In life, your mental state can sometimes feel like a flood. Whenever you're faced with a sudden emotion, the feelings you have can come flooding in. Depression can drown you, anxiety can make you crawl up to higher ground, and other problems can flood your life as well. In a situation such as this, a counselor based in Waterloo can help. 

Waterloo had a flood in 2008, and the city managed to recover from that. You can recover from your own floods in life, and a counselor can help be the respondents who help you. Speak to one today. 

This is Krisha Uden's avatar and link to their profile

Krisha Uden

Offering therapy in IA
License: MS,LIMHP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
26 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Krisha and I have been a mental health therapist in Nebraska for 26+ years. I am a Christian Counselor and I have been blessed to be a servant of God as I work with clients to help them navigate His will and find purpose in life. I have been honored and love to hear the stories of all people! I listen with empathy and try to understand the circumstances, issues and concerns that a person brings to the process. In an effort to offer hope, I encourage an assessment of strengths in how people cope in their lives and make decisions. I work alongside people to define a treatment plan and goals that they are motivated to work towards. I strive to offer comfort and encouragement in the journey. I have had the opportunity to work with clientele dealing with all sorts of emotions, circumstances, tragedies, and relationship problems over the years. Some of these are consequences brought on by their own actions and others are dealing with what has happened to them. Assisting people to gain insight in the midst of their circumstances and develop a perspective that offers hope, meaning and purpose gives me great satisfaction! I have offered counseling in private practice and I have done so at least part time for the entirety of my career. I have also worked at a mental health center, led groups for domestic violence perpetrators and victims and grief for military families dealing with loss, led parenting training and have been involved in other roles that have given me experience in the field. I am a member of the professional organization, (AACC) American Association of Christian Counselors and receive the latest techniques and trainings offered with a Christian perspective. I have held a mental health license in Nebraska since 1999. Due to the pandemic, leadership and mental health boards wrote executive orders allowing waivers for practitioners to provide therapeutic interventions in states that they did not hold an active license. This was in an effort to ensure that citizens in the respective states were able to access telehealth services in a timely manner. Most providers were able to include online services to their offerings, and most of these waivers issued by Governors have since expired and not been extended. I did contact Iowa's state licensing board, and put in an application. I was granted a license in Iowa starting in February of 2021 and continued through September of 2022. I currently hold active licenses in Nebraska and Iowa, allowing full privileges to provide counseling services to clients both in person and via telehealth services. I was career and ministry oriented for years prior to marrying my husband, a farmer/rancher, of 15 years. Together, we have been blessed with five beautiful children, ages ranging from the oldest 14 to the youngest age 6. Finding balance between work and home has at times been a challenge, but I remain committed to use my skills to be a helper in any format that I can and with the time I have to offer. I was diagnosed in December of 2022 with early onstage breast cancer. I have been blessed by the active treatment that I have received and am considered a survivor with a very optimistic prognosis. I share this as I believe that there is purpose in the challenges of our lives and it can often give us credibility and help us to offer deeper compassion as we listen to those who are entrusted with our care. I am an active member of Christ Lutheran Church and serve in a variety of roles at church. I enjoy all sorts of crafts, adventures, sports, hobbies and activities as time permits. It takes courage to consider making changes as sometimes we just get comfortable and accept where we are as normal. Sometimes the pain of staying the same becomes much more heavy than the actual cost of making a change. I applaud you for taking that step to seeking your best life. I would love to come alongside you to hear your story, support and empower you to do what you need to meet those goals. God Bless you as you make this investment into your future! But only with God are perfect wisdom and might; He alone has true counsel and understanding. Job 12:13

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This is Denise Stutes's avatar and link to their profile

Denise Stutes

Offering therapy in IA
License: LISW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Hello, I am a licensed therapist in Iowa. I have over 23 years of experience in the mental health field with the past 5 years as a therapist. Some of my background includes working in; community settings, hospitals, domestic violence shelters and in corrections. I have worked with a wide variety of individuals who have suffered from all kinds of problematic areas in their life including severe physical and mental trauma. I enjoy helping others and I love to see people grow and succeed in their journey of life. My counseling style is compassionate, direct, interactive and sometimes I like to add some humor. I also like to empower others. When you see your own strengths that is when growth takes place. My approach is a combination of family systems, cognitive behavioral, person centered and mindfulness. This is a judgement free zone. I am on your side. I believe we all are unique in our own ways. You are enough just the way you are. It takes courage to reach out and take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you. I look forward working with you and thank you for the opportunity to do so.

