Depression Therapists in Des Moines, IA
Kathryn Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50312
Through nonjudgmental and empathic support, I can help you recognize your own unique response to stressors, so that you can choose on purpose how you want to respond when you are feeling a wave of anxiety or are feeling hopeless in depression and overwhelmed with what to do next.
Hello! I have current openings for individuals ages 12 and older. I have a special interest in providing services to teenage girls, women and to people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. My clients often feel like they are failing, falling behind, and that they must be doing something wrong to be feeling this way. My clients typically struggle with feeling overwhelmed with strong emotions or undesired patterns of behaviors. They want to feel more in control of their reactions to stressors or triggers instead of feeling hijacked by extremes.
Through nonjudgmental and empathic support, I can help you recognize your own unique response to stressors, so that you can choose on purpose how you want to respond when you are feeling a wave of anxiety or are feeling hopeless in depression and overwhelmed with what to do next.
Hello! I have current openings for individuals ages 12 and older. I have a special interest in providing services to teenage girls, women and to people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. My clients often feel like they are failing, falling behind, and that they must be doing something wrong to be feeling this way. My clients typically struggle with feeling overwhelmed with strong emotions or undesired patterns of behaviors. They want to feel more in control of their reactions to stressors or triggers instead of feeling hijacked by extremes.
I work with individuals and families that are managing depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, parenting/safety concerns, sexual/physical abuse, grief/loss, sexual issues/addictions and a number of adjustment issues including adoption and infertility.
I have been providing therapy for children (age 8 and up), adolescents and adults since 1995 in a variety of therapeutic settings. I have specialize in the area of trauma and other forms of abuse causing emotional distress/ negative impact on many levels of a person and their families life.
I work with individuals and families that are managing depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, parenting/safety concerns, sexual/physical abuse, grief/loss, sexual issues/addictions and a number of adjustment issues including adoption and infertility.
I have been providing therapy for children (age 8 and up), adolescents and adults since 1995 in a variety of therapeutic settings. I have specialize in the area of trauma and other forms of abuse causing emotional distress/ negative impact on many levels of a person and their families life.
LaJuana Walker-McGill
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50301 (Online Only)
These include: depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, grief & loss, family conflicts, work-related issues, interpersonal communication, etc.
Are you looking for ways to improve your quality of life? I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that is dedicated to helping others create positive outcomes for their lives. Through 24 years of experience in private practice, I have demonstrated my dedication to the empowerment of individuals and couples. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment that promotes positive outcomes for the clients that I serve. Virtual therapy appointments available for Iowa clients. Do you have Aetna, Cigna, or Optum (Optum EAP) insurance? Please click my website link to request a consultation.
These include: depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, grief & loss, family conflicts, work-related issues, interpersonal communication, etc.
Are you looking for ways to improve your quality of life? I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that is dedicated to helping others create positive outcomes for their lives. Through 24 years of experience in private practice, I have demonstrated my dedication to the empowerment of individuals and couples. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment that promotes positive outcomes for the clients that I serve. Virtual therapy appointments available for Iowa clients. Do you have Aetna, Cigna, or Optum (Optum EAP) insurance? Please click my website link to request a consultation.
Jennifer L Harrington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50315 (Online Only)
Most of my clients have sought therapy because they feel stuck or overwhelmed, and want help with stress, healthy relationships, anxiety, depression, PTSD, managing chronic mental disorders.
***Teletherapy***Phone/Video Sessions and Messaging Plans Available*** I am currently accepting new clients across the state of Iowa for teletherapy. As a therapist my goal is to join you on your journey, provide support, offer tools, and empower you to meet your goals. My style is non-judgmental and exploratory. I will be direct and honest with you, challenge you when necessary, and always strive to bring out your greatest potential.
Most of my clients have sought therapy because they feel stuck or overwhelmed, and want help with stress, healthy relationships, anxiety, depression, PTSD, managing chronic mental disorders.
***Teletherapy***Phone/Video Sessions and Messaging Plans Available*** I am currently accepting new clients across the state of Iowa for teletherapy. As a therapist my goal is to join you on your journey, provide support, offer tools, and empower you to meet your goals. My style is non-judgmental and exploratory. I will be direct and honest with you, challenge you when necessary, and always strive to bring out your greatest potential.
