Aetna Therapists in 50309
Cara Kelley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Cara Kelley. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with 7 years of experience in CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered, and other modalities. Everyone is different and I tailor my sessions to the individual and their needs. I dedicate myself to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and understanding.
Hi, I'm Cara Kelley. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with 7 years of experience in CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered, and other modalities. Everyone is different and I tailor my sessions to the individual and their needs. I dedicate myself to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and understanding.
Heather Watson
Counselor, MS, LMHC, IADC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! My name is Heather Watson. I'm a licensed mental health therapist and I specialize in supporting individuals grappling with a spectrum of challenges, including addiction, behavioral and impulse control issues, and environmental obstacles that hinder human development and attachment. Now more than ever people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about overcoming difficult relationships, working through loss, finding our place in life, or moving through trauma. I am committed to fostering a safe and non judgmental space where you can explore your inner landscape and embark on a journey towards holistic wellness.
Hello! My name is Heather Watson. I'm a licensed mental health therapist and I specialize in supporting individuals grappling with a spectrum of challenges, including addiction, behavioral and impulse control issues, and environmental obstacles that hinder human development and attachment. Now more than ever people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about overcoming difficult relationships, working through loss, finding our place in life, or moving through trauma. I am committed to fostering a safe and non judgmental space where you can explore your inner landscape and embark on a journey towards holistic wellness.
I have worked with individuals and couples for eight years and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I enjoy helping adults learn new skills to deal with anxiety, codependency, romantic relationships, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, peer relationships, personal growth, low self-esteem, spirituality, stress, trauma & PTSD, and work-life balance.
I have worked with individuals and couples for eight years and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I enjoy helping adults learn new skills to deal with anxiety, codependency, romantic relationships, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, peer relationships, personal growth, low self-esteem, spirituality, stress, trauma & PTSD, and work-life balance.
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
Madelyn Colby
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
My goal in counseling is to create a supportive space where my clients can heal, grow, and find empowerment through diverse talk therapy techniques. I utilize a strengths-based approach, focusing on clients' inner strengths and resources while building their ability to focus on the positives around them
My goal in counseling is to create a supportive space where my clients can heal, grow, and find empowerment through diverse talk therapy techniques. I utilize a strengths-based approach, focusing on clients' inner strengths and resources while building their ability to focus on the positives around them
Nina Pressman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Life can be hard. From daily stressors to past trauma to life changes and more, I know that you are dealing with a lot! I am here to partner with you to help you get through the hard things in life and help you find joy.
Life can be hard. From daily stressors to past trauma to life changes and more, I know that you are dealing with a lot! I am here to partner with you to help you get through the hard things in life and help you find joy.
Serving individuals of all backgrounds, faiths and walks of life. I specialize in working with teenagers and adults of all ages. I look forward to working with you and helping you address the challenges you may be facing with anxiety, depression, and other unresolved stresses and struggles of life. As your therapist, I will work to create a space for you to feel free to express yourself without judgment, in a safe protective environment. You will set the pace as we journey together to a deeper understanding of yourself and in the pursuit of living in the moment as your true self.
Serving individuals of all backgrounds, faiths and walks of life. I specialize in working with teenagers and adults of all ages. I look forward to working with you and helping you address the challenges you may be facing with anxiety, depression, and other unresolved stresses and struggles of life. As your therapist, I will work to create a space for you to feel free to express yourself without judgment, in a safe protective environment. You will set the pace as we journey together to a deeper understanding of yourself and in the pursuit of living in the moment as your true self.
Ashley Paulson
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LIMHP, CHT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Feeling stuck or anxious? Overthinking or losing sleep? Not feeling good enough in relationships or in parenting? I help adults let go of what's holding them back from thriving including anxious thinking, people pleasing, perfectionist tendencies, feelings of unworthiness, and trauma. I also help parents who are feeling defeated to create more peace and joy at home through connection. All services are online/virtual. Sessions are by video.
Feeling stuck or anxious? Overthinking or losing sleep? Not feeling good enough in relationships or in parenting? I help adults let go of what's holding them back from thriving including anxious thinking, people pleasing, perfectionist tendencies, feelings of unworthiness, and trauma. I also help parents who are feeling defeated to create more peace and joy at home through connection. All services are online/virtual. Sessions are by video.
