
Gina West-Hendrickson
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.

Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

Tuyet Noriega
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.

David Smith
Hello and thank you for considering me as your therapist - I am licensed as an LMHC in Iowa and have 25 years of professional work experience. My approach is one in which I recognize the significance (and courage) of your decision to consider counseling and together, we will seek out solutions that build upon your strengths. I would describe myself as accessible, empathetic, pragmatic, and action-oriented. Therapy by design will challenge anyone to step outside their comfort zone and attempt to reshape their life. Typically, we all seek out similar things in life...joy, peace, connectivity, etc...but often, we feel stuck in reaching our life goals. It is my role to assist you with assessing the issues that are preventing you from living your best life and further assisting you with seeking out alternative ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving in order to bring about that change into your life. In professional terms, I would describe myself as "eclectic" in my therapy approach but I tend to emphasize solution-focused, cognitive/behavioral, motivational, and family systems brands of therapy in approaching my work with others. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & depression. I am equally comfortable working with individuals and couples. It is my belief 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Finally, therapy is a two-way street as I believe it is advisable to do a "check in" with clients as to how I am doing in the work we are engaged in and receive feedback. The process of therapy is a joint effort and it is vital that you as a client (or couple) not only feel heard but that therapy is progressing and assisting you in making change in your life. Thank you.

Sergio Ayala
I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 9 years of professional clinical work experience. I have a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity with 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education, and over 15 years of Ministerial/Pastoral Practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & dementia caregiver stress. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Melody Hatter
Invest in yourself. You are worth it! It is not about being connected. It is about feeling connected. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas, Iowa, Colorado and Utah. I currently reside in Texas. I received a Master of Science in Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington in 2014. My undergraduate degree is in Applied Gerontology. My professional experience includes inpatient psychiatric treatment and emergency departments working with adults from age 18-95. I have engaged clients in Cognitive behavioral Therapy, Reminiscent Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy among other therapeutic modalities. Working to manage depression, anxiety, addiction, substance use/abuse, grief and/or suicidal ideation is my passion. I have motivated individuals, couples and families to engage in change. My goal is assisting people remain in the community and not become hospitalized. Together we can make that happen! There is no problem that does not have a solution. There are always options. I have an extensive "toolbox" and will encourage you to build one as well. I am genuine and that will be evident the first time we meet. Allow me to help put 'life' back into living with a new perspective. I do not provide faith based therapy nor prayer in session. If this is the type of therapy you are looking for, I will not be a good fit and recommend seeking someone with a seminary background. Thank you very much. I care. Let's talk!

James Bustamante
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.

Eric Mason
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Nevada, Nebraska, and Iowa with over 9 years experience working in substance abuse therapy and over 5 years experience in mental health therapy. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with an extensive range of concerns including depression, anxiety, anger management, victims of crime, trauma, physical abuse, sex abuse, and LGBTQ issues. I have also helped people who have experienced incarceration and perpetrators of physical abuse. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in addiction studies at Nevada State College in 2011. I continued my education and completed my masters degree in Social Work at the University of New England in 2015. My counseling approach is inviting, warm, and interactive. I believe in meeting clients where they are at with respect, compassion, and empathy. My approach combines motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, psychodynamic, humanistic therapy.

Heidi Bellile
I am licensed in Kentucky with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Debra DeMinck
“Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” --Joshua J. Marine Hello! My name is Deb and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota with 33 years of professional work experience. My experience covers a spectrum of clients and settings, ranging in age from preteens to “mature” adults; I have provided therapy in day treatment facilities, schools and colleges, community agencies, and in private practice. I blend a variety of interventions and theories to adapt to your specific needs and goals: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to teach skills in distress tolerance, interpersonal relationships, mindfulness, and emotion regulation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients become aware of unhelpful thought patterns and to create new cognitions and behaviors. I also have advanced training and experience in numerous other modalities such as Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution-Focused, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). My therapy style is non-judgmental, supportive, and compassionate. 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. I will encourage you to recognize and build on your strengths and successes to improve your emotional well-being and find purpose and joy in your life. My ultimate goal is to help you determine what you want your life to look like and then take the steps to get there. We all deserve to live the life that matters to us!
Find a therapist serving clients in Iowa
What types of therapists are available to clients in Polk City?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Polk City that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Polk City available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Polk City therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Polk City therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Polk City region and in the state of Iowa.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Polk City can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Polk City may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Polk City offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.