Winterset, Iowa is the birthplace of the famous western actor, John Wayne. It’s also well-known for inspiring the story and movie, “Bridges of Madison County.” With six famous covered bridges, abundant crafts and wineries, and historic town square, Winterset is an easy place to love. Maybe your days are sorely lacking inspiration and the love of life.

You don’t have to let the beauty of life pass you by. No matter what you’re going through, the professional confidential counselors in the Winterset area are waiting for you to match up with them to help turn your gray days back into color.

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Terry Chase

Offering therapy in IA
License: LMSW,LMHC,LMHP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
28 years of experience

I am mental health therapist licensed in Iowa and Nebraska with over 25 years of experience in community based mental health, substance abuse and private practice. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and believe that people should be heard and not judged. . My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling as well as person centered . I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a 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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Katherine (Katie) Strub

Offering therapy in IA
License: MA,LMHC,EMDR Therapist
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families. I have worked with individuals with a wide variety of concerns including trauma (abuse, neglect, domestic violence, first responders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder criteria, emotional abuse, grief and loss, abandonment, etc.), depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family of origin issues, emptiness, invisibility, LGBTQ+, and many many more. I am an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist and I utilize other methods in including solution-focused, strength-based, relaxation/stress management, and many others. No two clients are the same, so I do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach. I believe each person has potential for growth and healing, but each of us has encountered barriers to achieving our greatest potential through internal or external experiences. It can be very difficult to recognize those barriers and address them, and it can be very helpful to have a therapist partner accompany you on the healing journey. I like to illustrate therapy using the metaphor of bowling: my client is the bowler and has the power to choose the direction they throw the ball, the ball they select, and the power they use to throw the ball down the lane. I, as the therapist, am the bumpers - I respect my client's decisions in how they throw the ball, I guide us down the lane and keep us from going in the gutter :) The most frequent feedback I get from my colleagues and clients is that I am "real." That is, I do not pretend to be perfect and I do not expect perfection. I also am very honest because that is what I ask of my clients. I look forward to working with you and getting to know you better!

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Mary Koch

Offering therapy in IA
License: MS,LMHC,CCTP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

Good job! You are already taking your first step to helping yourself. I am warm and inviting with various things to look at (if you choose video sessions), items to fidget with (you’ll find out when we work together), and of course me to talk to. I use various techniques like REBT, CBT and ACT (and others) which are forms of therapy, however most of my clients state “we are just talking, or wow you are really good at this.” I let them know it’s not me: I am simply “reframing” what you; my future has stated to me back to you in a non-judging way. You hear it for yourself and I give you the credit for trusting me enough to share and hear your own information. I also try to help my clients reframe to see the positives in their life, no matter how small. I convey to all of my clients that this is a ‘judge free’ space and they will never be judged by me. I want them to feel comfortable and realize that the work they are doing comes from them, not from me, and I will be in that judge-free space with them so they will not be alone. I provide a safe space to be mad, sad, happy, or any way you choose to feel. I am no stranger to working with mental health clients and have worked with people that have depression, personality disorders, trauma, grief and anxiety disorders to name a few. I most recently spent time providing therapy providing outpatient service to those with dual-diagnosis at a substance and alcohol abuse facility and prior to that with schools for kids aged five to college. I also have experience working with inmates in a prison and jail. I have worked with those who want to discuss sexual identity and questioning their gender. I enjoy all aspects of working with clients but love to see them take time to realize the important things in life - I will be available in the virtual office world on Mondays 3 pm to 6 pm, Tuesdays 3 pm to 6pm, Wednesday from 7 am to 3 pm, Thursdays 7 am to 3 pm. Although these hours are subject to change I invite you to ask for details or special accommodations. I want to let you know that I do check for messages throughout the day each day. Please be respectful and understand that everyone, like you is very important and deserves my undivided attention. I will respond to your message at my earliest convenience. Weekends may take a little longer as they are not my typical working hours.

