On the shore of the Puget Sound, the city of Des Moines, Washington is sometimes confused with Des Moines, Iowa, but there is a big difference. For instance, the population in Des Moines, Iowa is about 20 times that of Des Moines, Washington and they do not have the amazing coastlines in Iowa like they do in Washington. 

In fact, the City of Des Moines, Washington is noted for its Des Moines Beach Park, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the view of the Puget Sound. Sometimes, you may not feel like going out and hanging out at the beach though, and it is times like that when you should reach out to one of the many counselors in Des Moines who are there for you when you need them. 

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Dr. Noelani Rodrigues

Offering therapy in WA
License: PhD,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCompassion fatigue
21 years of experience

Aloha & welcome to my page. Do you feel like you have lost your way – that nothing feels quite right – or that the past seems to be repeating itself? My view is that we all begin from a place of wholeness, but we sometimes lose belief in ourselves along the way. I have the depth of professional and life experience to see and work with you as a unique individual. Let me be a support and guide as you navigate the journey to your true potential. My expertise includes a broad range of issues including traumas, anxiety, emotional difficulties, relationships, and divorce related issues. My education includes training in eastern and western philosophies. In my work I use an integrative therapeutic approach and I weave together ancient with modern, east and west for personalized healing of heart-mind-soul. I am licensed in several states; Hawaii, California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado & Utah. I hold a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and a master's degree in Marriage, Family & Child Counseling. Additionally, I hold certifications in Hypnosis & EFT (energy tapping). Start today to begin your journey to a better you. * please note my availability varies from week to week. Therefore, what is displayed on the Better Help site calendar is not accurate. I do have much more availability throughout the week than what is displayed. However, since I have varying availability there was not an easy way to indicate that on the Better Help calendar. So, just check with me : )

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Michelle Drake-Mermea

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

ABOUT ME Welcome! I look forward to working with you and helping you to overcome obstacles and begin living the life you imagine. It takes courage to seek out counseling supports and I'm glad you've reached out to improve your life with our help today. Here is a little about me and how I plan to support you: I have a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University (2009) and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington state. I have experience working with teenagers in psychiatric residential treatment, children in public schools, community mental health, running group workshops using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and in the last 8 years working in a non-profit serving children, adults, couples and families. I am a clinical supervisor for a team of therapists helping children and families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services and I offer clinical supervision to other therapists seeking licensure. My therapeutic style involves helping you to arrive at insight, strategies, and skills that you can implement into your daily life to experience relief of overwhelming feelings and increase positive changes. My goal is to make you feel validated, supported, and most importantly, to meet you where you are at. You are the expert of your life and I value this about my clients. Your input and voice is the driving force for our success in this process. We will set realistic and manageable goals to guide you and improve your life. I am here for you throughout this process and I encourage you to ask questions, to share concerns if they arise, and to check in at any point about your progress/needs. Finding a counselor can be daunting and I hope we can work as a collaborative team to best meet your needs! SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Parenting issues Self esteem Depression Family conflict Teens Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Chronic illness Life transitions Years of Experience: 15

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Tara Hiller

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

Hello, I am licensed mental health counselor with over 20 years of counseling experience and love the work that I do. I have worked with clients of all ages dealing with many different types of issues. I have worked in both private and public sectors building a range of skills and a knowledge base that assists me in joining clients on a journey towards healthy change and wellness. I am a client-centered therapist and believe building the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of meaningful growth. I believe that clients often know and want what is best for themselves and only need some help to recognize and address the barriers that hold them back. I look forward to hearing from you and wish you well. Take care, Tara Hiller LMHC

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Amanda McLean

Offering therapy in WA
License: LICSW,MSW,CMHS
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am an individual therapist licensed in Washington State with ten years of experience in therapeutic interventions with clients presenting with a variety of different concerns. These include depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA-related concerns, relationship issues including in non-traditional relationships, and stress-related, motivation, and self-esteem challenges. I have also worked with people with trauma, addictions, parenting issues, and grief and loss. I also carry the credentials of Child Mental Health Therapist and Perinatal Mental Health Specialist. My style as a therapist is warm, genuine, honest, and casual, as well as interactive. I believe that you are the expert on your situation and come with the ability to overcome challenges, even if it may not feel that way right now. You are capable of making change, and I'm here to help. I believe everyone deserves to be heard with compassion and respect. My approach to therapy combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and solution-focused counseling. We will work together on your goals and needs and come up with a plan to get there. It's important to note that I only offer communication via text, including asynchronous, email-style messaging and live sessions, which are instant-messenger style communications in real time. I am thrilled that you've decided to reach out, and I can't wait to meet you, get to know you, and help you meet your goals.

