Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started with Therapy
How do I start therapy at Des Moines Mental Health Center?
Starting therapy is simple. You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation through our website or by contacting our office. During the consult, we’ll discuss your goals, explain what therapy looks like, and match you with the therapist who best fits your needs. From there, you’ll complete intake paperwork and schedule your first session—either in-person at our West Des Moines office or online via secure telehealth.
Do I need a referral to see a therapist in Iowa?
No referral is required. At Des Moines Mental Health Center, you can reach out directly to schedule an appointment. Some insurance companies may ask for a referral from your primary care provider, but it’s not a requirement for most clients.
How do I choose the right therapist for me?
We pair clients with therapists based on specialty, availability, and your personal preferences. For example, if you’re looking for anxiety therapy, depression counseling, couples counseling, or trauma recovery in Des Moines, we’ll match you with a clinician trained in that area. You can also review therapist bios on our website to get a sense of each provider’s background and approach.
Therapy Services
What types of therapy do you offer in Des Moines?
Our licensed therapists provide:
Individual Therapy for adults and teens (13+)
Couples Counseling using approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Family Therapy for parenting, communication, and conflict resolution
Telehealth Counseling statewide across Iowa
We specialize in evidence-based care, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR-informed trauma treatment, and mindfulness practices.
Do you provide telehealth counseling in Iowa?
Yes. Telehealth therapy is available to clients anywhere in Iowa through HIPAA-compliant video sessions. Many clients in areas like Ankeny, Altoona, Johnston, and Waukee choose telehealth for convenience and flexibility
Can you help with trauma or PTSD?
Yes. Our clinicians are trained in trauma-responsive care, including EMDR-informed therapy. We provide a safe, supportive environment to process past experiences and develop coping strategies for moving forward.
Do you see children under 13?
Yes. At Des Moines Mental Health Center, we provide therapy for children, teens, and adults. Certain therapists are specially trained to work with younger children, while others focus on adolescents or adult populations. During your initial consultation, we’ll help match your child with the clinician who has the right experience for their age and developmental needs. Whether your child is navigating anxiety, behavioral concerns, or big life changes, our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for growth.
Insurance & Payments
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We work with many major insurance providers in Iowa, including:
Blue Cross Blue Shield / Wellmark
UnitedHealthcare
Aetna
Cigna / Evernorth
Iowa Medicaid
Iowa Total Care
Molina
WellPoint
We’ll verify your benefits before your first session so you’ll know exactly what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
What if my insurance isn’t accepted?
If we’re out-of-network with your plan, you can still see one of our therapists by paying privately. We also provide superbills you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Many clients also use HSA/FSA accounts to cover therapy.
How much does therapy cost without insurance?
Rates vary depending on session type:
Individual therapy: $175
Couples or family therapy: $200
Initial intake session: $250
We strive to keep services affordable and transparent.
Logistics & Appointments
Where are you located?
Our office is located in West Des Moines, Iowa, with free parking and accessible facilities. We also provide telehealth therapy across the entire state of Iowa.
Do you offer evening or weekend therapy appointments?
Yes. Select therapists offer evening sessions, and limited Saturday appointments are available. Telehealth provides even more scheduling flexibility for clients who need early morning or evening sessions.
How long does each therapy session last?
Most sessions are 45–60 minutes for individual counseling and for couples or family therapy.
How often will I need to come to therapy?
Most clients start with weekly sessions. As progress is made, you and your therapist may decide to meet every other week or monthly. Therapy is tailored to your needs and goals.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule appointments. Missed appointments without notice may result in a late cancellation fee.
Mental Health & Care
What issues can therapy help with?
We regularly help clients with:
Anxiety, panic, and stress
Depression and loss of motivation
Trauma, grief, and PTSD
Relationship conflict and communication issues
ADHD and executive functioning challenges
Life transitions, burnout, and career stress
Perinatal and postpartum mental health
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. All sessions are private and protected under HIPAA regulations. Information is not shared without your written consent, except in rare circumstances required by law (e.g., risk of harm).
How long will it take before I feel better?
Every person’s journey is unique. Some clients notice improvement within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Our evidence-based, goal-oriented approach helps you track progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Crisis & Emergency
What if I’m in crisis and need immediate help?
If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Des Moines Mental Health Center is not a crisis center, but we can provide ongoing outpatient support once immediate needs are stabilized.