Therapists in West Des Moines, IA
Diana Christensen
Counselor, MS, tLMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Are you seeking support and empowerment on your journey of personal growth and healing? Whether you're facing challenges with mood and anxiety, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, relationships, grief, loss, or stress, know that you're welcome here. Your unique experiences and goals matter, and I'm here to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for exploration and positive change.
Are you seeking support and empowerment on your journey of personal growth and healing? Whether you're facing challenges with mood and anxiety, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, relationships, grief, loss, or stress, know that you're welcome here. Your unique experiences and goals matter, and I'm here to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for exploration and positive change.
Erica Hecht Kehrberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Waitlist for new clients
Seeking help with life challenges can be intimidating. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where people feel comfortable to explore their struggles, reach their goals and find hope that leads to healing. Over the years in a variety of social service roles assisting children and families, I have learned that it is essential to find the right person with whom you can build an authentic connection and from whom you can receive support. I believe we can find that connection together.
Seeking help with life challenges can be intimidating. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where people feel comfortable to explore their struggles, reach their goals and find hope that leads to healing. Over the years in a variety of social service roles assisting children and families, I have learned that it is essential to find the right person with whom you can build an authentic connection and from whom you can receive support. I believe we can find that connection together.
Andria Klinefeldt
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Hello, I am a therapist in Des Moines working with with children, teenage girls, and women in my practice. I see many children for issues related to ADHD, anxiety, and behavioral issues. I enjoy working with teenage girls and helping to address ways to improve their self-esteem. I also enjoy helping women who struggle with social anxiety and provide help for depression that can be related to relationships, work, or parenting issues. I believe therapy is about finding a balance in your life and that it starts with recognizing who you are and being in relationships that support that.
Hello, I am a therapist in Des Moines working with with children, teenage girls, and women in my practice. I see many children for issues related to ADHD, anxiety, and behavioral issues. I enjoy working with teenage girls and helping to address ways to improve their self-esteem. I also enjoy helping women who struggle with social anxiety and provide help for depression that can be related to relationships, work, or parenting issues. I believe therapy is about finding a balance in your life and that it starts with recognizing who you are and being in relationships that support that.
Jessica Brase
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Not accepting new clients
As a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), I enjoy working with adolescents and adults as they work towards their identified goals. My approach is to offer empathy, compassion and transparency throughout your journey. My therapeutic focus is helping others with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationships and life transitions.
As a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), I enjoy working with adolescents and adults as they work towards their identified goals. My approach is to offer empathy, compassion and transparency throughout your journey. My therapeutic focus is helping others with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationships and life transitions.
Kelsey Rumpf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50265
I am a child therapist providing services for children & adolescents ages 3-18. I work with the individual and family in areas relating to adjustment, anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, perfectionism, behavioral outbursts, grief, emotional regulation, trauma, family dynamics, intellectual disabilities, PANDAS, and developmental disorders. I use expressive therapy techniques to provide a safe space for rapport building & emotional processing. I teach individuals ways to effectively identify triggers, use mindfulness, express emotions/needs, & implement coping strategies to self-regulate.
I am a child therapist providing services for children & adolescents ages 3-18. I work with the individual and family in areas relating to adjustment, anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, perfectionism, behavioral outbursts, grief, emotional regulation, trauma, family dynamics, intellectual disabilities, PANDAS, and developmental disorders. I use expressive therapy techniques to provide a safe space for rapport building & emotional processing. I teach individuals ways to effectively identify triggers, use mindfulness, express emotions/needs, & implement coping strategies to self-regulate.
Courtney Mergen
Counselor, MA, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50265
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 West Des Moines. I enjoy working with individuals aged 12 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 as well as CBT-i (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia).
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 West Des Moines. I enjoy working with individuals aged 12 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 as well as CBT-i (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia).
