Businesses move to different areas to grow, and a counselor in Urbandale will allow you to grow in ways that you never expected before.

It’s a newer city that was incorporated in 1917, and it is a streetcar suburb people used to go to the coal mines.  It is the site of a historical railroad, and while the services ended after, it still is a developing city. You can come here and reach new potentials with the help of a counselor ready to assist you today. 

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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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Dr. Edgar Villarreal

Offering therapy in IA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
7 years of experience

Are parts of your life weighing you down? Do you sometimes feel powerless against your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors? Have events in your life left you searching for answers and yearning for peace? As your counselor I will help you explore your concerns and regain a sense of balance and control over your life. Together we gain an understanding of these issues and create a plan to address them. You will gain insight and the necessary skills to tackle both current and future challenges. Lets work together to make meaningful changes so you can live a more fulfilling life. Services in Spanish are also available. It takes courage to seek help and support. It takes work to live a fulfilling and happier life and to take the initial steps towards meaningful change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Tuyet Noriega

Offering therapy in IA
License: MA,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

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.

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Susan Henry

Offering therapy in IA
License: LISW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

My name is Susan Henry, and I love helping people and seeing them grow. I am originally from the East Coast and resided in California before settling with my family in the Midwest. I received my Bachelor degree in Psychology from Rutgers College, and I received my Master in Social Work degree from Barry University School of Social Work. I am licensed in the state of Iowa as an Independent Level Social Worker. I have worked in the counseling field for over 25 years, with expertise working with issues related to Interpersonal Relations, Grief/Loss and Adjustment, PTSD/Trauma, and Anxiety/Depression. I provide a safe, sensitive, and non-judgemental space to explore your issues. Looking forward to being a part of your journey to better days ahead.

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Melanie Reese

Offering therapy in IA
License: LISW,Ed.S.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW) based in Iowa. I have over twenty years of experience working with children and adults in clinical and school settings. My experience is varied, I have worked with clients ages birth- 18 years old with a wide range of concerns including developmental delays, depression, anxiety, trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD and ADHD. I have also had the opportunity to work with adults challenged by depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger issues and life changing situations. I am trained in Solutions Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. I use evidence based practices and interventions to assist clients in whatever it is they want support with. I have a laid back approach to therapy and my priority is building trust and understanding to develop a positive therapeutic relationship with every client. I look forward to working with you!

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Carly Turner

Offering therapy in IA
License: LISW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

Hello, My name is Carly Turner. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa. I have been practicing as a Therapist for 4 years. I graduated in May of 2017 from the University of New England with my Master’s Degree in Social Work. I have experience working with people who have struggled with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, trauma, abuse, bipolar disorder, relationship concerns, anger management, eating disorders, personality disorders, caregiving, and geriatric concerns. My counseling style is warm and reflective. I believe the most important component of a counseling relationship is listening in a sensitive and respectful way. My approaches include; Strengths Based, Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Trauma Focused Therapy. We will work together to find the best tools to empower you as you navigate the trail you are taking and achieve your goals. Thank you for taking time to read more about me. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey.

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Donald Henderson

Offering therapy in IA
License: LMHC
Trauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am an independently licensed therapist licensed in Iowa with over 10 years of experience working with couples, families, and individuals. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, PTSD, Bi-Polar, anger management, trauma, cognitive/emotional confusion, and self-identity concerns. I have helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, MI (motivational interviewing), trauma informed care (TIC), and person-centered therapy. 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! Don M Henderson, LMHC

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David Smith

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

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.

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James Bustamante

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

I am licensed in Iowa with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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!

How to find counseling in Urbandale

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale, 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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 50323 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale, 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.

Urbandale 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 Urbandale.

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

50111, 50322, 50323

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