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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 123 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.

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
Emma Schutte

Emma Schutte

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I want therapy to feel like a space where you can be completely yourself without worrying about saying the right thing or having everything figured out.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Diabetes
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Hollie Schechinger

Hollie Schechinger

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My style of therapy is a little different than the "normal" therapist. I do believe the best way to learn is by having fun...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Jasmine Campbell

Jasmine Campbell

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


There are seasons in life when you're trying to understand who you are while also carrying the expectations of everyone around you. You may be navigating a new chapter in motherhood, questioning your relationships, exploring your identity, or feeling weighed down by anxiety that's become difficult to manage on your own. Whatever brings you here, you deserve a space where you can show up exactly as you are and feel genuinely supported. I provide virtual therapy for adolescents, adults, and older adults throughout Nebraska, helping people navigate anxiety, LGBTQIA+ concerns, maternal mental health, and relationship issues while also supporting women's issues, family challenges, trauma, stress, infertility, identity exploration, panic disorders, and cultural experiences that often become part of life's biggest transitions. My goal is to help you feel understood, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
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 10 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
Madi Musson

Madi Musson

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I use approaches that honor your experiences while supporting your recovery. I am trained specifically in trauma-focused approaches, including creative modalities and EMDR...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Solution-oriented
Katie Winer

Katie Winer

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My approach is gentle and direct, and while I have confidence in my knowledge about therapy, I treat every client as an individual and learn from every person who works with me.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Thomas Dennis

Dr. Thomas Dennis

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“With a background in healthcare and advanced training in pastoral counseling, I specialize in supporting people from all walks of life, coping with illness and disease, caregiver overload, grief and loss, family crisis, career change, and life...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Timothy Dearhamer

Timothy Dearhamer

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My main goal is to provide a safe space for you to talk what about whatever you need to talk about without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Brandi Starks

Brandi Starks

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • West Des Moines, IA


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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
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
LeAnn Lord

LeAnn Lord

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


Today is my favorite day because it is today.

Hi, I’m LeAnn. I’m a licensed mental health counselor who works with adults and teenagers from 13 to 99. I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges.

❤️ I’m deeply passionate about this work because I’ve lived it. My own recovery journey has shown me just how vital mental health is—not only for healing, but for being able to show up fully in relationships and in life. I believe that if I don’t care for my own mental health, I can’t truly support others or engage in the kind of meaningful connections we all deserve. That understanding drives my commitment to walk alongside my clients with authenticity, empathy, and purpose.

💬 Whether you're just beginning your journey or continuing to work through long-standing issues, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion, clarity, and care.

Would you like help crafting a final call to action or contact line? I can also format this for your website, a flyer, or social media profile.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Chelesia Burkes-Brown

Chelesia Burkes-Brown

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“Expect to walk away feeling heard and valued, knowing you are being cared for by a knowledgeable and passionate provider.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
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
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
Ijeoma Ononenyi

Ijeoma Ononenyi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


Compassionate Medication Treatment Provider for Youths, Adults, & LGBTQ+

I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in helping individuals heal from mental health challenges. I partner with my clients to develop plans of care that address their specific needs & goals. I work with a wide range of simple & complex mental health conditions which include but are not limited to substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, nightmare disorder, insomnia, ADHD, OCD, etc.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Darcy Wiebrand

Darcy Wiebrand

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I love helping clients learn the skills that will allow them to be resilient no matter what life throws at them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Kadesha Evans

Dr. Kadesha Evans

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Iowa


“I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore challenges, identify strengths, and develop personalized solutions...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 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
Dr. Megan Chapman

Dr. Megan Chapman

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I believe therapy is about building healthy relationships and life skills that will help you improve your quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Creative, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 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 8 insurance carriers
Terri Graves

Terri Graves

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


I am strongly committed to supporting my clients on their journey toward healing and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a deep respect for each person's individual process.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Nicole Groves

Nicole Groves

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My practice also serves as an affirming, nonjudgmental haven for individuals who often feel misunderstood in traditional clinical settings, including the LGBTQ+, polyamorous, and kink/BDSM communities.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Christine Rykiel

Christine Rykiel

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I practice from a philosophy of empowering my clients to achieve balance with their mental and emotional health and to maintain healthy boundaries that support their well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
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 12 insurance carriers
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
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
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 4 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
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 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amber Sherman

Amber Sherman

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“My style is warm, conversational, and collaborative. I want therapy to feel approachable and grounded...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Jessica Vandercoy

Jessica Vandercoy

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I take a person in environment approach and will walk along side you on a journey of self-discovery and healing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Wendy Durant

Wendy Durant

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


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. ⚜️💜💚💛

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Teresa Nundahl

Teresa Nundahl

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor who especially enjoys working with women 55+ who are navigating the changes that come with this stage of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, 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
Frances Savage

Frances Savage

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I believe therapy should feel safe, supportive, and genuinely helpful—not intimidating or disconnected.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 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
Amy Iannitelli

Amy Iannitelli

Therapist

Virtual • Iowa


“I specialize in working with concerns including social anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD, body image issues, women's concerns, parenting challenges, and young adult experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Des Moines, IA

Number of therapists serving Des Moines, IA
There are over 121 therapists in Des Moines, IA accepting new patients.
121+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 99%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 93%Stress management
  • 91%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 99%Aetna
  • 93%Cigna
  • 93%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 43%Curative
  • 42%Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network
Languages spoken
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  • 99%English
  • 5%Spanish
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 89%Online only
  • 11%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 84%Woman
  • 14%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
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  • 39%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • 30%Licensed Independent Social Worker
  • 18%Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
  • 7%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 4%Psychologist
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 36%Family therapy
  • 35%Couples therapy
  • 18%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.