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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA

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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.

Elizabeth Huebsch

Elizabeth Huebsch

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.1 mi away • Des Moines, IA


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.

Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brian Wrightsman

Brian Wrightsman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.3 mi away • West Des Moines, IA


“I am a therapist who believes healing happens through understanding, connection, and steady support.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, PTSD
Challenging, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kristin Hocker

Kristin Hocker

Therapist

In-person • 5.4 mi away • Clive, IA


“I am intentional about providing a welcoming, encouraging, and confidential environment for clients to explore their concerns and experience true healing and growth.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Angeline Baucom

Angeline Baucom

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


Great to meet you!

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with 6 years of experience, I believe that prioritizing your mental health is essential to creating happiness and stability in life. I know that seeking help can be one of the hardest steps, and I truly respect the courage it takes to reach out. I focus on supporting clients who are navigating addiction, trauma, and other significant stressors, and I’m committed to meeting you with empathy, understanding, and honesty from the very beginning.

Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mollie Michelfelder

Mollie Michelfelder

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I am a person with lived experience. I am a licensed psychotherapist and a certified addictions counselor in the State of Iowa.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Steven Meek

Dr. Steven Meek

Psychiatrist

Virtual • Iowa


“During the initial visit you can expect a reassuring experience knowing that your evaluation and treatment are based in a full perspective, straight forward logic, non-judgmental safe process.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Tara Huber

Tara Huber

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I believe therapy should feel like a safe space where you can be honest, move at your own pace, and learn practical tools to help in everyday life.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Michelle Prisner

Dr. Michelle Prisner

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I believe that mental wellness shouldn't require jumping through hoops or sitting in cold waiting rooms.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Elizabeth Hickman

Dr. Elizabeth Hickman

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My goal is to provide a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to create meaningful and lasting change.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
LeAnn Price

LeAnn Price

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


You may be trying to keep things together while feeling anxious, down, emotionally exhausted, or unsure how to get back to feeling like yourself. Maybe past experiences are still affecting you, relationships have become difficult to navigate, or you're struggling to understand why you keep reacting in ways you don't want to. For teens, this can look like withdrawing, feeling misunderstood, struggling at school, or having emotions that feel difficult to manage. For parents, it may mean trying to support your child while also feeling unsure of what to do next. I work with teens, parents, and adults navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges, and I strive to make therapy feel warm, genuine, and easy to talk about.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Julia Rodin

Julia Rodin

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I see therapy as a collaborative process. You are the expert on your life, and I'm here to help guide and support you as you work toward feeling better.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Josephine Narcisse

Dr. Josephine Narcisse

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I am a mental health professional striving to build a therapeutic connection that can be shared outside my therapeutic space.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Queendroline Nkeh

Queendroline Nkeh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I enjoy listening attentively, with deep compassion, to gain not only the trust and confidence of my clients but to obtain a greater understanding of their personalities and needs.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Caroly Maharajh

Caroly Maharajh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I use a patient-centered care approach, making you an active participant in your mental health care.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Jacob Jackson

Dr. Jacob Jackson

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I have an extremely personable touch to counseling. I believe in the therapeutic relationship being the strongest component of therapy.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Energetic, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ephraim Tokar

Ephraim Tokar

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


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!

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Stephen Willmer

Stephen Willmer

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I will listen without judgment, offer steady support, and be honest and direct when doing so can help you move forward.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Challenging, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Vivian Bedu-Addo

Vivian Bedu-Addo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I am passionate about enhancing mental wellness through individualized treatment support and empathy.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alicia Baros

Alicia Baros

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Des Moines, IA


“My background spans pharmacology research, clinical practice, leadership, and education, with an in-depth foundation in psychopharmacology.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tricia Gabriel

Tricia Gabriel

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Des Moines, IA


“My goal is to create a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maggie Sandquist

Maggie Sandquist

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I utilize an open, non-judgmental approach to treatment and believe everyone has the ability to make a difference in their lives!”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jennifer Cooper