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Bethany Andrews

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
12 years of experience

I offer a practice which starts with the base belief that all beings are inherently good. That said, we often develop patterns at an early age due to traumas or other circumstances that no longer serve us later in life and we forget who we really are and what our purpose is. My intention is to create a safe space where others can peel back the layers to discover what it is they have been looking for. My primary theoretical approach is Relational Therapy. I also use gestalt, mindfulness, wilderness practices, art, and Transpersonal Therapy. My degree is in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Wilderness Therapy. Wilderness Therapy is about relationship to nature and how our relationship with nature can be healing. I utilize nature in my office and outside of the office. I bring with me a background in crisis work with couples, families, and teens and have learned a great deal about myself and others through the process. I have also worked with families, couples, and adults of various ages. One of the pieces I hold dear is that we all carry a range of emotions, some that scare us or others and some that we prize, all of these emotions can be expressed and my job as a therapist is to create a safe place to do just that.

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Dr. Jeanine Copperstone

Offering therapy in WA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Dr. Jeanine Copperstone has served in the mental health field for over 20 years. In that capacity, she has provided psychological and substance abuse assessment, treatment planning, and general psychotherapy. She received her Doctorate in Psychology from Arizona State University and her Juris Doctorate from Lewis and Clark College. Dr. Copperstone specializes in the treatment of individuals experiencing transition in their lives, and people who are interested in changing unhealthy patterns of interacting with others. She utilizes a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. Issues she treats include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and stress management. Dr. Copperstone is particularly adept at discovering unhelpful patterns and thoughts which interfere with the ability to function at a satisfying level in life. She will guide you in developing tools to change these patterns in order to move in a positive direction. She provides a safe and supportive environment for the therapeutic experience. Therapy with Dr. Copperstone provides many benefits, which include: improved self-confidence, healthy patterns in relating to others, and increased happiness and contentment in your life. Together, we will focus on utilizing your current strengths to aid you in developing a more meaningful life. Dr. Copperstone believes that growth is not easy, but is definitely worth it!

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Laura Philpott

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State with my Master's in Mental Health Counseling and Addiction. My focus has been on treating Co-occurring addiction and trauma disorders for the last six years. I work with Veterans and civilians dealing with PTSD. I am an evidence based focused therapist and also use Motivational Interviewing to aid in processing barriers to change. I believe it's important to meet my patients where they are at and to help them reach their goals through compassion, education and providing a non-judgmental environment to explore their past and present experiences. I welcome and encourage family engagement to the extent my patient is comfortable. Therapy is a privilege for me to provide to any patient willing to allow me to join part of their journey. I will provide a safe environment for you to explore, learn and grow in the direction you choose. I am not here to to tell anyone how to live only to reflect and explore the impact your thoughts and emotions have on your life. To be transparent with my patients I do share that when in a video session you will notice that I wear dark glasses to help me with a chronic light sensitivity issues. BetterHelp doesn't allow me to wear these in my photo but it is something I do wear at all time. If you have questions please don't hesitate to ask. I currently live in Japan. Due to the time difference I will have limited options that work for my Washington State clients.

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Christian Gibson

Offering therapy in WA
License: Ed.S., NCC,LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hey! I'm glad you took the time to see if I'm the right fit for you! I hope that I will be able to provide a space for you that allows you to feel comfortable, open, and encourages growth. I hold my Master's and Education Specialist degrees in Counseling and Human Systems in 2014 from Florida State University's College of Education. I hold my National Counselor Certification (NCC) as well as being a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. I have been counseling for over 4 years. The majority of my counseling work has has allowed me to serve a range of clients from all age ranges and with all with various different cultural backgrounds to include the LGBTQ+ community. Specific concerns I have assisted individuals with are as follows: anxiety, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, substance abuse disorders, and grief. I integrate different evidenced based practices in my approach to counseling to include: Reality Based Therapy, Cognitive behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy all with a person centered approach. As of late I have also been utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It is always an honor and a privilege to work with someone who allows me to assist them during this journey we call life.

