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!
Valerie Marsh
As a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified clinical trauma specialist, my passion is helping my clients discover their strengths. learn new skills, and empower them to create a joy-filled and purpose-driven life. 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. Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, somatic therapy, I guide my clients who are weighed down by life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment and relationship struggles, so that they don't have to face it alone. I provide a compassionate space for my clients to learn new skills, strengthen their resilience, and build more loving relationships, both with others and themselves. If you are seeking greater self-confidence, joy, peace, and contentment in your life, maybe it's time for a different approach and a breakthrough! Let's work together to create a plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am here to support and empower you achieve personal growth and meaningful change in your life. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Brenden Troster
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a PhD in Developmental Psychology. I bring over 7 years of experience as a therapist and more than 25 years of experience as a coach. My career has taken me into school-based mental health, addiction treatment, residential care for children and teens, and outpatient settings supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. This wide range of experience has given me a deep understanding of the many ways people struggle—and the many ways they can heal. I have supported clients working through depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, addiction (including pornography), self-harm, anger management, and recovery from abuse. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and have extensive experience walking alongside people as they process and overcome painful life experiences. Therapy starts with your story. You are the expert on your life, and my role is to listen, understand, and help you move toward the goals that matter most to you. I provide a space grounded in respect, compassion, and dignity where you can feel safe to be yourself. I draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Bowenian theory, and Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy. I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” therapy. Instead, we collaborate to create a plan that fits your needs, your values, and your pace. Life brings challenges that none of us are meant to face alone. Whether you’re working through anxiety, healing from trauma, managing stress, or wanting a clearer perspective on where you’re headed, I will be in your corner. Together, we’ll build practical strategies and lasting tools so you can move forward with confidence, resilience, and hope. I look forward to getting to know you, listening to your story, and supporting you as you work toward positive change.
Alice Rock
Hi. I have many years of doing substance abuse counseling in a hospital setting in Iowa. I have also worked as a school counselor with grades K - 8, I have taught Psychology courses on the college level and am familiar with all aspects of counseling theories and brain development. The college course I enjoyed teaching the most is "Wellness." This course discussed all aspects of both physical and mental health, which, of course are connected. I incorporate wellness and long-term balance in my counseling sessions.
Barbara "Barb" Kroening
Asking for help can be very difficult and I believe it takes a lot of strength. I feel everybody needs a little help at some point in their life and there is nothing wrong with that. I embrace the opportunity to be the person people can reach out to for that help. I feel honesty is very important and will offer a safe, non judgmental space for you to openly share your thoughts and struggles. I am a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Iowa with 15 years work experience. I believe it is important to meet people where they are at and am willing to do so while also offering gentle encouragement to help people get to where they want to be. I have worked with individuals with substance abuse issues, anger issues, trauma history, relationship issues, grief and loss, and parenting issues. I have worked closely with immigration populations on a professional and personal basis. I look forward to hearing from you.
Adam Dollen
As a licensed therapist serving clients in Iowa, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, faith-informed approach to counseling, with expertise in helping clients work through stress, grief, communication difficulties, and life transitions. My therapeutic style centers on understanding each person's unique journey, offering personalized support for challenges like social anxiety, workplace stress, and personal identity exploration. I'm particularly committed to helping men develop deeper self-understanding, work through shame and isolation, and build meaningful connections. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, and move towards greater emotional wellness. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship issues, or seeking guidance in personal growth, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional insight.
Susan Henry
As a licensed therapist, I bring over 25 years of compassionate counseling experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating a welcoming, safe, affirming space for diverse clients, with specialized expertise in stress management, LGBTQ+ support, relationship dynamics, and trauma recovery. I am deeply committed to helping clients navigate personal growth, addressing issues like social anxiety, life transitions, communication challenges, and emotional healing. My approach is holistic and person-centered, focusing on building self-love, understanding personal patterns, and developing meaningful coping strategies. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of experiences, from supporting individuals dealing with workplace stress and relationship complexities to helping clients process deeper emotional wounds. I offer a non-judgmental, supportive environment where clients can explore their unique journeys, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate greater emotional resilience. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inner strengths, embrace vulnerability, and create transformative personal change. Whether you're facing life transitions, seeking deeper self-understanding, or working through complex emotional landscapes, I'm here to support your path toward healing and growth.
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.