Jennifer Cooper

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Davenport, IA


“My approach to care is rooted in empathy, evidence-based practice, and a deep commitment to helping each person feel seen, heard, and supported.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emmanuel Nwala

Emmanuel Nwala

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I have a passion for helping people reach their self-actualization, whatever that may be for each person.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Maribel Garcia

Maribel Garcia

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


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.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Mary Ruhland

Mary Ruhland

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I am a trauma informed therapist who collaborates with you to develop a plan to reach your potential.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Regina Jackson

Regina Jackson

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I offer an environment of collaboration, while using evidence based therapeutic modalities to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (to focus on feelings, emotions, behavior), Acceptance Commitment Therapy...”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Stress management
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alee Larson

Alee Larson

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I am a dual diagnosis therapist, focusing largely on substance use and mental health, with a specialty in trauma work.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stanley Okeyemi

Stanley Okeyemi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


I am Stanley Okeyemi, the founder of Brighter Light Behavioral Health Services. I am currently licensed as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) in Texas, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Washington, North Carolina, Nebraska, Virginia and New York. I have been working in the mental health industry for 16 years, but licensed as a PMHNP for four years, with a vast amount of experience and affiliations with over 40 hospitals/clinics combined across the USA

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kellie Branch-Dircks

Kellie Branch-Dircks

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating grief and loss, life transitions, chronic illness, trauma (including first responders), aging-related concerns, and members of the agricultural and farming communities.


I provide telehealth services across multiple states, I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Gladys Larsen

Gladys Larsen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“My style is warm, collaborative, and empowering. I take time to truly listen to my clients, educate them about their diagnoses and treatment options, and engage them as active participants in their healing journey.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Necol Arens

Necol Arens

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My goal is to provide person centered empowering evidenced based interventions that allows for individuals to feel hopeful and heard.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tara Kane

Tara Kane

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • West Des Moines, IA


“I believe everyone deserves a safe and welcoming space to share their truth, to be seen, heard and respected.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Allison Kramer

Allison Kramer

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I believe strongly in showing up consistently for my clients. Whether that means being flexible when life gets complicated, picking up right where we left off, or simply making sure sessions feel like a place where you can be fully honest, I am in...”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sergio Ayala

Sergio Ayala

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


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.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Derick Mbacham

Derick Mbacham

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“My nursing background has allowed me to care for individuals with a wide range of medical and mental health needs across various healthcare settings.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Energetic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Stephanie Hunter

Stephanie Hunter

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My great passion is bringing healing to people who have been through real life experiences, that directly or indirectly caused one trauma or a significant amount of stress.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Hawa Mbichenyi

Hawa Mbichenyi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“My approach is compassionate, attentive, and collaborative, combining medication management with supportive therapy when appropriate.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Nazar Flome

Nazar Flome

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I work with high-functioning adults who look capable on the outside but are running on chronic survival mode underneath.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jennifer Stratton

Jennifer Stratton

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I have worked in the mental health field for 20 years, working with all ages and stages of development.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Gary Probst

Dr. Gary Probst

Therapist

Virtual • Des Moines, IA


“I teach psychopharmacology at a major university, and I can be an asset when it comes to medication.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use in Des Moines, IA

Number of therapists serving Des Moines, IA
There are over 134 therapists in Des Moines, IA accepting new patients.
134+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%Substance use / addiction
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 97%Depression
  • 93%PTSD
  • 88%Stress management
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 99%Aetna
  • 96%Cigna
  • 92%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 54%Curative
  • 51%Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
  • 3%French
  • 3%Spanish
  • 1%Haitian Creole
  • 1%Cantonese
How they see their clients
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  • 96%Online only
  • 3%In-person or online
  • 1%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 26%Man
License types
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  • 32%Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
  • 32%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • 25%Licensed Independent Social Worker
  • 7%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 1%Psychologist
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 34%Family therapy
  • 31%Couples therapy
  • 14%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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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.

1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.