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Dr. Daniel Ephraim Pott-Pepperman

Offering therapy in IA
License: Psy.D., LP
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
15 years of experience

I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a special emphasis in neuropsychology and forensic psychology. I am licensed in the states of Colorado, Iowa, and Washington, and I have worked in it for the past 15 years. In the time I have practiced in Colorado and Iowa, I worked with patients with depressive and anxiety symptoms, using an approach to assist patients in identifying their current methods of exacerbating emotional problems, such as constant verbalization of their worries. An approach that helps patients select methods of reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms from their brainstorm-generated alternatives. A modality that challenges patients' thoughts and transforms rational concerns into overpowering and irresolvable conflicts. A modality that has given the power to patients to see life through different lenses while empathizing with them; most of these patients are with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Through this modality, patients are assisted in understanding the negative functional consequences of their psychological maladies, and how these maladies are perpetuating self-defeating behaviors, such as social withdrawal, disturbed family and interpersonal relationships. An approach that has helped patients select a few methods of reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms through brainstorm-generated alternatives. An approach that has been used to challenge patients' thoughts and transform rational concerns into overpowering and irresolvable conflicts. Also, I have worked with adolescent and adult patients with serious and persistent mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. I was able to assess and help those patients with traumatic brain injury, neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and all forms of dementias. I have also used several neuropsychological assessments in diagnosing depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, and all forms of dementias. Additionally, I have worked with family members to perform capacity evaluations and the completion of a statement of expert evaluation forms for competency hearings. It is important that one recognizes when help is needed to subdue life's challenges. And it is laudable when one actually takes the steps to confront those life's challenges. It is laudable because, in today's society, it is difficult to get to that stage. Thank you for recognizing what it takes to get well emotionally. I am looking forward to serving you.

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Gary Ogren

Offering therapy in IA
License: LISW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

After working in the field 42 years, with the LISW license for 25 years, the therapy work in office has been the most recent, with in home work before. Both these settings have provided a background for working with individuals, couples, and families. Located in rural Iowa, the practice has been a generalist approach while using a Brief Solution Focus approach. My training has included Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and I have provided clinical supervision to the local CISM team. During November, 2001, I spent 10 days in New York City working as a Red Cross volunteer providing mental health services. This crisis counseling while different than ongoing therapy, was a very positive experience. Working with older adults has increased during the last years of my full time work, being able to connect with elderly.

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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.

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Shelly Flachs

Offering therapy in IA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome to the therapeutic journey towards self-discovery and healing. I'm Shelly Flachs, a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving individuals across Illinois, Iowa, Maine, and Missouri. With over a decade of dedicated experience, I've had the privilege of supporting individuals facing various challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and life-altering situations. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empowerment, focusing on solutions, and honoring your unique strengths. Drawing from cognitive-behavioral theory, emotional freedom technique (EFT), and Safe and Sound Protocol, I tailor each session to suit your individual needs. I believe in fostering a genuine, positive, and safe environment where you can explore your story with respect and authenticity. Embarking on the journey of therapy can be daunting, but it's a courageous step towards personal growth and resilience. I commend you for taking that first step. Together, we'll identify your goals and create personalized plans to achieve them, guiding you towards a more fulfilling life. Specializing in stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, depression, and navigating life changes, I offer a range of clinical approaches, including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, EFT, and Safe and Sound Protocol. With a commitment to your well-being and growth, I'm honored to walk alongside you on this transformative journey. Let's embark on this path together, towards a brighter, more empowered tomorrow.

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Larry Jackson

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

I am licensed in Iowa with 10 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 in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.

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Tammy Foster Harban

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska and Iowa with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Amanda Pease

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Iowa with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Winterset

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Winterset 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 Winterset 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 Winterset 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 Winterset, 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 Winterset 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 Winterset 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 Winterset 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 Winterset 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 Winterset 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 50273 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 Winterset 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 Winterset 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 Winterset, 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.

Winterset 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 Winterset.

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

50273

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