Welcome! Life is a continual journey of healing the mind, body, and spirit. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I provide individual and family therapy. My passion is working with people from multi-cultural populations who have experienced trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, grief/loss, anger, irritability, stress, and substance abuse. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant, (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and offer Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Client Centered Therapy,
Welcome! Life is a continual journey of healing the mind, body, and spirit. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I provide individual and family therapy. My passion is working with people from multi-cultural populations who have experienced trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, grief/loss, anger, irritability, stress, and substance abuse. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant, (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and offer Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Client Centered Therapy,
I have worked with a variety of persons with diagnoses including depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief/loss, stress etc.
I am excited to connect with you, to know you beneath the surface. I am passionate about mental health and utilizing art as a healing approach. Art therapy not only helps you cope with life stress, but also a way to understand emotions, yourself, the world, etc. Art therapy is judgement-free space for all ages and abilities. I come alongside you in your mental health journey as a partner. Together, we will explore options for healing that work best for you. Self-reflection and growth are not easy and will be uncomfortable, but I am a believer that the hard work is worth it!
I have worked with a variety of persons with diagnoses including depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief/loss, stress etc.
I am excited to connect with you, to know you beneath the surface. I am passionate about mental health and utilizing art as a healing approach. Art therapy not only helps you cope with life stress, but also a way to understand emotions, yourself, the world, etc. Art therapy is judgement-free space for all ages and abilities. I come alongside you in your mental health journey as a partner. Together, we will explore options for healing that work best for you. Self-reflection and growth are not easy and will be uncomfortable, but I am a believer that the hard work is worth it!
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.
Have you found that sometimes the world around you just doesn’t make sense anymore? Are you experiencing problems in your relationships, difficulty regulating your emotions, the effects of past or present trauma? Are you feeling anxious, depressed, disconnected, stuck, unable to move forward? Do you want to discover the true, authentic you? If this sounds familiar, I want you to know you’re not alone and there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Therapy is a collaborative journey; after all, there is no better expert on you than you! My purpose and passion is to help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your experiences
Have you found that sometimes the world around you just doesn’t make sense anymore? Are you experiencing problems in your relationships, difficulty regulating your emotions, the effects of past or present trauma? Are you feeling anxious, depressed, disconnected, stuck, unable to move forward? Do you want to discover the true, authentic you? If this sounds familiar, I want you to know you’re not alone and there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Therapy is a collaborative journey; after all, there is no better expert on you than you! My purpose and passion is to help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your experiences
I have extensive history working with teens (ages 13+) and adults with symptoms and concerns of anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, family conflict, gender and sexuality (LGBTQIA+), Black-Indigenous-People of Color (BlPOC), racial trauma, and relationship concerns.
Starting counseling can be overwhelming and can leave you feeling vulnerable. My name is Ali Simpson and I strive to provide a comfortable, nonjudgmental, supportive environment to help you reach your goals. I use a collaborative approach which helps individuals feel comfortable openly sharing their thoughts and feelings. There are no concerns that can be viewed as too big or too small. Counseling is a place for all individuals seeking a more fulfilling life.
I have extensive history working with teens (ages 13+) and adults with symptoms and concerns of anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, family conflict, gender and sexuality (LGBTQIA+), Black-Indigenous-People of Color (BlPOC), racial trauma, and relationship concerns.
Starting counseling can be overwhelming and can leave you feeling vulnerable. My name is Ali Simpson and I strive to provide a comfortable, nonjudgmental, supportive environment to help you reach your goals. I use a collaborative approach which helps individuals feel comfortable openly sharing their thoughts and feelings. There are no concerns that can be viewed as too big or too small. Counseling is a place for all individuals seeking a more fulfilling life.
Lingyu Albee Detrick
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50305 (Online Only)
My areas of practice include crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, anger/stress management, relationship concerns and life transitions.
Making the decision to reach out to a counselor for the first time is a challenging step to take. I provide a safe environment for my clients to explore their reasoning for seeking mental health counseling services by actively listening to their concerns and needs in order to assist them in the process of sorting through various life challenges. I enjoy listening to each individual's story and encourage them to use their strengths as a tool for overcoming these life challenges.