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Linda Dollen

Offering therapy in IA
License: MS,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

Im Linda Dollen a Mental Health Therapist, a nationally certified counselor and a long time licensed foster parent. My experience has been with all ages from children, adolescents, and adult/couples. I use a combination of cognitive behavioral and person centered and supportive application exploring the solutions related to individual challenges in daily living.

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Jesseca Berryman

Offering therapy in IA
License: LPC-S,LCPC-S,MS
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi! My name is Kate. My preferred pronouns are she/hers. I am licensed in KS, MO, IA and NM. I have been working in the counseling field since 2011. I have worked with clients in a variety of settings including: residential, outpatient, incarceration, government, through telehealth (online) and in private practice. Trauma, life transitions, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, domestic violence, and issues related to sex, sexuality, gender and alternative lifestyles and adjustment disorders are all issues I have experience counseling. I want to meet you where you are and work together to get you to where you want to be. Therapy is a safe space in which we can communicate with one another. Through building a relationship, drawing upon modalities in which I am trained and more frequent support than a typical therapist, we can push you in the direction in which you are hoping to go. I am compassionate and a direct communicator in my counseling practice. I expect commitment to therapy and agreed upon goals from the clients I work with. For my professional growth, I stay up to date on literature in the field and ethical codes. When applicable, I like to include statistics and research in the work I do with my clients. I am a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Sex Therapists and am currently under supervision to become a certified sex therapist.

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This is Jean Mertens's avatar and link to their profile

Jean Mertens

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and Nebraska with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Dijana Dugalic's avatar and link to their profile

Dijana Dugalic

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa, with 8 years of experience. I enjoy helping clients with a variety of concerns, including: stress, depression, anxiety, trauma/abuse, suicidal ideation, anger or emotion management, and difficult life transitions. 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. I look forward to learning more about you and helping you achieve your goals. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and now we can work on getting you feeling better.

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Arthur Garvin

Offering therapy in IA
License: LCPC,LPC,MA
GriefParenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigue
22 years of experience

I am a clinical professional counselor licensed in Kentucky, Missouri Kansas, Iowa, and Colorado with more than 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I've treated clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse issues, process addictions, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I've also helped many people heal, who have experienced physical trauma, neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with sensitivity, mutual - respect, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and gestalt, with mindfulness and awareness. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to confront dysfunctional habits and patterns, and to seek a more fulfilling and meaningful life. You are ready to take that step to change, and I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Kendra Covington's avatar and link to their profile

Kendra Covington

Offering therapy in IA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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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This is Marla Voss's avatar and link to their profile

Marla Voss

Offering therapy in IA
License: MSW, LISW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and in Wisconsin and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa. I am currently accepting clients to work with in both of those states. My experiences come from direct mental health and behavioral health counseling for adults aged 18 and older with a variety of presenting issues including Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, trauma, grief as well as coping with physical health concerns, chronic diseases and illness. I approach the therapeutic relationship with sensitivity and respect for people of all cultures. I strive to the therapeutic relationship, and you, with compassion, respect, and warmth. I hope that after each session you have felt heard and understood. My clinical experiences include working in community agencies and private practice. I have worked in healthcare for 30 years with my beginning experience working in a hospital. My therapy style and approach are person centered and strengths-based drawing influence from Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I help clients design treatment goals specific to them as each person is unique and different approaches work for different people. Whether working towards gaining insight into specific circumstances, symptom relief, improved function, it is my hope we can work collaboratively to achieve it. It takes a lot of strength to work towards finding a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are willing to take that step, it would be a privilege if you would allow me to walk beside you. I will do my best to respond to messages within 24 hours on my days of availability. Currently my hours of availability are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Wednesdays from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm. I am not available on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays for appointments or to respond to messages. **Please note I am fluent in English only. I do not speak any foreign languages."

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This is Beth Krayenhagen's avatar and link to their profile

Beth Krayenhagen

Offering therapy in IA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa with 6 years of professional therapy experience & 7 additional years within the field of mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, including relational & emotional abuse, as well as with coping with grief and loss. 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. I view my role as your guide in this process. 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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How to find counseling in Waterloo

Finding the best therapist close by in Waterloo 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 Waterloo. 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 Waterloo, 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo, elsewhere in Black Hawk, 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 Waterloo area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo, 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 50703 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo, 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.

Waterloo 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 Waterloo.

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

50701, 50702, 50703, 50704, 50707

Popular cities near Waterloo, IA

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