Do you feel like you've tried everything, and it is just not 'clicking' for whatever reason? Has your child's personality shifted? Do you recognize struggles where there have not been any? Are you uncertain about what to do next and afraid that whatever this is, it might get worse? You might not have the words to describe what's happening, or maybe you're left second-guessing your thoughts, feelings, or purpose.
Do you feel like you've tried everything, and it is just not 'clicking' for whatever reason? Has your child's personality shifted? Do you recognize struggles where there have not been any? Are you uncertain about what to do next and afraid that whatever this is, it might get worse? You might not have the words to describe what's happening, or maybe you're left second-guessing your thoughts, feelings, or purpose.
Addison Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Seeing clients across Iowa via Telehealth! I have a tremendous understanding of the social, emotional, psychological, and societal impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and am aware of the importance of identifying and addressing toxic stress in both children and adults. I am also well-versed on the numerous symptoms of trauma. I understand how these symptoms can perpetuate other secondary effects such as addiction, eating disorders, difficulties with learning and processing information, and building and sustaining relationships.
Seeing clients across Iowa via Telehealth! I have a tremendous understanding of the social, emotional, psychological, and societal impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and am aware of the importance of identifying and addressing toxic stress in both children and adults. I am also well-versed on the numerous symptoms of trauma. I understand how these symptoms can perpetuate other secondary effects such as addiction, eating disorders, difficulties with learning and processing information, and building and sustaining relationships.
Steff Cullum - Trauma And Attachment Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
You make sense in the context of your own story. Many of us suffer from complex trauma which comes from repeated experiences in childhood when we felt helpless or unable to control what happened to us. The way you perceive yourself & the world is a direct result of what's happening in your nervous system: your thoughts, your feelings, your behaviors, your health, your relationships. This often leads to anxiety, depression, burnout, relational issues, & low self-esteem. You CAN heal and reconnect with your most authentic self. I strive to create a warm, comfortable, and safe environment as we embark on your healing journey together.
You make sense in the context of your own story. Many of us suffer from complex trauma which comes from repeated experiences in childhood when we felt helpless or unable to control what happened to us. The way you perceive yourself & the world is a direct result of what's happening in your nervous system: your thoughts, your feelings, your behaviors, your health, your relationships. This often leads to anxiety, depression, burnout, relational issues, & low self-esteem. You CAN heal and reconnect with your most authentic self. I strive to create a warm, comfortable, and safe environment as we embark on your healing journey together.
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Maria L Valentine
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Everyone needs a safe place to vent, a place where you can unpack the thoughts inside of your mind without judgement or criticism. Stress can become overwhelming, often times it can become paralyzing. Life stressors can cause illness, anxiety, depression and despair. When this occurs, it can be difficult to know where to find help and continue moving forward on your journey. It is often easier to ignore your own needs and focus on others' needs instead.
Everyone needs a safe place to vent, a place where you can unpack the thoughts inside of your mind without judgement or criticism. Stress can become overwhelming, often times it can become paralyzing. Life stressors can cause illness, anxiety, depression and despair. When this occurs, it can be difficult to know where to find help and continue moving forward on your journey. It is often easier to ignore your own needs and focus on others' needs instead.
Johanna R Guerdet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Welcome to the beginning of your therapy journey! As a client centered therapist, my focus is on you and your needs as a client. No problem is too big or too small for therapy, and it's never too early or too late to seek help. We will work together to make your life goals and changes.
Welcome to the beginning of your therapy journey! As a client centered therapist, my focus is on you and your needs as a client. No problem is too big or too small for therapy, and it's never too early or too late to seek help. We will work together to make your life goals and changes.
Alli Conrad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, RPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families on a variety of challenges. I especially enjoy working with kids using play-based interventions. Play therapy is an approach to counseling that allows children to use toys and other play materials to express their thoughts and feelings. I am a registered play therapist with many hours of specialized training in play therapy techniques. I have further training in parent-child interaction.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families on a variety of challenges. I especially enjoy working with kids using play-based interventions. Play therapy is an approach to counseling that allows children to use toys and other play materials to express their thoughts and feelings. I am a registered play therapist with many hours of specialized training in play therapy techniques. I have further training in parent-child interaction.