Mary Pulscher
With over 25 years of dedicated clinical experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem concerns. I am particularly passionate about working with older adults and addressing a wide range of emotional experiences, from workplace stress to relationship transitions. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and holistic, designed to help individuals rediscover their inner strength and purpose. I offer supportive guidance for those struggling with isolation, communication difficulties, social anxiety, and personal growth. Whether you're experiencing life transitions, managing chronic conditions, or seeking to heal from past experiences, I am committed to creating a safe and understanding environment where you can explore your emotions and develop meaningful strategies for wellness. I bring extensive expertise in addressing diverse challenges, including caregiver stress, mood disorders, relationship dynamics, and personal transformation. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, cultivate self-compassion, and create positive change in your life.
Brenda Hanson
As a licensed therapist in Kansas with over four decades of clinical experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My approach is compassionate and holistic, focusing on helping clients navigate issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and relationship dynamics. I have extensive expertise in addressing women's issues, life purpose exploration, communication challenges, and emotional healing. My therapeutic style emphasizes self-love, personal growth, and empowering individuals to develop healthier coping strategies. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, workplace stress, or midlife transitions, I provide a supportive and understanding environment. My practice welcomes diverse clients across different ages and backgrounds. I'm committed to walking alongside you as you work through difficult emotions, build resilience, and create meaningful personal transformation.
Melody McKibbin
I am Melody McKibbin, a licensed therapist. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name on this page. I specialize in personality disorders and Christian faith-based counseling. I am certified in DBT and a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider specializing in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). I am pursuing my Ph.D in Psychology at Liberty University with a concentration in Theology. I have 4 years of experience in private practice and community mental health settings and am passionate about serving individuals ages 25 and up. I’m from Texas, have been married for 14 years, and have a teenage daughter and two Russian Blue cats. Outside of work, I love painting, hanging with my Russian Blue cats, writing fiction, and spending time with friends. I became a therapist because I enjoy helping people grow into their best selves. I identify as a conservative Christian, and I can incorporate faith-based counseling and Biblical insights into our sessions. Psalm 91:11-12 "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, they will lift you in their hands so you will not strike your foot against a stone."
Jennifer 'Jenna' Nevins
Hi, I’m Jenna — a person-centered therapist who believes that healing begins with connection. My approach is grounded in the belief that a positive, trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful growth and change. I often say that there are many ways up the mountain, and sometimes our work together involves rerouting — and that’s okay. Every journey is unique, and my role is to walk beside you as you find your way forward. I have experience working with a wide range of concerns, including trauma, grief, disability, postpartum depression and anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, parenting, OCD, and Autism. I’m passionate about helping you make sense of your symptoms — not just to manage them, but to understand where they come from and how to work with them in ways that support your overall well-being. I draw from a variety of tools, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, parts work, trauma-focused therapy, and traditional talk therapy. These are valuable methods, but I don’t believe that techniques alone create transformation. Instead, I focus on cultivating safety, curiosity, and collaboration so that you can explore what truly matters to you. I use a blend of person-centered and reality/choice theory approaches, which means I believe in both deep understanding and practical change — helping you reconnect with your sense of choice, agency, and self-worth. Above all, I want our space to feel like one where you can exhale — a space where you can bring what you need, be seen without judgment, and know that showing up, in itself, is something to be proud of. Because often, showing up is the hardest and bravest part. I look forward to working with you.
Megan Tafolla
I specialize in grief, anxiety, and attachment with special interests in applying these concepts to non-death related losses. I believe strongly that it’s an honor and privilege to walk with people on their journeys as they navigate grief and finding a light when the world feels like it has gone dark. I have experience working with clients in variety of settings including those experiencing homelessness, veterans, perinatal populations including those experiencing pregnancy and baby loss, parents navigating children of all ages, and geriatrics. I have experiencing working with foster and adoptive parents, biological, blended, and chosen families. I take a strong, action-oriented approach to therapy offering education and resources alongside tools with the goal of making heavy things more manageable to carry.
Deborah Landwehr
I am licensed in Iowa with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Find a Therapist Near You in Shannon City , Iowa
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Iowa can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
With a population of Iowa_POPULATION, Iowa is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Iowa, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Iowa (IA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Iowa_COUNTIES, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Iowa with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Iowa
When searching for a therapist near me in Iowa, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Iowa, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Iowa.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Iowa want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Iowa
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Iowa without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Iowa (IA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Iowa
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Iowa, including residents in Iowa_COUNTIES.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Iowa do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.