Therapists in Polk County, IA
View cities in Polk CountyWaitlist for new clients

Joe Nixon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified
Verified
Are you struggling with LGBT+ related concerns? Are you struggling to come terms with your LGBT+ identity and/or struggling to find a way to move forward as an LGBT+ person? As a member of the LGBT+ community I am passionate about serving the LGBT+ community. Is a loved one of yours an LGBT+ member and you are struggling to move forward? accept? and/or want to reconcile with your LGBT+ loved one? Being LGBT+ can be hard in our society and it can help to talk about these experiences. Being fearful of our LGBT+ loved one's safety and well being can be stressful as well. If you feel like I can be of service I would be happy to help.
Not accepting new clients

Tony J Raymer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, RPT-S
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Not currently accepting new clients at this time. I am happy to help you connect with others. Is it difficult to feel close to your child because of defiance, emotional outbursts, or behavioral struggles? Have you tried therapy before, but the therapist didn’t seem to understand you? My approach to counseling for adults and play therapy for children is nonjudgmental, supportive, and often fun. I believe interacting with the world through joy and humor lets us build healing connections with others. I have 11 years of experience helping families of kids ages 2-12 with skill building to become confident, peaceful, and connected.

Brianne Dunkelberger
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified
Verified
Going through life's challenges can feel very lonely, and it is my intention to provide an accepting, warm, and healing space for you to find some peace. I will meet you where you are and support you in the way that you need. I want to foster your personal development through meaningful self reflection and encouraging small changes that make a big difference. It is my hope that in working together you will discover a greater sense of purpose and live a more fulfilling life.

Ryan McClure
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified
Verified
I have been providing therapy support within the Des Moines area and surrounding communities for over 20 years. My primary areas of interest include helping individuals overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, social phobias, low self-esteem, anger issues and overall learning how to effectively manage challenging emotions. In addition, I specialize in providing support to athletes of all varying skill level who struggle with anxiety. Typically, I serve clients older than 12 years and younger than 99. I enjoy my profession and take pride in assisting and supporting clients that I see each week. We all have a story to tell.
Not accepting new clients

Bryce Dos Anjos
Counselor, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified
Verified
My hope is to help you clarify how you want to think and feel about yourself and life, identify obstacles that stand in your way of this, and learn real ways to make your goals a reality. I use a strength-based approach that trusts in your inner resources and in our innate ability as humans to heal. I believe that different parts of our identity impact our experience in the world and in the therapy room, and I strive to make our time a comfortable space for exploring this and how the differences between us might impact our work.

Gloria Krause
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified
Verified
Life is continuously flowing and moving forward, and sometimes life happens without any coherent reasons. However, we can discover our strengths during challenging life events. Therapy is about learning how to navigate through life, no matter the challenges.

Annie Lass
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
As a clinician I utilize a holistic and trauma-sensitive approach when meeting in sessions. I strive to develop an environment of connection, safety, and comfortability for you to be able to discuss your concerns. I will work collaboratively with you to ensure that your goals are being met through the therapy process. My desire is for you to be able to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Diana Christensen
Counselor, MS, tLMHC
Verified
Verified
Is your cultural identity, academic/work success, or relationship causing you stress? Maybe you're noticing that you're starting to feel anxious or depressed and are unsure of what to do with these feelings. Maybe you've discovered that you are neurodivergent and are looking for ways to work with your brain rather than against it. Therapy can be a great place to begin exploring these concerns!

Lars Peterson, LISW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified
Verified
Have you been struggling with anxiety that doesn’t get better? Are relationship issues or work stressors just “too much” right now? Are painful memories making it hard to live the life you want? Whether working in person or via telehealth, my approach is supportive and practical. I begin by listening to ensure I understand your issues. I then tailor my approach to match your situation, values and goals. This may include helping you learn skills to manage and reduce anxiety, gain clarity and develop a plan address key work or relationship issues, or help you gain tools to manage strong emotions while healing underlying trauma.
Waitlist for new clients

Samantha Rives
Counselor, LMHC
Verified
Verified
Are you noticing tension and discomfort in your body? I believe that this is often easier to notice than what might be contributing to your symptoms, things like anxiety, stress, or trauma. We tend to push on and avoid taking good care of ourselves, despite feeling depressed, managing grief, and experiencing life challenges. We can find ourselves feeling burned out, struggling to function in our daily lives, and needing to reconnect with ourselves and those around us. Wherever you’re at in your healing and wellness journey, I’d love to help you along the way.

