Therapists in West Des Moines, IA
Heidi Valdez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, MSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you or your child feeling stuck in your life, school, career, and/or relationships? Could your physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health be better for you and/or your child? If so, I am here to help. In a supportive environment, we will work together to build whole health and wellness for you and/or your child integrating both mind and body approaches. We all need support and guidance throughout our lives and I am passionate about supporting children, parents, and families in being the best they can be no matter what struggles may come their way.
Marcy Shrum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified
Verified
I have limited availability, but feel free to e-mail with name, insurance provider and general concerns to begin the process. I desire to create a collaborative relationship that is grounded in mutual respect and positive regard so you can address the real issues that are affecting your quality of life. I will help you establish reasonable goals to guide you to become your best self. I have worked with individuals who have experienced adverse life experiences which can impact ones ability to live in the moment. I ask 'what happened to you?', not 'what is wrong with you?'.
Dave Cunitz
Counselor, MS, tLMHC, CADC
Verified
Verified
My approach as a therapist is to walk alongside clients as they discover their path forward. In every client interaction, my intention is to extend empathy, act genuinely, and offer an accepting environment where clients can feel comfortable and safe to explore their thoughts and feelings. Through the process of therapy, I seek to help clients gain clarity about their current situation, understand what their desired state looks like, and identify the steps they can take to bring about the change they desire.
Not accepting new clients
Jessica Galvin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
We all experience bumps and bruises throughout our lives. When those bumps and bruises become too much to handle it can be very difficult to reach out for comfort and help, not knowing where to turn. It can make you feel defeated, helpless, and isolated. You don't deserve to walk through life just surviving day-to-day. I believe in meeting my clients where they are at in life, wherever that may be, and helping them to learn how heal and grow so they no longer are just surviving, but able to fully live their lives. I work from an open-minded, non-judgmental framework and believe in a true therapeutic partnership with my clients.
Amanda Khader
Psychologist, M Ed, Ed S, tLMHC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Hello! My name is Amanda Khader. I am a Licensed School Psychologist in Iowa, and have taken additional graduate courses for my license in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. One service I offer is psychological assessment and diagnosing for ages birth to 21 for: Learning Disabilities, Behavior Disorders, ADHD, Autism and Anxiety/Depression. I also provide mental health counseling for individuals of any age, but I specialize in working with children with Autism and Behavior Disorders, clients with Anxiety and Depression, and clients dealing with stress or trauma.
Bridgette Hagarty
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I believe success in therapy is based on a trusting and respectful therapeutic relationship. I provide individual, couple and family therapy to adolescents and adults in West Des Moines, IA. As a clinical psychologist, I draw from treatments that are supported by research and tailor the treatments to meet the specific needs of each individual.
Not accepting new clients
Julia Edwards
Counselor, MS, LMCH, NCC
Verified
Verified
NOT able to take New Clients <>I believe that every person has the potential for inner growth. We're all part of the same world but many of us are wired differently, and the way we see and experience life is unique, which also brings different social, emotional, and relationship challenges. As a Clinical Trauma Professional and certified ADHD Provider, who also has this diagnosis, I understand the innumerable ways in which this neurodevelopmental condition impacts a person’s life as well as those around them. Healing promotes the freedom to be your authentic self
Waitlist for new clients
Shelly Johnson
Counselor, LMHC, CIFST
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Welcome! I bring to my practice a unique blend of specialized training & life experiences. I feel passionate about helping others have an embodied experience of psychological & spiritual healing. My deepest intention for my clients is that they feel uplifted & more closely aligned w/ their hearts’ true desires. I encourage clients to cultivate a genuine & authentic approach to life, regardless of earlier life experiences & messages. Are you ready to take that inner journey of exploration & discovery, without having to do it alone?
Counseling Associates of Central Iowa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
We are a group of experienced, caring professionals who are committed to collaborate and meet you at your specific place in life. We can provide support and guidance by empowering you to develop the strength, wisdom and courage to cope with the challenges in your life. Whether you are struggling with a difficult life situation or need some encouragement and understanding to help you make personal changes, we can help. Please call or email us for a therapy consultation today.
