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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 105 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.
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.
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Hi, I’m Wendy Durant-Nelson, LPC-S, PhD, N.D. New Orleans is home, and for more than 20 years I’ve had the privilege of helping adults, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. My counseling style blends evidence-based care with the warmth, authenticity, and genuine connection that the South is known for; you’ll find a space where you can show up exactly as you are and feel truly heard. I specialize in anxiety, OCD, trauma, relationship concerns, depression, and women’s issues, using practical, compassionate approaches tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for growth, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey. ⚜️💜💚💛
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.
You’re the one who usually has everything under control, but lately, the "strong" version of you feels like a mask that’s getting too heavy to wear. Whether you’re a mother wondering why you feel detached from the life you worked so hard to build, or a parent exhausted by the cycle of ADHD-related challenges—you don’t have to carry this alone.
I provide a warm, judgment-free space where you can stop surviving and start thriving. My approach is patient-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based, tailored to move you toward a life where you feel present, connected, and capable.
I specialize in:
- Perinatal & Maternal Mental Health: Navigating the "new reality" of motherhood.
- High-Achieving Professionals: Managing burnout, perfectionism, and "mental load."
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Care: Supporting parents and children navigating ADHD and behavioral hurdles.
Why Work With Me?
I offer a "cozy" office experience in Houston, TX, and convenient virtual care across 7 states ( DE, FL, GA, IA, KS, MT, and TX). My goal is to make mental health easy, accessible and relatable.
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.
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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+ 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.
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