Peter T Cade
Counselor, MDiv, MS, LMHC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Most of us have never been taught how to build great relationships, raise children, or to be content and find meaning; these issues tend to cause us a great deal of stress. Stress is a major cause of anxiety and behaviors that you want to change. However, you have the building blocks within you to put together great relationships, raise children, and have a meaningful flourishing life. Sometimes the building blocks you already have get jumbled and need to be adjusted. Errors in thinking lead us to feel bad and spiral downward or become anxious or depressed.
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Larissa Bustamante
Counselor, LMHC
Verified
Verified
Are you feeling confused, stressed out, worried, sad, unmotivated? Does life feel overwhelming sometimes? Are you trying to overcome past experiences, such as the loss of a loved one? Do you have ADHD, and despite all your talents, you need strategies to manage life? Are you struggling with LGBTQ+ concerns, such as coming to terms with your true identity? Or maybe you have a loved one you know that recently came out and needs support to navigate their new life? Are you having issues with your friends, family or romantic partners? These are common issues faced by many of us, and talking to a professional expert can be very helpful.
Waitlist for new clients

Rachel Swanson
Counselor, MS, LMHC, SOTP-II
Verified
Verified
In a safe environment, I support change with individuals, couples, and families to identify and build upon strengths. I hope to work towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental and sexual health. The diverse clients I see address mental health topics that are related but not limited to stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ+ concerns, family relationships, couples work, sexual education and development.
Waitlist for new clients

Phuong N. Chastain
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, RPT
Verified
Verified
Taking that first step to healing is a step you don't have to take on your own. I have a passion in guiding and supporting those who have the courage to want to take steps to heal emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. I have my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Drake University and completed my art therapy certificate from Grandview University. I have experience using art and play therapy techniques with children, adolescents and young adults in both inpatient and outpatient therapy settings.
Waitlist for new clients

Dustin F Baker
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I work with individuals that are wanting to know themselves better and/or want to make changes to better their life. I generally work with a wide variety of concerns and have special interests in psychological assessment, ADHD, trauma, and vocational concerns. Honoring the client’s unique multicultural identity is something I give special attention to in order to better understand how self-critical beliefs develop and how we can challenge those beliefs with respect to your personal and cultural values.

Sarah Lynn Cavan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Feeling disconnected, misunderstood, or like you are on the outside looking in? Do you feel unseen or unheard and want a therapist that strives to really see and hear you? I approach all clients as an interaction between two people, not just you talking. I often offer feedback, insights, and sometimes direction. I also love to laugh and swear with my clients, and I sometimes even cry with them. Most importantly, I see you as a unique and strong individual with a story to tell and a healing journey ahead of you; and I would be honored to share this journey with you.

Hannah Overstake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified
Verified
I have experience working with people of all ages, but my passion and expertise are with young children through adolescence. I have training in play therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR. I enjoy working with a wide range of client's on a wide-range of issues: depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, behavioral/school problems, and issues within the family system. My goal is to help my clients learn skills that they can implement and live up to their greatest potential. I look forward to hearing from you.
Waitlist for new clients

Erica Krolak
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified
Verified
Hello and welcome! I enjoy working with adults and couples. I provide a safe and comfortable environment where you can discuss your feelings and difficulties. I will assist you in identifying the goals you would like to set for yourself and provide you with the education and tools available to understand and approach the struggles you are experiencing. I have enjoyed working in the mental health field since 2006 and in private practice since 2009.
Waitlist for new clients
Not accepting new clients

Susan Sharp Heitshusen
Counselor, MS, LMHC, IADC
Verified
Verified
We have all been through difficulties and transitions where we seek a sense of strength and healing. Therapy is a way of exploring struggles and developing strengths and coping strategies while enriching life by integrating the mind, body, and spirit to achieve a greater sense of purpose and meaning. It is my goal to walk a path with you in a non-judgmental, accepting, and empathetic atmosphere to help you discover and utilize your strengths, overcome barriers, and achieve mental wellness.
Not accepting new clients

Elisa McAfee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I became a therapist to be a professional “feelings friend” – a person whom others can approach with anything and everything in their times of need. No matter the situation, I strive to offer a warm, authentic, and supportive environment to help my clients pursue lasting change in their lives. In my office, you’ll get an advocate, a cheerleader, a teammate, a challenger, and a coach. Progress may look different for you depending on the day - however it does, I am honored to be a part of your healing.
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How can I find a therapist in Polk County?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist.
Learn more about how to find a therapist.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
What type of therapist is right for me?
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors. Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.