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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA
Headway connects Des Moines residents with 135 licensed providers experienced in addiction recovery, offering evidence-based approaches like Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and support for Substance Use Disorder. Access flexible virtual or in-person sessions with sessions averaging 75% savings through insurance.
Dealing with grief, loss, or trauma? Feeling disconnected, alone, and unhappy? Struggling with relationships, addiction, or painful wounds from childhood? If you said yes to any of these, I can help. Often, the burdens of trauma manifests itself in mysterious ways and can lead to various concerns such as depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship difficulties, trust issues, isolation, and shame. These challenges can hinder healthy relationships and self-care.
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Minnesota with a PhD in Psychology, 7 years of experience working as a therapist, and 22 years of experience working as a coach. I have accumulated a wide range of experience working with a diverse clientele. Some of the many issues I have worked with people on are depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, trauma, parenting problems, relationship issues, ADHD, sexual abuse, pornography addiction, and anger management.
Are you wanting to make change in life, but are struggling to escape the same old patterns? Looking to empower yourself and create change in your life? I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has spent my career assisting men in achieving their goals, making lasting and fulfilling relationships, and facing life's challenges head-on. I have worked with adults across the lifespan to address concerns about relationships, behaviors, substance use, and more.
I'm Laura, an LMFT in Iowa with a background in Chicago and a straightforward approach: I'll tell you the truth in a supportive way, and we'll figure out together what actually helps. I work with individuals, couples, and families, and I have deep experience with addiction and recovery, including people with incarceration histories. I also have a special interest in working with adoptees and the unique challenges that experience can bring. If you want a therapist who is direct, warm, and genuinely in your corner, I’d love to work with you.
Life can feel like a lot sometimes, whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, addiction, or the emotional weight of caring for a loved one. Maybe things feel tangled, or you're used to being the strong one for everyone else. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I want to understand your story, what’s been heavy lately, and what you’re hoping will feel different. Together, we can begin to make sense of it all and help you feel more steady, supported, and like yourself again.
As a licensed therapist serving clients in Iowa, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach centers on helping people heal from trauma, manage grief, and build resilience through personalized, faith-informed counseling. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, including veterans, young adults, and individuals facing significant life transitions. My therapeutic practice focuses on addressing issues like social anxiety, self-esteem, communication challenges, and personal growth. Drawing from a trauma-informed and holistic perspective, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and rediscover their inner strength. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship dynamics, or personal healing, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. My practice welcomes individuals seeking a compassionate, conservative approach to mental health support, with a particular sensitivity to Christian perspectives and values. Together, we can work towards meaningful personal transformation and emotional well-being. I am a parent of 4 adult children. As a therapist, it is my honor to help my clients achieve their life goals and get to a calmer and more peaceful place. These past four years, I have completed thousands of live sessions with clients from all walks of life, careers, ages, financial status., and backgrounds. You will find our sessions productive, respectful, non-judgmental, interactive, supportive, creative, and informative. My rule is to listen to understand not to reply. You will feel heard and understood.
I believe mental health care works best when people feel truly known, respected, and safe. My approach combines evidence-based psychiatric care and medication management with compassionate, whole-person support. I work with children, teens, and adults, and I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable being honest without fear of judgment.
For clients who desire it, I also offer Catholic-integrated care that honors the role faith can play in healing, identity, relationships, suffering, purpose, and hope. My goal is never to pressure or preach, but to thoughtfully integrate Catholic values, spirituality, prayer, or faith-based perspectives into treatment in a clinically appropriate and supportive way. I especially enjoy helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, postpartum mental health, motherhood transitions, trauma, relationship stress, life changes, and struggles related to self-worth or burnout.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I provide medication management while also taking time to understand the deeper emotional, relational, lifestyle, and spiritual factors affecting mental health. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I am warm, approachable, thorough, and collaborative rather than rushed or impersonal.
Whether you are looking for practical symptom relief, deeper healing, or a provider who understands and respects your faith, my hope is that you feel supported, heard, and encouraged throughout the process.
Hi there, my name’s Ephraim and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses.
Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use in Des Moines, IA



- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 98%Anxiety
- 97%Depression
- 90%PTSD
- 89%Stress management

- 98%Aetna
- 95%Cigna
- 92%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 45%Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network
- 39%Providence Health Plan

- 100%English
- 2%Spanish
- 2%French
- 1%Haitian Creole
- 1%Igbo

- 87%Online only
- 12%In-person or online
- 1%In-person only

- 78%Woman
- 22%Man

- 31%Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
- 29%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- 27%Licensed Independent Social Worker
- 10%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 2%Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

- 99%Individual therapy
- 34%Family therapy
- 33%Couples therapy
- 13%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in Des Moines
Finding addiction therapists in Des Moines starts with clarifying the kind of support you want. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, drug use, substance use concerns, gambling, and other behavioral patterns. As you compare therapists, look for listed experience with motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction, and coordination with medication-assisted care when relevant. Some people also work with a psychiatrist or other prescriber as part of their care team.
Des Moines offers a steady range of behavioral health options, and the right fit may depend on both location and format. In-person sessions may be useful if you prefer an office setting near work, home, or school, while virtual therapy can expand your options across Iowa when local schedules are limited. As you narrow your search, consider appointment availability, whether the therapist is accepting new patients, and how they describe their approach to addiction care. Reading therapist bios can help you find someone who uses clear, nonjudgmental language and has experience with recovery, relapse prevention, and harm reduction frameworks.
Therapy in Des Moines can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before starting care. Headway helps you compare addiction therapists who are accepting new patients, review their profiles, enter your insurance details, and see estimated out-of-pocket costs before you book. From there, you can browse therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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