This is Kelly Bellis's avatar and link to their profile

Kelly Bellis

Offering therapy in IA
License: MA ,LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello, and welcome to BetterHelp! I commend you for taking this step to reach out and improve your quality of life. I know from experience that it takes courage to initiate change and ask for help, and I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Kelly, and I am a licensed counselor in both Tennessee and Iowa. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology, and I completed my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling in 2004. For more than 15 years I have been in the counseling field, and offering help and hope to others has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I have experience working with varying ages, backgrounds, and presenting problems. Some of the issues I have seen the most frequently include depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, and life transitions. I have also been trained in EMDR, a therapy model that is helpful with reprocessing trauma and improving cognitive distortions. I consider my approach to be eclectic and tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. I incorporate elements of person-centered and solution-focused therapy along with some cognitive-behavioral strategies. However, I truly believe that the most important factor in therapy and the best indicator of success is the client-counselor relationship. I strive to display warmth, empathy, compassion, genuineness, and acceptance with each person I am privileged to serve. My desire is to work with you to help you live your best life, maximizing the strengths you already have and making positive changes in your need areas. I would like to assist you in improving your insight and empowering you to achieve lasting personal growth. I believe there is always hope, and sometimes a fresh, unbiased perspective is invaluable. I am really looking forward to being part of your journey toward greater health and wholeness.

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Anne Jessen

Offering therapy in IA
License: LMHC,LPC,NCC
Self esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

Hi, my name is Anne Jessen and I live in a small town in Iowa. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa, and have been licensed since 2011. I’ve also been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wisconsin since 2021. I received my Master's degree in mental health counseling in 2006 from the University of Northern Iowa. I greatly enjoy helping others, and working together with clients to assist them in achieving their goals and reaching their highest potential. I understand that life can be challenging, and sometimes we need someone who will listen and guide us through difficult times. I use a client-centered and collaborative approach, often utilizing empathy and acceptance. I also take a cognitive-behavioral approach to counseling, as I believe that improving thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can improve an individual's overall quality of life. I have experience working with depression, bipolar disorder, stress, and grief/loss. However, I don't have specialized training in treating issues related to trauma. I have spent approximately the past 14 years working in the mental health and substance abuse fields, in both non-profit and private practice locations. I am so glad that you decided to reach out for help and I look forward to partnering with you to discuss your needs and inspire you to reach your goals. *Please note, at this time, I am only conducting sessions using messaging/live chat. Therefore, I am not utilizing video or phone at this time. If you are interested in being matched with a therapist who utilizes phone or video sessions, l will gladly provide you with the information on how to transfer. Let me know if you have any questions.

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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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Candace Delis

Offering therapy in IA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Lakeland University and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I work to create a safe, comfortable and accepting environment for my clients. I have previously worked in crisis intervention as well as group therapy settings and like to focus on providing positive support for my clients. I've been told I'm not the "typical" therapist type - I have tattoos and a pretty progressive viewpoint, and I also work really hard to be relatable to my clients. I'm married and have an 18 year old stepson. The rest of my family is made up of 3 rescue dogs, 3 adopted cats, and we recently reached what I call the "livestock level" of quarantine and got chickens and goats. It's a pretty full house. I have worked with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have worked with a wide range of issues, but some of my areas of specialization include: emotional regulation (anger, anxiety), depression, self-esteem building, bipolar disorder, PTSD, grief and loss, assertiveness building, marital issues and relationship building skills. I also have experience with end of life care. My counseling style is interactive, and I believe in treating people as individuals and not labeling them with their mental health issues. You are not your illness, it is only a small part of who you are. I believe in treating people with the same respect, sensitivity, and compassion as I would like to be treated. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and solution focused counseling. I will do my best to tailor our conversations and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek support and take steps towards making a change. Life can throw us curveballs and unexpected circumstances can arise with even the best of planning. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support you and help you find the tools that will help you succeed. I look forward to working with you! My current hours are (all are CST): Mondays 9am-8pm Tuesdays 8am-8pm Wednesdays 8am-8pm Thursdays 8am-8pm Fridays 8am-8pm Saturdays 8am-5pm (These are my Winter hours and will change at the end of May)

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Alexis West

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Alison Ekwena

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Iowa with extensive experience working with children, teens, families and individuals. I enjoy working with individuals to overcome obstacles that limit happiness, relationships and success. I work with issues of stress and anxiety, depression, adhd, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience in helping families adjust to adoption, foster care, and blended families. It takes courage to move forward and seek help and shows a strong desire for positive changes toward a more fulfilling and happier life. Understanding how our history and experiences in the past may be positively or negatively impacting progress is often part of that process. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Michele Lewis

Offering therapy in IA
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I'm Michele and I am excited you are taking steps to feel better about yourself and are interested to learn more about me. I'm a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri and Iowa, and a qualified mental health professional. I am a certified clinical tele-mental health provider and a certified clinical trauma professional and grief professional. I've been a therapist for more than 25 years and I absolutely love what I do. I help young people learn to live authentically in spite of experiencing trauma in their past and help them express their true inner self. I counsel adult children who care for their aging parents to cope with caregiver stress and work through grief and loss as they witness the change in their parent's mobility and cognition. With my years working in geriatrics, I help aging adults process feelings about aging gracefully. My certification and experience working with grief and loss lends my ability to help people of all ages work through the deep impact of sadness, emptiness, and stress from losing a loved one or going through an upsetting life change. My therapy approach is synergistic, warm and accepting. Therapy in my practice is a place of no judgment. It's a place of self-discovery. It's a place of speaking your mind feely, sharing your true thoughts and feelings that maybe you've been hesitant to say aloud before. It's a place of trying new things and thinking about solutions in new ways. In therapy, you get to explore what is holding you back or causing unhappiness at work or in your relationships. As you become more comfortable talking to me and exploring your inner self, you get to build skills and strategies that allow you the freedom to express who you are to those in your life. You discover how to build authentic connections with friends and family. You learn to use strategies to shrink depression and anxiety and become confident in the person you are and who you really want to be. I utilize a variety of techniques, such as, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology theory, stress management with mindfulness, empowerment work, mind / body / spirit connection to increase emotional expression and wellness, mood management, anxiety reduction, and finding your path to work / life balance. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, KS with a concentration in mental health. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from William Jewell College in Liberty MO. I am excited to begin our work together!

This is Titus Mayberry's avatar and link to their profile

Titus Mayberry

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

This is Kate Bell's avatar and link to their profile

Kate Bell

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

(She/Her) I became a mental health provider because I am passionate about helping people find their own strengths and better their understanding of themselves. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently licensed in Iowa and Virginia, and I have experience supporting adolescents/young adults and adults with concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, family systems, work issues and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I utilize a variety of approaches, often drawing upon Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Models. I prioritize creating a safe environment individualized for each client built upon warmth, empathy, and trust. I strongly believe each client is the expert on their life and I enjoy exploring how systems, cultural norms, and individual identities and beliefs interact to impact one’s overall health and mental well-being. 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.

This is Elie Hays's avatar and link to their profile

Elie Hays

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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.

How to find counseling in Walnut

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Walnut 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 Walnut 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 Walnut 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 Walnut, 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 Walnut 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 Walnut 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 Walnut 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 Walnut 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 Walnut 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 51577 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 Walnut 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 Walnut 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 Walnut, 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.

Walnut 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 Walnut.

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

51577

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