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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 104 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
Cynthia Dobroski

Cynthia Dobroski

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I am a good listener and warm compassionate therapist who utilizes evidence-based practices to promote healthiness and happiness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
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.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 8 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
Alberto Vital

Alberto Vital

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I have realized that I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, suicide, crises, trauma, and phobias.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Makea Sanders

Makea Sanders

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


I believe therapy works best when you can show up as yourself without judgment, pressure, or feeling like you have to say the “right” thing. I’ve known since I was a junior in high school that I wanted to help people heal from the inside out, and that purpose has stayed with me ever since. For me, therapy isn’t just a job it's my purpose.

I work with clients ages 10+ navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, self-esteem, and life transitions. I’m warm, down-to-earth, and pretty easy to talk to. You don’t have to come to therapy with everything figured out...we will do that together!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 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.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jennifer Hutchinson

Jennifer Hutchinson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I especially enjoy working with marginalized people: differently abled, LGTBQIA populations, people of color, and financially challenged individuals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Marcie Burkart

Marcie Burkart

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My goal is to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and comfortable being themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
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
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
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 9 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, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
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 10 insurance carriers
Nicole Lee

Nicole Lee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I understand that physical health and mental health are closely intertwined and that addressing both is crucial for achieving optimal wellbeing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tricia Gabriel

Tricia Gabriel

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Aleysia Chambers

Aleysia Chambers

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I've spent years sitting with the overlap most people get told to separate — your mental health, your disability or diagnosis, and your working life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Elisabeth Netjes

Elisabeth Netjes

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“True healing begins when we feel genuinely seen and heard. You deserve to be known, supported, have your story understood, and have help in navigating life's obstacles.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
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 9 insurance carriers
Dena Sidmore-Seyer

Dena Sidmore-Seyer

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


I bring 16 years of experience to my work and genuinely love what I do. I’m passionate about helping people feel empowered, heal, and move toward lives that feel meaningful and authentic. I believe everyone has the capacity to heal—sometimes we just need a little support along the way. I live near the tri-state border and provide remote therapy to clients in Illinois and Iowa. An Iowa native, I spent about a decade living and working in Southern California and Phoenix before returning to the Midwest to be closer to my (now) husband and stepkids. Yes—I traded sunny San Diego for a snowy Midwestern winter in December!

In my practice, I strive to offer a safe, affirming space for women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent clients and those living with chronic illness or disabilities. I also bring personal understanding to this work, having benefitted from therapy myself as a bi woman with ADHD and physical disabilities.

I especially enjoy working with young adults navigating the many transitions of their 20s and 30s. This stage of life can feel overwhelming and uncertain, and I believe it becomes far more manageable—and meaningful—with the right support.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 5 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 6 insurance carriers
Shane Fortner

Shane Fortner

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“You are not a diagnosis. Your experiences, relationships, values, strengths, history, and hopes all matter.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 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.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kristilee Cappaert

Kristilee Cappaert

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“Client's can expect to be heard and acknolwedged during the first session and walk away feeling acknolwledged and that what they are going through matters.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
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 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Keife Earley

Keife Earley

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I combine medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and functional medicine principles to address mental health comprehensively.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Katina Walker

Katina Walker

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My practice centers on helping clients navigate the emotional complexities of trauma, anxiety, and reproductive mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 7 insurance carriers
Catherine Howard

Catherine Howard

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My work draws primarily on cognitive behavioral therapy, including CBT-I, a specialized behavioral treatment for insomnia that is more effective than medication for long-term sleep problems.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Laurie Longfield

Laurie Longfield

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“Being here is the first step to start your journey to find balance through a non judgmental therapeutic relationship that offers empathy, validation, support...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carrie Cook

Carrie Cook

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I specialize in supporting individuals with bipolar disorder, offering tailored approaches to help manage mood swings, enhance emotional regulation, and create lasting stability.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Rebecca Stern

Rebecca Stern

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 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
Lisa Johnson

Lisa Johnson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I provide both therapy and psychiatric medication management, allowing your care to be more coordinated, personalized, and convenient.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nazar Flome

Nazar Flome

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-focused care, our work will go beyond temporary relief.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 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
Christine Ewald

Christine Ewald

Therapist

Virtual • La Porte City, IA


“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 8 insurance carriers
Andrea Hansen

Andrea Hansen

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I think everyone deserves a space to feel comfortable and validated and I hope to always provide this with my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Des Moines, IA

Number of therapists serving Des Moines, IA
There are over 115 therapists in Des Moines, IA accepting new patients.
115+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 99%Anxiety
  • 97%Depression
  • 92%Stress management
  • 90%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 99%Aetna
  • 93%Cigna
  • 92%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 54%Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network
  • 51%Curative
Languages spoken
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  • 98%English
  • 5%Spanish
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 97%Online only
  • 3%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 82%Woman
  • 18%Man
License types
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  • 41%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • 30%Licensed Independent Social Worker
  • 17%Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
  • 7%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 3%Psychologist
Treatment approaches
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  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 36%Family therapy
  • 33%Couples therapy
  • 15%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

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.

Find a provider - your way

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