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Kathleen Sutton

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LPC,ATR
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
10 years of experience

Greetings! I am Kathleen (Kathi) Sutton, a Transpersonal Psychotherapist and Registered Art Therapist licensed in Colorado with 9 years of experience. Before that, I was a parenting coach and educator for many years. I have worked with clients from ages three to ninety three: individuals, families and groups, in residential treatment centers, outpatient group practice, correctional facilities, assisted living and a community-based art therapy collective. I am especially passionate about working with women seeking empowerment, wanting to build self esteem, recovering from abusive relationships and those seeking direction, encouragement and guidance in navigating big life changes. Navigating the process of aging is also of special interest to me. I have a strengths-based approach within the context of an authentic relationship, that being the essential foundation for success with any healing modality. I want to get to know you and I want you to feel heard and respected! I strive to help you uncover and validate your inherent health and goodness, with sensitivity to individual needs and interests. I offer a mindfulness approach as I we employ trauma-informed talk therapy, somatosensory therapy, and expressive arts therapies, facilitating insight, expression of feelings, and release of trauma stored in the body and nervous system, thereby building emotional resilience. I can provide psychoeducation, when appropriate, to help you develop practices that can invite self-acceptance as well as support improved self-regulation and self care. Sometimes even the act of reaching out for help can take you far along a healing path. I would be honored to walk that path with you, and as I relate to the very best in you, I hope to help you to know that best self as well. 
SPECIALTIES Anxiety Depression Women’s empowerment Parenting issues Self esteem Coping with life changes Aging Trauma Burnout and compassion fatigue Blocked creativity 
CLINICAL APPROACHES Humanistic: Strengths-based and Client -centered  Art therapy (Yes! We can do this online! And, you don’t have to be an artist to enjoy and benefit from the healing power of artmaking! Mindfulness Trauma-informed Body-based Somatic Therapy 
SERVICES OFFERED MESSAGING  LIVE CHAT  PHONE  VIDEO LICENSING CO LPC.0014421 NV CPC5570-R

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Anthony Mucci

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hi my name is Anthony Mucci. I am passionate about helping and serving others! I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, chronic pain, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment and utilize EMDR therapy along with CBT/DBT/Existential therapy. I offer Christian faith integrated therapy (for those who would like their faith integrated into therapy) as well. 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. I am a state Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. I have been in the medical field since 2009 serving active duty in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. I specialized as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for over a decade and obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Health Science: Behavior and Occupation Studies from the University of Cincinnati in 2017. I am currently finishing my MA in Christian Apologetics and Dmin. in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. I am a huge believer in the Wellness Model and take a Holistic approach to counseling which incorporates the Mind, Body, and Spirit. My passion is to help people in any way I can through building an authentic relationship, implementing evidence-based practices, and truly loving people with the love of Christ (Agape Love). “Love never fails” The foundational Biblical worldview of the Christian Counselor is what sets them apart from others. I believe that humans are Imago Dei (Made in the Image of God) and have intrinsic value bestowed upon them by their Creator (Yahweh). I believe that every person can be redeemed through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ where the collision of mercy, grace, and love at the cross portrays the worth of every single human being...that is, that God would send His only Son into the world to pay the ultimate price to save us from destruction; He did this even though we were still enemies towards Him...and by this act giving us new life and freedom to no longer be slaves to our sin which brings upon us death. Seeing people through this lens gives the ability to see people who are worth infinite value with the hope of becoming who they were created to be in the likeness of Christ.

How to find counseling in Des Moines

Finding the best therapist close by in Des Moines 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 Des Moines. 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines, elsewhere in King, or in the greater state of Washington.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Des Moines area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines may not take health insurance, some in the state of Washington 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 Washington 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 Des Moines, Washington 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 WA, 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 98198 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines, Washington 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.

Des Moines 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Des Moines.

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

98148, 98198

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