Waitlist for new clients
Samantha Schwennen
Counselor, LMHC, RPT, NCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Waitlist - Often, children are unable to express their emotions verbally because they have not developed the vocabulary or thinking skills necessary to do this. They begin to struggle with anger, anxiety, depression, grief and other strong emotions, which gets in their way of connecting with others and trying new experiences. As a parent you want what is best for them and may be struggling with how to support their emotions. I want to partner with you in exploring the child's struggles and finding ways to help them express their wants and needs in a healthy manner. Together, we can help find their happiest and healthiest selves.
Natalie Lonsdale Gruss
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 16 years of experience working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds, races, nationalities, identities and orientations. I work closely with clients to create personalized goals and am trained in a wide range of issues including: anxiety, panic, depression, anger, irritability, stress, PTSD, identity, sexuality, stages of life, career, body image, survivors of trauma, adult children of alcoholics, postpartum depression/anxiety, grief/loss, and many others. If you want to feel better, I am here to help!
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Rebecca Lewis
Counselor, LMHC
Verified
Verified
Rebecca Lewis is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She is elated to serve the community with services for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Rebecca specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and relationship issues.
Erin Knauer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified
Verified
Going to therapy is a challenging decision. I get it, vulnerability sucks. However, if you’ve come to the point in your life where you feel like you’re spinning your wheels and can’t quite get on the right track then therapy could be what you need. i strive to take a collaborative and compassionate approach.
Courtney Mergen
Counselor, MA, MS, LMHC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I have only daytime availability and am accepting BCBS insurance! Hello and welcome! My name is Courtney and I am a compassionate and open-minded mental health therapist located in Des Moines. I enjoy working with individuals aged 10 through adulthood with particular interest in trauma/PTSD, women's issues, anxiety disorders, chronic illness/chronic pain, insomnia and sexual strain/dysfunction. My approach is trauma-informed and empirically supported. I use play-based strategies in my work with children and I am trained in EMDR.
Hope Hunt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified
Verified
I offer a calm, welcoming, authentic, and supportive environment to help clients reach their full potential. My first focus with clients is building a trusting relationship and getting to know you as a whole individual as I feel this contributes to the therapeutic process. I am here to support you in making the changes you want in your life to help improve the overall quality. We will work together to create specific and attainable goals to help you achieve the outcome you desire.
Jacob Linduski
Mental Health Counselor
Verified
Verified
tLMHC (temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor) . Sorting through our feelings and emotions can be complicated and confusing. At times it can feel impossible to make sense of on our own. I believe in providing an approachable, safe healing space where you are truly heard and understood. If you are in need of a supportive and gentle listener to help you on your journey towards healing, I may be a good fit.
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Jamie Dunn
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
In therapy, I will aim to help you break down obstacles into more manageable pieces. I will help you to better understand the mechanisms that often maintain unwanted symptoms. We will work together to learn the skills necessary to increase your confidence so you can have more positive life experiences. It is my belief that by taking things one step at a time, it’s possible to set yourself up for success and to better manage uncertainties, challenges, and stressors. I know it can seem overwhelming to start, but together we can climb mountains.
Alicia Wright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified
Verified
I am trained in several different therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, person-centered therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, etc. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, young adults and adults. I utilize a holistic approach by exploring and educating clients about emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. I have a passion for giving every client an equal opportunity to thrive in their mental, emotional and behavioral realms. I offer a comfortable office setting for clients to feel safe and secure.
Carter DeVary
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I provide an open and accepting environment that empowers clients to share their concerns without judgment. From a systemic perspective, I focus on helping individuals, couples and families develop a greater sense of self within their relationships, leading clients to develop and maintain healthy and sustainable relationships beyond therapy. I work with a broad range of clients including individual teenagers to older adults, couples and families, with a diverse set of problems and needs including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, couple and marital issues, blended family problems, and many more.
Linda M Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I usually can get new clients in within 1-2 weeks and have evening appointments available. I see individual adults, couples and families. I have been doing therapy since 1998 and am passionate about helping those I serve resolve conflict. Sometimes new clients tell me they don't really know how therapy works which is ok as I can guide you through the process. I specialize in helping those with depression, anxiety, family conflict, blended families, contemplating divorce and recovering from divorce, couples issues, conflicted relational concerns, career changes, anger management, trauma, sexual abuse, and stress.
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How can I find a therapist in West Des Moines?
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.