Kirsten Bury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50265
I am a licensed clinical social worker with an emphasis on a holistic, trauma-informed, and cognitive behavioral approach. I use a client centered and integrated therapy approach to come along side you in your journey. I have experience working with children, families, and adults in a variety of areas including trauma, stress and adjustment, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationships, and attention and impulse concerns. Each client comes from a different place and has different strengths and needs, and I strive to understand and value those differences and create a plan with you that works for you.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with an emphasis on a holistic, trauma-informed, and cognitive behavioral approach. I use a client centered and integrated therapy approach to come along side you in your journey. I have experience working with children, families, and adults in a variety of areas including trauma, stress and adjustment, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationships, and attention and impulse concerns. Each client comes from a different place and has different strengths and needs, and I strive to understand and value those differences and create a plan with you that works for you.
Emma Sakanovic
Counselor, tLMHC
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266
I believe that therapy is a sacred place where my clients feel safe, welcome, and heard. Our lives can bring adversity and tribulations that shake us to our core, leaving us lost and alone. With me you don’t have to be alone in your journey. With 20+ years of experience working with adults in the criminal justice system, I bring patience, empathy, understanding, and a nonjudgmental stance. I am grateful for the opportunity to help you grow and reach your full potential. While we can’t change our past experiences, together we can find ways to better understand and resolve life challenges.
I believe that therapy is a sacred place where my clients feel safe, welcome, and heard. Our lives can bring adversity and tribulations that shake us to our core, leaving us lost and alone. With me you don’t have to be alone in your journey. With 20+ years of experience working with adults in the criminal justice system, I bring patience, empathy, understanding, and a nonjudgmental stance. I am grateful for the opportunity to help you grow and reach your full potential. While we can’t change our past experiences, together we can find ways to better understand and resolve life challenges.
Sonia Navarro
Counselor, t-LMHC
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266
I like to think we’re filled with stories waiting to be written. Whether you’re just starting that story or onto a new chapter, we’re filled with endless possibilities. Hello! My name is Sonia Navarro! I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. I went to Iowa State University for my undergrad and Grand View University for my master’s in Mental Health Counseling. During my internship, I worked with people from all walks of life and ages 15 and older.
I like to think we’re filled with stories waiting to be written. Whether you’re just starting that story or onto a new chapter, we’re filled with endless possibilities. Hello! My name is Sonia Navarro! I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. I went to Iowa State University for my undergrad and Grand View University for my master’s in Mental Health Counseling. During my internship, I worked with people from all walks of life and ages 15 and older.
Deanna L Engrav
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Not accepting new clients
My areas of focus include working with individuals who have experienced trauma and individuals dealing with addiction. I offer an unbiased surrounding where you can feel safe while discussing intimate details about your personal journey throughout life. My approach to therapy is integrative with priority given to EMDR. I look forward to meeting with you and beginning this incredible transition together!
My areas of focus include working with individuals who have experienced trauma and individuals dealing with addiction. I offer an unbiased surrounding where you can feel safe while discussing intimate details about your personal journey throughout life. My approach to therapy is integrative with priority given to EMDR. I look forward to meeting with you and beginning this incredible transition together!
Rebecca Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW, IMH-E®
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Not accepting new clients
It takes strength and courage to ask for help. My goal is to help you use your strength to achieve your goals. The challenges of trauma, anxiety, depression and life events can be overwhelming. Whether you are needing support for yourself or your child, I offer a strength based and trauma informed therapeutic approach. I will work with you and your child to develop goals that build on your strengths and move towards healing. I use a strength based, trauma informed approach to services while using a variety of interventions specific to you or your child's needs.
It takes strength and courage to ask for help. My goal is to help you use your strength to achieve your goals. The challenges of trauma, anxiety, depression and life events can be overwhelming. Whether you are needing support for yourself or your child, I offer a strength based and trauma informed therapeutic approach. I will work with you and your child to develop goals that build on your strengths and move towards healing. I use a strength based, trauma informed approach to services while using a variety of interventions specific to you or your child's needs.
