Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance
LGBT therapists in Des Moines, IA
Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA
Headway connects LGBTQIA+ individuals in Des Moines with affirming mental health providers who understand your unique experiences. Our network of 121 licensed providers offers virtual and in-person sessions, with many accepting insurance to keep care affordable. Find a provider who gets you and start your journey toward greater emotional wellbeing today.
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.
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I am a multi-state licensed therapist across California, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas, specializing in helping adults navigate deep-seated mental health challenges alongside intense personal and professional transitions.
With vast clinical experience, I have served as a university career counselor, a specialist for healthcare professionals, and a dedicated clinician within both the US Navy Family Advocacy Program and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
My practice provides a highly supportive, practical space for college students, working adults at all career stages, healthcare workers, service members, Veterans, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
I blend empathetic listening with deep clinical insight to help you manage and heal from:
Core Mental Health & Neurodivergence:
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and identity exploration.
Trauma & Life Impact:
Complex trauma, PTSD, grief, loss, and managing chronic medical conditions.
Daily Survival:
Severe career burnout, relationship problems, and navigating life's overlapping pressures.
Hi, I'm Joanie! If you're feeling weighed down by trauma, anxiety, or painful life experiences, you don't have to navigate them alone. Trauma can leave you feeling stuck in the past, constantly on edge, or wondering why certain emotions and reactions seem so difficult to control. My approach is warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. I work with adults to better understand how past experiences continue to shape their lives today while helping them build the insight, confidence, and tools needed to move forward in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
Whether you’re dealing with a long-standing struggle or a new crisis, finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. I offer a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel supported from the start. Whatever you’re carrying, we’ll work through it together and find a path forward that helps you feel better.
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Des Moines, IA
- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 99%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 93%Stress management
- 91%Trauma
- 99%Aetna
- 93%Cigna
- 93%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 43%Curative
- 42%Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network
- 99%English
- 5%Spanish
- 1%French
- 89%Online only
- 11%In-person or online
- 84%Woman
- 14%Man
- 2%Non-binary
- 39%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- 30%Licensed Independent Social Worker
- 18%Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
- 7%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 4%Psychologist
- 100%Individual therapy
- 36%Family therapy
- 35%Couples therapy
- 18%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right LGBTQ-friendly therapy provider for you
Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a LGBTQIA+ Therapist in Des Moines
Searching for LGBTQIA+ therapists in Des Moines starts with finding identity-affirming care. Look for a therapist who lists experience with LGBTQIA+ people, gender-diverse clients, affirmative therapy, WPATH training, or gender-affirming support. This can matter when you want care related to identity, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, or life transitions. Reading a therapist’s bio can help you see whether their training, listed specialties, and approach match what you want from care.
Des Moines has a meaningful mental health care community, but affirming therapists may be fewer than in larger metro areas. Virtual appointments can expand your options across Iowa while still giving you access to in-person care when available nearby. As you narrow your search, consider appointment times, whether the therapist is accepting new patients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Look for profiles that clearly mention LGBTQIA+ populations, gender-affirming care, or experience with transgender and gender-diverse people.
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 Headway makes it easier to see your estimated out-of-pocket cost before you book. You can search for LGBTQIA+ therapists, filter by insurance, review bios, and choose between virtual and in-person appointments. From there, you can book directly when you find a therapist who matches your needs, accepts your plan, and is ready to take new patients.
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