Erin Suchy-Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Feeling "blah," hopeless, down? Nervous, on-edge, stuck in the past or constantly worried about the future? Find yourself angry/agitated all the time? Do you have physical symptoms like appetite changes, sleep difficulties, fatigue, restlessness, and trouble concentrating? Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy, struggling with everyday tasks, feeling "checked out" and thinking thoughts like "what's the point?," "will X ever get better" can be a sign we could benefit from outside help.
Feeling "blah," hopeless, down? Nervous, on-edge, stuck in the past or constantly worried about the future? Find yourself angry/agitated all the time? Do you have physical symptoms like appetite changes, sleep difficulties, fatigue, restlessness, and trouble concentrating? Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy, struggling with everyday tasks, feeling "checked out" and thinking thoughts like "what's the point?," "will X ever get better" can be a sign we could benefit from outside help.
Sometimes we might feel like nobody understands us or what we are going through. Life can present some major challenges, and it is hard to be trapped in what seems like an inescapable situation. I know what it is like to feel stuck. These types of situations are numerous: problems communicating with a partner, having low motivation in a job, missing a loved one that you have lost, paralyzing anxiety about making an important decision. Seeking the help of a mental health professional is the first step in getting unstuck. There is great courage in being able to ask for help. I am glad that you are embarking on this journey.
Sometimes we might feel like nobody understands us or what we are going through. Life can present some major challenges, and it is hard to be trapped in what seems like an inescapable situation. I know what it is like to feel stuck. These types of situations are numerous: problems communicating with a partner, having low motivation in a job, missing a loved one that you have lost, paralyzing anxiety about making an important decision. Seeking the help of a mental health professional is the first step in getting unstuck. There is great courage in being able to ask for help. I am glad that you are embarking on this journey.
Shane Kavanaugh
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Stress comes in many forms in our daily lives. When we get bogged down with memories from our past, or worries about our future, we become unable to fully participate in the present. My goal is to empower you to live as your most authentic self by creating a collaborative therapeutic atmosphere where you are the expert on your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I utilize a cognitive-behavioral, strength-based, and solution-focused approach to help you explore and identify what's working, what you would like to change, and potential strategies to achieve your goals.
Stress comes in many forms in our daily lives. When we get bogged down with memories from our past, or worries about our future, we become unable to fully participate in the present. My goal is to empower you to live as your most authentic self by creating a collaborative therapeutic atmosphere where you are the expert on your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I utilize a cognitive-behavioral, strength-based, and solution-focused approach to help you explore and identify what's working, what you would like to change, and potential strategies to achieve your goals.
My goal is to create a safe, open environment for you to come and express feelings and successfully work through problems. I strive for you to feel safe, accepted and validated. I use CBT, TFCBT, and I am newly trained in EMDR. I am nurturing, nonjudgmental, supportive, and like to use humor when appropriate. I enjoy working with individuals. Kids (10 and up), teens, and adults. I accept Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance, Aetna, as well as United Health Care Insurance. I look forward to meeting you!
My goal is to create a safe, open environment for you to come and express feelings and successfully work through problems. I strive for you to feel safe, accepted and validated. I use CBT, TFCBT, and I am newly trained in EMDR. I am nurturing, nonjudgmental, supportive, and like to use humor when appropriate. I enjoy working with individuals. Kids (10 and up), teens, and adults. I accept Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance, Aetna, as well as United Health Care Insurance. I look forward to meeting you!
Immediate availability specializing in LGBTQ+ therapy! I believe you are the expert on your own life. You know your concerns, your fears, your struggles, and your story better than anyone else. As a counselor, my goal is to create a safe, affirming space in which you can explore your stressors, your identities, your relationships, or anything else you feel is significant to your life and your story. I will meet you where you are and accept you for who you are. I want therapy to be a collaborative process. Together, we will work to identify and address your concerns while also building upon and, hopefully, enriching your life story.
Immediate availability specializing in LGBTQ+ therapy! I believe you are the expert on your own life. You know your concerns, your fears, your struggles, and your story better than anyone else. As a counselor, my goal is to create a safe, affirming space in which you can explore your stressors, your identities, your relationships, or anything else you feel is significant to your life and your story. I will meet you where you are and accept you for who you are. I want therapy to be a collaborative process. Together, we will work to identify and address your concerns while also building upon and, hopefully, enriching your life story.