My areas of practice include crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, anger/stress management, relationship concerns and life transitions.
Making the decision to reach out to a counselor for the first time is a challenging step to take. I provide a safe environment for my clients to explore their reasoning for seeking mental health counseling services by actively listening to their concerns and needs in order to assist them in the process of sorting through various life challenges. I enjoy listening to each individual's story and encourage them to use their strengths as a tool for overcoming these life challenges.
Jake Pierce-Walsh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312 (Online Only)
I provide confidential, professional therapy for a variety of issues and concerns. From resolving depression or anxiety to healing past trauma, improving relationships to ending addiction; therapy with me is about no longer managing or coping, but instead getting to the source of your issues and discovering what helps you heal. Whether this is your first time considering therapy or you're feeling ready to return, I help people from all walks of life find solutions and feel better.
I provide confidential, professional therapy for a variety of issues and concerns. From resolving depression or anxiety to healing past trauma, improving relationships to ending addiction; therapy with me is about no longer managing or coping, but instead getting to the source of your issues and discovering what helps you heal. Whether this is your first time considering therapy or you're feeling ready to return, I help people from all walks of life find solutions and feel better.
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I see individuals, couples and families for a wide variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, self harm, trauma, anger management, divorce/separation, blended family issues, school issues, behavioral issues, work/occupational stress, parenting, co-parenting after divorce, issues impacting the LGTB community and many other issues.
Seeking to make changes in your life for a better tomorrow? I have been helping people to make these changes for over 20 years by offering a safe and accepting environment and starting with where you are at in the change process. I believe that by making small changes in one's life, we can start on the path of making life more fulfilling and closer to the life that you want to live.
I see individuals, couples and families for a wide variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, self harm, trauma, anger management, divorce/separation, blended family issues, school issues, behavioral issues, work/occupational stress, parenting, co-parenting after divorce, issues impacting the LGTB community and many other issues.
Seeking to make changes in your life for a better tomorrow? I have been helping people to make these changes for over 20 years by offering a safe and accepting environment and starting with where you are at in the change process. I believe that by making small changes in one's life, we can start on the path of making life more fulfilling and closer to the life that you want to live.
Dr. Donald M. Kaesser
Psychologist, PC, PhD
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use 35+ years of DIRECT clinical experience to help in addressing issues that have become obstacles in your life and help you meet your goals in the context of an honest, caring, and direct professional relationship. Individuals, couples/relationships, addictions/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, aging, sexuality, and sexual 'orientation' issues, as well as family matters are among the range of aspects of people's lives with which I effectively work. Counseling may be brief/problem-oriented, or extended/depth psychotherapy depending on your needs. I enjoy individuals, couples, and seniors. Psychotherapy is my calling!
I use 35+ years of DIRECT clinical experience to help in addressing issues that have become obstacles in your life and help you meet your goals in the context of an honest, caring, and direct professional relationship. Individuals, couples/relationships, addictions/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, aging, sexuality, and sexual 'orientation' issues, as well as family matters are among the range of aspects of people's lives with which I effectively work. Counseling may be brief/problem-oriented, or extended/depth psychotherapy depending on your needs. I enjoy individuals, couples, and seniors. Psychotherapy is my calling!
My areas of specialty include working with anxiety, mood disorders, depression, grief, self-esteem, workplace bullying, coping skills, peer relationships and trauma.
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.
My areas of specialty include working with anxiety, mood disorders, depression, grief, self-esteem, workplace bullying, coping skills, peer relationships and trauma.
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.
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.
Hello, and welcome! By starting therapy, you’ve taken the hardest step, and I’m here to support you in reaching your full potential. I believe you can overcome mental health challenges and trauma as I have. We’ll work together at your own pace in a safe, non-judgmental environment, building a therapeutic relationship based on respect and trust. I specialize in helping clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and many other challenges. My goal is to help you understand your experiences and triggers, empowering you to WIN the battle and give you the tools to achieve mental health and well-being.
Hello, and welcome! By starting therapy, you’ve taken the hardest step, and I’m here to support you in reaching your full potential. I believe you can overcome mental health challenges and trauma as I have. We’ll work together at your own pace in a safe, non-judgmental environment, building a therapeutic relationship based on respect and trust. I specialize in helping clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and many other challenges. My goal is to help you understand your experiences and triggers, empowering you to WIN the battle and give you the tools to achieve mental health and well-being.
