DBT Therapists in Iowa

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based approach designed to help individuals navigate intense emotions, strengthen relationships, and develop effective coping strategies. Originally created for those with borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used to support people facing mood disorders, self-harm, and other emotional challenges. With 12 DBT-trained therapists in Iowa, you can access specialized care focused on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is welcoming new clients, with timely availability to help you build emotional resilience and lead a more balanced life.

Availability updated: 3/27/2026

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
Empowering
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Direct
Solution oriented
Holistic
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Life Transitions
+9
My work has taken me through a variety of clinical settings, where I’ve developed a strong foundation in ACT, DBT, and client-centered approaches. At the core of my work as a therapist is a genuine belief in the importance of compassion, respect, and real human connection. I work to create a space where people feel understood and supported as they move toward a life that feels more meaningful, grounded in their values, and aligned with who they are.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Direct
Intelligent
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Empowering
Humorous
Holistic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Postpartum
+8
My name is Amber and I am just your average woman living life in the midwest. I am a wife, mother to 3 littles and therapist. I have served all kinds of populations from incarceration to outpatient working with kiddos as young as 3 to adults in their 80s. What you see in session, the laid back, goofy but can be blunt person is who you'd meet on the street if you saw me in public. I believe healing comes from within but also from the people you choose to surround yourself with. Some people have a great support system and others have me as their cheerleader and I strive to be a good one.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct
Intelligent
Open-minded
Warm
Empowering
Challenging
Humorous
Holistic
Solution oriented
Open-Minded

Specialties

Life Transitions
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Hi, I’m Joe. I’ve worked in the mental health field for 26 years across substance use treatment, outpatient care, and hospital settings. I’ve supported individuals and families through crisis, transition, and long-term growth. I work well with teens, young adults, adults, and families who are navigating stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, or major life changes. I also have extensive experience working with men who may struggle to express emotions directly and instead feel stuck in withdrawal, irritability, or self-doubt. As a veteran, I understand the mindset and pressures that can come with military life. Across all of my work, I aim to provide a grounded, steady presence where honesty, insight, and meaningful change can take place.
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+3
I’m Joy Washington, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist. I specialize in providing compassionate, evidence-based support to adults navigating chronic stress, health challenges, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, grounded in respect, and focused on helping you build insight, resilience, and meaningful change. I've worked in mental health for over 20 years, and throughout that time I’ve always been drawn to helping people take care of themselves and make sense of their emotions. Supporting others through hard moments feels like meaningful, purpose-driven work for me. I’m passionate about creating a space where people can heal and grow.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Intelligent
Direct
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Challenging
Empowering
Authentic
Holistic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Are you seeking support on your mental health journey? With over a decade of experience as a clinical mental health counselor, I offer compassionate and personalized guidance to individuals, children, adolescents, couples, and families. As a trauma-certified counselor, I specialize in helping clients navigate mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, and depression. My client-focused approach ensures that your unique needs and goals are at the center of our work together. I completed my clinical education through Northwestern University. Remember, therapy is your journey, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's embark on this path towards healing and a brighter future. I primarily focus on working with children, adolescent, adults, and parenting support. I generally do not specialize with couples.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Open-minded
Warm
Empowering
Intelligent
Humorous
Direct
Challenging
Holistic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+10
Hello and welcome. I am an LCSW who has 28 years of experience providing therapy to a wide array of clients. I enjoy meeting clients where they are at and helping them to discuss their issues, look at obstacles to making changes, make expectations that are more realistic, and helping them to learn new skills to decrease the negative effects on their life.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Solution oriented
Intelligent
Open-minded
Direct
Solution oriented
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
+3
Hi! My name is Diane Bales MS, LMHC, LPC. I am passionate about what I do. I love walking with clients through their journey of healing. I am known for really caring about my patients and I think that shows. I use an eclectic approach to treatment. I feel that everyone is different and not one approach works for everyone. I want my clients to feel that they have accomplished or overcome something during their time in therapy. Note I do charge for No show and Late Cancellations $70.00
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Men's Issues
+10
I am a Kentucky-based therapist specializing in the high-pressure logistics of modern life. I provide a direct, grounded space for men and professionals to resolve burnout, navigate the complexities of dating, and manage the unique chaos of blended families. Whether you are considering therapy for the first time or looking for an integrated approach to leadership and parenthood, I move beyond venting and into practical strategy. We work to identify the leaks in your boundaries and restore a sense of intentionality to your career and your home.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Creating a space where you can find what works best for you in your journey. Focusing on strengths helps individuals recognize their own resilience and capabilities, which is vital for growth. By tailoring my approach to each person's unique situation, I honor their individuality and foster a deeper sense of self-understanding and agency. People often thrive when they feel heard and supported in a way that aligns with their own needs and goals, rather than being pushed into a redefined mold.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Humorous
Direct
Intelligent
Empowering
Warm
Open-minded
Holistic
Challenging
Solution oriented
Open-Minded

Specialties

Addiction
ADHD
Anxiety
+5
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 14 years of experience working as a clinician, therapist , and crisis interventionist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use problems, psychosis, and ADHD. I also helped people who have experienced trauma and/or emotional abuse. I would like to clarify my expertise does not include eating disorders, or pornography addiction as of yet, although I do understand some of the symptoms and causes. My therapy style is genuine and solution focused.. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is dialectical behavioral based with strengths perspective and motivational interviewing. Any treatment plan to meet your needs will be collaborative, timely, and with measurable goals. Usually following the "S.M.A.R.T." goal format. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. I have worked extensively in crisis intervention in the agency and on the streets, in hospitals, and in mental health courts and case management agencies, and have managed in this capacity. I also have many years experience related to substance use disorders and have worked as a therapist utilizing primarily Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as my main approach as well as utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy . Regardless of any experience, upbringing, current, or past situation, everyone has choices they can make that best serves them and the life they want to live. I look forward to working with you!
VirtualAvailable
Humorous
Direct
Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Personality Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, accepting clients from Texas and Colorado. I have 7 years of clinical and telehealth experience, and I utilize trauma focused and evidence based techniques to help make connections. Life can be overwhelming and sometimes even exhausting, but I’m here to guide you through any obstacles you may face. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and better cope with change.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Authentic
Solution oriented
Humorous
Empowering
Challenging
Intelligent
Open-minded
Warm
Holistic

Specialties

Career Counseling
Men's Issues
Self Esteem
+16
Hi there, my name’s Ephraim Tokar. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!
VirtualAvailable
Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Iowa rather than a city like Des Moines?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in Iowa. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Iowa from Cedar Rapids to Davenport! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Iowa.

Will my therapist take insurance?

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What happens during the first therapy session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs. Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center.Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.