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Amy DeMoney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266
I strongly believe in working with clients to develop trust and empower them to address difficult subjects. I work to assist clients with identifying their strengths and how to best utilize those strenghts to develop coping strategies. I have over 20 years of experiences as a therapist working with children, adolescents, adults and families. My primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I strongly believe in working with clients to develop trust and empower them to address difficult subjects. I work to assist clients with identifying their strengths and how to best utilize those strenghts to develop coping strategies. I have over 20 years of experiences as a therapist working with children, adolescents, adults and families. My primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Erik Oostenink, LMHC, LLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50265
I strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment for people to feel safe, genuine, and accepted, to work through issues. With over 20 years of experience, I work with many men who can be real about struggles with life changes, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and substance use. I also see women, couples, and adolescents. I enjoy the balance of working with a variety of people, and also feel passionate about making counseling a healthy place for men too. I take people serious and we can have fun too. Typical sessions involve more laughter than tears and are sprinkled with talk of sports, current events, and family.
I strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment for people to feel safe, genuine, and accepted, to work through issues. With over 20 years of experience, I work with many men who can be real about struggles with life changes, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and substance use. I also see women, couples, and adolescents. I enjoy the balance of working with a variety of people, and also feel passionate about making counseling a healthy place for men too. I take people serious and we can have fun too. Typical sessions involve more laughter than tears and are sprinkled with talk of sports, current events, and family.
Dr. Kathleen (Katy) Laurin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with adults and older adults who are experiencing emotional distress and/or who are concerned about age-related cognitive changes. I believe early assessment of memory or other suspected changes reduces anxiety, provides information that can improve brain health, and helps clients and their loved ones prepare for the future. Cognitive evaluations include interview, testing, review of results, and a report to you and/or your healthcare provider.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with adults and older adults who are experiencing emotional distress and/or who are concerned about age-related cognitive changes. I believe early assessment of memory or other suspected changes reduces anxiety, provides information that can improve brain health, and helps clients and their loved ones prepare for the future. Cognitive evaluations include interview, testing, review of results, and a report to you and/or your healthcare provider.
Ellen Petersen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Happiness appears to us to be achievement driven. If we just graduate, get married, buy a house, have 2 children, surely we’ll be happy then…right? What happens when we’re several achievements deep and we have yet to actually reach any sort of lasting joy? Did we do it wrong? For you and I, it means we have the beautiful opportunity to sift through the daily noise in your life and find what truly brings you joy. Feelings of listlessness, anxiety, depression for the status of our life are all of our warning signals that life is currently so far what we truly want, that we need to steer the ship back towards the life you want to live.
Happiness appears to us to be achievement driven. If we just graduate, get married, buy a house, have 2 children, surely we’ll be happy then…right? What happens when we’re several achievements deep and we have yet to actually reach any sort of lasting joy? Did we do it wrong? For you and I, it means we have the beautiful opportunity to sift through the daily noise in your life and find what truly brings you joy. Feelings of listlessness, anxiety, depression for the status of our life are all of our warning signals that life is currently so far what we truly want, that we need to steer the ship back towards the life you want to live.
Amy J. Ugulini Pals
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Not accepting new clients
Do you or your child have many strengths, but have symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, or trauma that are keeping you or your child from reaching your full potential? Does your child struggle with challenging behaviors that negatively impact his or her life? Therapy can help you overcome these symptoms and meet your goals! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, young adults, families, and adults. I look forward to helping you regain the strength and confidence in yourself and your ability to manage and conquer struggles you may be facing.
Do you or your child have many strengths, but have symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, or trauma that are keeping you or your child from reaching your full potential? Does your child struggle with challenging behaviors that negatively impact his or her life? Therapy can help you overcome these symptoms and meet your goals! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, young adults, families, and adults. I look forward to helping you regain the strength and confidence in yourself and your ability to manage and conquer struggles you may be facing.
Courageous Minds Counseling, LLC
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Not accepting new clients
Sometimes you find yourself preferring to be alone because you feel unhappy, sad or loss. You feel defeated and overwhelmed by the stressors you have to face everyday. You feel helpless and like your life is out of your control. NOW, Imagine feeling like you are starting to have control over things that are happening in your life. You're not allowing past, current or worry of future experiences to control how you handle your life right now. You have a sense of who you are, who you want to be and how to achieve personal goals. Now, you have found the COURAGE to change things that are not healthy for you.