Tanner strongly feels that everyone has the ability to make positive change through personal growth. He finds fulfillment in seeing healthy changes in attitudes and behaviors among his clients. He feels blessed that his clients are open to allowing him into their lives and walk with them through their personal life journey while assisting with challenges as they arise. Tanner has a background in working with individuals with ADHD, ODD, DMDD, anxiety and depression disorders, as well as individuals on the autism spectrum or with past traumas. Tanner has over ten years of experience working in the mental health field.
Tanner strongly feels that everyone has the ability to make positive change through personal growth. He finds fulfillment in seeing healthy changes in attitudes and behaviors among his clients. He feels blessed that his clients are open to allowing him into their lives and walk with them through their personal life journey while assisting with challenges as they arise. Tanner has a background in working with individuals with ADHD, ODD, DMDD, anxiety and depression disorders, as well as individuals on the autism spectrum or with past traumas. Tanner has over ten years of experience working in the mental health field.
I enjoy working with a variety of clients and needs, however my current focus is on anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, social anxiety and OCD, as well as depression, teen issues, and general life struggles.
Evening appointments are currently full. Email is the best way to reach me! Beginning therapy is a big step, and I'm here to help on your journey. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment for clients of all ages and backgrounds to express themselves. I have worked with people to address issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, relationships, self harming behaviors, improving self-esteem, or just stress that life throws our way. Whatever your struggle is, we can work together to find solutions that work for you.
I enjoy working with a variety of clients and needs, however my current focus is on anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, social anxiety and OCD, as well as depression, teen issues, and general life struggles.
Evening appointments are currently full. Email is the best way to reach me! Beginning therapy is a big step, and I'm here to help on your journey. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment for clients of all ages and backgrounds to express themselves. I have worked with people to address issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, relationships, self harming behaviors, improving self-esteem, or just stress that life throws our way. Whatever your struggle is, we can work together to find solutions that work for you.
If you seek relief from anxiety, stress, or depression or are striving toward greater self-awareness and positive change, I am privileged to enter my clients' personal and emotional worlds in therapy and walk with them in search of greater purpose, meaning, and happiness.
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. Cognitive evaluations are conducted at Des Moines University, Behavioral Health Clinic. Please call 515-271-1716 to schedule.
If you seek relief from anxiety, stress, or depression or are striving toward greater self-awareness and positive change, I am privileged to enter my clients' personal and emotional worlds in therapy and walk with them in search of greater purpose, meaning, and happiness.
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. Cognitive evaluations are conducted at Des Moines University, Behavioral Health Clinic. Please call 515-271-1716 to schedule.
I provide in-person sessions for individual therapy for adults only and primarily see clients for anxiety and/or depression related to work or academic stress, life transitions or difficult life changes, adults impacted by childhood trauma and family of origin dynamics, PTSD, negative self-talk/thoughts, perfectionism, low self-esteem, guilt and shame.
Finding a good fit in a therapist is important. If you feel comfortable and at ease in the therapist’s presence, feel understood and affirmed, even “click” interpersonally on some level, you’re building a good foundation for getting what you want out of counseling. By nature, my personality style is welcoming, genuine and straightforward, calming, and supportive. I see the strengths in people and provide a compassionate, affirming presence. I think hope and humor are critically important aspects of therapy and in life.
I provide in-person sessions for individual therapy for adults only and primarily see clients for anxiety and/or depression related to work or academic stress, life transitions or difficult life changes, adults impacted by childhood trauma and family of origin dynamics, PTSD, negative self-talk/thoughts, perfectionism, low self-esteem, guilt and shame.
Finding a good fit in a therapist is important. If you feel comfortable and at ease in the therapist’s presence, feel understood and affirmed, even “click” interpersonally on some level, you’re building a good foundation for getting what you want out of counseling. By nature, my personality style is welcoming, genuine and straightforward, calming, and supportive. I see the strengths in people and provide a compassionate, affirming presence. I think hope and humor are critically important aspects of therapy and in life.
See more therapy options for Des Moines
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Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.