Dr. Duane Anthony Halbur
Counselor, PhD, NCC, LMHC-IA, LCPC-IL
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Challenges from life changes, traumas, and mental health issue are often able to be minimized or removed when a trusting relationship is established. I believe in helping my clients regain or find purpose and direction to move forward living a meaningful, productive life.
Challenges from life changes, traumas, and mental health issue are often able to be minimized or removed when a trusting relationship is established. I believe in helping my clients regain or find purpose and direction to move forward living a meaningful, productive life.
See more therapy options for 50309
Aetna Therapists
Does insurance cover therapy, prescriptions and other behavioral health services?
In general, yes. Laws in the U.S. require insurers to cover essential behavioral health care at the same level as other health care services. Most health plans require a medical diagnosis and treatments that are evidence based and medically essential. This means that life coaching and alternative therapies are not covered, nor is therapy without a diagnosis. Call the number on the back or your insurance card or visit your insurance company's website to review your Summary of Benefits. If you have insurance through your employer, your Human Resources department may also be able to answer questions.
How much does therapy cost with insurance?
The cost of therapy depends on your region, how much training and experience your therapist has, and the type of treatment. The rate for talk therapy generally falls between $100 and $250. For a client seeing an in-network provider, the cost of therapy is often similar to the cost of other health care services. Clients pay co-pays and may need to satisfy a plan’s deductible before benefits kick in.
What is the difference between In-Network and Out-of-Network insurance coverage?
An in-network provider has contracted with an insurer to get paid directly for services, and to accept the insurer’s rate of compensation. Clients are responsible for deductibles and copays. If a therapist is out of network, that means that the client pays the therapist directly for services at the therapist’s regular fee. Out-of-Network providers often give clients a receipt so that they can file for partial reimbursement with their insurance company.
Is it difficult to find an In-Network therapist?
It is not unusual for therapists to limit the number of insurance patients in their practice, so it’s important to check in-network availability when you schedule your first appointment. In regions and times where therapy is in high demand it may take longer to get scheduled with an in-network therapist.
What is the difference between HMO and PPO insurance plans?
HMO health plans only cover in-network services, there is no reimbursement for out-of-network providers. PPO plans often cover both in- and out-of-network services, though the client may pay more for out-of-network services.
What is a Superbill?
A superbill is a receipt for therapy services. It provides all the information required by insurance companies to reimburse you for out-of-network services, including the diagnostic codes for your care, the amount paid, and the dates and duration of care.
Does insurance cover Online therapy?
Many therapists who shifted their practice to online therapy during the pandemic have kept that arrangement. And most insurers continue to cover telehealth services, with a few exceptions. Preventive care (such as an annual depression screening) is often required to be in-person to be covered, and some states require prescribers of controlled substances to see those patients in person.
Does insurance cover Group therapy?
Many insurance plans provide coverage for group therapy provided there is a medical diagnosis for group members, but there are some noteworthy exceptions. For example, Medicare does not always cover group therapy. Group therapy tends to cost less than individual therapy.
Does insurance cover Couples therapy?
Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of couples therapy because there is no medical diagnosis or medically necessary treatment. However, a few plans will offer a limited benefit, so it is still worth checking with your insurance company. Sometimes therapy is covered for a couple when one person has a diagnosis and another family member joins them for joint therapy, but it is considered therapy for the medical condition that includes a family member as a listener or helper, not couples counseling. Without insurance, most clients pay between $100-300 per 60-90 min session for couples therapy. Often clients can find classes or workshops that make it more affordable to work on their relationship. And some employers offer Employee Assistance Plans that help defray the cost of couples therapy.
What is an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)?
Employee Assistance Plans are purchased by employers for the benefit of their employees. EAPs typically assist employees with referrals and may also provide the first few sessions of therapy free of charge, with the patient's regular health insurance kicking in after those initial sessions. EAP benefits often apply to all types of therapy without the need for a medical diagnosis, making it easier to access couples therapy, therapy for life transitions, and other non-medical counseling. Just as with standard health insurance, clients should always check that a provider accepts their EAP benefits before scheduling.
Learn more about Insurance Coverage and Finding Affordable Therapy
Learn more about Insurance Coverage and Finding Affordable Therapy