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LGBT therapists in Des Moines, IA

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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 113 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.

Allyssa Angle McGinnis

Allyssa Angle McGinnis

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Bondurant, IA


“I believe that healing and personal growth occur within the context of safe, trusting relationship with both oneself and with others.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Relationship issues, Trauma
Affirming, Challenging, Humorous
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Laura Leadley

Laura Leadley

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Cedar Falls, IA


I am a licensed Marriage and Family counselor. I graduated from Northern Illinois University with my master's in MFT and worked in the Chicago area for a few years and then moved back to Iowa where I became fully licensed.

I am able to see individuals, couples, and families. I have a special interest in adoptees and people what impact that may have. I am also a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) and have extensive experience working with those with addiction and incarceration in their past. I have worked with those who have been recently released from federal and state prison and who may be on parole or probation.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dr. Hesper Nowatzki

Dr. Hesper Nowatzki

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


I’m a doctorate-prepared, dual board-certified family practice and psychiatric mental health provider specializing in neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive conditions, with expertise in autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and geriatric psychiatry. I have extensive experience with complex chronic illness and co-occurring psychiatric conditions across the lifespan and in diverse clinical settings. My background in executive leadership and long-term care administration also informs my work within institutional settings. I have a longstanding interest in complementary, integrative, and holistic approaches to health. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTQ+ inclusive.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Laurel Meine

Laurel Meine

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I believe my role as your therapist is to actively listen and to offer a supportive, encouraging and non-judgemental environment...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Challenging, Direct
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Regina Lassabe

Regina Lassabe

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I provide a calm, nonjudgmental space where you can safely explore what's beneath the surface while also learning practical tools that create real, lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Cassandra Dickerson

Cassandra Dickerson

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“Therapy with me is not about fixing you — it's about discovering what you already know and have been carrying all along.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Megan Beaver

Megan Beaver

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I'll be direct when needed, but always with compassion, respect, and a focus on helping you feel safe, understood, and empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Teresa Nundahl

Teresa Nundahl

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My approach is warm, client-centered, and tailored to your individual needs because no two healing journeys are the same.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Shelby Beil

Shelby Beil

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“You're not broken, you're resourceful. Together we can learn to redirect and guide your energy towards what heals you, rather than what hurts you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Emily Lopez

Emily Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I bring a warm, affirming, and strengths-based style, and I welcome clients of all identities and backgrounds.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
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.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Energetic, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 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.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Energetic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 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.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Patrick Schmitz

Patrick Schmitz

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“Clients often describe my style as calm, collaborative, and steady — offering a supportive space to pause, reflect, and grow toward lasting balance.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Steven Pohlmeyer

Steven Pohlmeyer

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“With over 38 years of experience, I've dedicated the last five years to specifically supporting clients as they navigate the challenges of anxiety and depression.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Wold

Elizabeth Wold

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“With a kind, compassionate, and down-to-earth approach, I help you discover the tools you already have inside to move forward and find relief.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Lisa Johnson

Lisa Johnson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“My clients are often navigating high stress, burnout, trauma, or life transitions—and they're ready for real support that actually works.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrea Joyce

Andrea Joyce

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I believe each person has to move at their own pace, one that is comfortable for them and allows to create trust with your therapist.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shannon Hilliker

Shannon Hilliker

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My hope is that clients will walk away from sessions feeling supported and cared for, with a compassionate and growing self-awareness...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Lisa Raney

Lisa Raney

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Neuropsychotherapist, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ashley Sullivan

Ashley Sullivan

Therapist

Virtual • Des Moines, IA


As a fully licensed therapist for 4+ years Ashley has had experience working with a wide range of clients. Recently she has begun to focus on women's health, ADHD and those with addiction issues.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Robi Brewer

Robi Brewer

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Maquoketa, IA


“I believe in developing a strong therapeutic rapport with my clients to ensure they are comfortable and feel safe throughout the therapeutic process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Andrea Douglas

Andrea Douglas

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I bring a compassionate and collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring evidence-based methods like CBT, SFT, and trauma-informed care to fit each client's unique needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Breanna Zold

Breanna Zold

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and insight-driven. I tailor therapy to each person's needs, helping you uncover patterns, build self-understanding, and create lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Ana Bulnes

Ana Bulnes

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I specialize in working with autistic and ADHD adults, parents of neurodivergent children, and highly sensitive or creative professionals who often feel misunderstood or overwhelmed.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dena Sidmore-Seyer

Dena Sidmore-Seyer

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I'm passionate about helping people feel empowered, heal, and move toward lives that feel meaningful and authentic.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Joanie Defibaugh

Joanie Defibaugh

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mark Hillenbrand

Mark Hillenbrand

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I am trained in counseling interventions designed to positively impact stress, life adjustments and marital issues as well as psychological concerns such as addictions, depression and anxiety.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jennifer Broomfield

Jennifer Broomfield

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I believe therapy should feel like a place where you can finally exhale, a space where you do not have to perform, explain away your feelings, or pretend you are okay when you are not.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, PTSD
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Craig Dike

Dr. Craig Dike

Psychologist

Virtual • Iowa


“My approach to treatment is first & foremost an "evidence based approach"... utilize a variety of well researched principles & techniques to assist you in moving towards the life you want.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Robert Holmes

Robert Holmes

Therapist

Virtual • North Liberty, IA


“My approach is strength based, person centered. You take control of a session, direct therapy, goals, and interventions to suit you that work for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Miranda Mbutambe

Dr. Miranda Mbutambe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bettendorf, IA


“She provides compassionate care for both physical and mental health needs, helping patients find practical solutions and regain balance in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Kelcey Nichols

Kelcey Nichols

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“Authenticity is essential to my therapy approach. In our sessions, you decide what works for your lifestyle.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 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.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Molly Propst

Molly Propst

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, my work is rooted in my own lived experience and a deep commitment to creating the spaces I once needed.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brian Stella

Brian Stella

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


Hi, I'm Brian. I specialize in helping with men's issues, anxiety, depression and relationships. I have experience working with individuals within the LGBTIQA+ community, Military/Veterans, and those who follow non-secular spiritual paths.

Life is a journey with many unexpected setbacks, life challenges and experiences. I am here to help you manage your journey. My practice is dedicated to providing quality mental health care to help people achieve goals or master skills aimed toward improving their quality of life. I've been practicing for 22 years.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Christine Ewald

Christine Ewald

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I believe that we all have a need to feel truly heard and understood in a safe and supportive space.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Omoye Ehizuelen

Omoye Ehizuelen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I offer a realistic and nonjudgmental approach to care. I aim to create an environment where my patients can really open up and tell me what they are feeling and we work TOGETHER to create an effective plan of care.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Maggie Austin

Maggie Austin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I take a holistic approach to psychiatry, considering a patient's entire well-being, including their physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Frequently asked questions

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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+ Mental Health Therapist in Des Moines, IA

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.

Find a provider - your way

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