lester 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 Lester, 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 Lester 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 Lester 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 Lester 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 Lester 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 Lester 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 51242 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 Lester 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 Lester 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 Lester, 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.

Lester 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 Lester.

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

51241, 51242, 51246

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