Sometimes you find yourself preferring to be alone because you feel unhappy, sad or loss. You feel defeated and overwhelmed by the stressors you have to face everyday. You feel helpless and like your life is out of your control. NOW, Imagine feeling like you are starting to have control over things that are happening in your life. You're not allowing past, current or worry of future experiences to control how you handle your life right now. You have a sense of who you are, who you want to be and how to achieve personal goals. Now, you have found the COURAGE to change things that are not healthy for you.
Flor Soto Contreras
Counselor, MS, tLMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Thank you for taking the first step towards healing! I have current availability for clients who are struggling with life transitions, relationship difficulties, anxiety or stressful life experiences. I am a bilingual English/Spanish therapist, so I welcome clients who may prefer a native Spanish speaker in this journey. While I welcome anyone to my practice, I also want to highlight the fact that I have over 10+ years of experience in the community working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds. These experiences have offered me a unique lens and ability to remain compassionate around issues of acculturation and adaptation.
Thank you for taking the first step towards healing! I have current availability for clients who are struggling with life transitions, relationship difficulties, anxiety or stressful life experiences. I am a bilingual English/Spanish therapist, so I welcome clients who may prefer a native Spanish speaker in this journey. While I welcome anyone to my practice, I also want to highlight the fact that I have over 10+ years of experience in the community working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds. These experiences have offered me a unique lens and ability to remain compassionate around issues of acculturation and adaptation.
Jessica (Deboom) Draughn
Counselor, MA, NCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Waitlist for new clients
Life is hard. For some, it’s anxiety. For others, depression. Trauma or other distressing experiences that feel more present than past. Struggles with food. An inner-critic driving you to exhaustion or resignation. Not believing you are capable of what you want in life, or fear stopping you in your tracks. Relationship problems, disconnection, or loneliness. Sleep problems. Not liking who you see in the mirror. Feeling unlovable, unworthy, or not good enough. Coping in ways that just don’t work – or maybe even make things worse. Life can be hard in so many ways. But you are not alone, and you don’t have to go it alone.
Life is hard. For some, it’s anxiety. For others, depression. Trauma or other distressing experiences that feel more present than past. Struggles with food. An inner-critic driving you to exhaustion or resignation. Not believing you are capable of what you want in life, or fear stopping you in your tracks. Relationship problems, disconnection, or loneliness. Sleep problems. Not liking who you see in the mirror. Feeling unlovable, unworthy, or not good enough. Coping in ways that just don’t work – or maybe even make things worse. Life can be hard in so many ways. But you are not alone, and you don’t have to go it alone.
Deana Rae Schuplin
Counselor, LMHC, IADC
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266
I believe getting help is a big step. This may be because opening up to another person is unfamiliar. Or it may have more to do with struggling to believe, hope, that things can change. I emphasize listening. In my experience, most often, this has been one of the critical ingredients in healing. I draw from all the major therapeutic orientations instead of relying on just one idea or the latest approach. Each has something valuable to offer. If you bring your strengths, resources and preferences, we can work together applying the accumulated knowledge of over a century to make a difference in your life.
I believe getting help is a big step. This may be because opening up to another person is unfamiliar. Or it may have more to do with struggling to believe, hope, that things can change. I emphasize listening. In my experience, most often, this has been one of the critical ingredients in healing. I draw from all the major therapeutic orientations instead of relying on just one idea or the latest approach. Each has something valuable to offer. If you bring your strengths, resources and preferences, we can work together applying the accumulated knowledge of over a century to make a difference in your life.
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Number of Therapists in West Des Moines, IA
300+
Average cost per session
$155
Therapists in West Des Moines, IA who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
79% | Relationship Issues |
79% | Self Esteem |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
74% | Stress |
71% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
87% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
83% | Wellmark BCBS |
50% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in West Des Moines, IA see their clients
89% | In Person and Online | |
11% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
21% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
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 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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
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.
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.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.