Grief Therapists in Iowa

Finding a therapist who specializes in grief and loss can provide vital support as you process complex emotions and adjust to life changes. With 21 verified therapists in Iowa focusing on grief and loss, you can refine your search by therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, grief therapy, and compassion focused therapy to address feelings of sadness, manage overwhelming emotions, and develop coping strategies. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently accepting new clients and has availability in the coming weeks, offering compassionate, timely support to guide you through your journey with life changes.

Availability updated: 4/12/2026

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

Specialties

Grief
Anxiety
Depression
+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
View profile
Book session
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct
Intelligent
Open-minded
Warm
Empowering
Challenging
Humorous
Holistic
Solution oriented
Open-Minded

Specialties

Grief
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+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
View profile
Book session
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Grief
Addiction
ADHD
+9
I am a licensed psychotherapist with 21 years of post-masters experience. I received my graduate training at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where I was strongly influenced by a holistic and culturally responsive perspective on healing. My work is grounded in a non–medical-model approach, emphasizing whole-person wellness rather than symptom labels. I integrate mind–body awareness, emotional regulation skills, and meaningful lifestyle practices to support lasting change.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session

Often rebooked

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

Specialties

Grief
Anxiety
Depression
+8
Hello! I am licensed in North Carolina, Iowa, North Dakota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Florida. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. Congratulations on getting to this very important step! I am excited to support & empower you in that journey.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Grief
Chronic Illness
Health/Medical Issues
+7
I specialize in helping clients who are struggling with chronic illness, grief and loss related to losing someone or major life changes, caregiver fatigue, end-of-life issues and related burnout. Having personally experienced all of these things, gives me a true understanding and unique perspective while working with clients. Through past work with clients and my own personal journey with caregiving, deep grief, end-of-life issues, chronic illness and related burnout, I realized that my special talents lie in helping people who are seeking help with these things themselves. I love teaching and speaking for groups who want to learn more about all of these things. I believe in a holistic approach to living and a balanced lifestyle and look forward to helping my clients achieve their dreams. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family, being out in nature, photography, reading, learning, walking, yoga, and spending time with my cat, Carl. I am currently missing my giant Lab, Dugan. Fly high, Buddy.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Authentic
Open-minded
Warm
Empowering
Solution oriented
Direct
Humorous
Open-Minded
Solution oriented
Challenging
Holistic
Intelligent

Specialties

Grief
Anxiety
Postpartum
+2
Are you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, as if you have lost control over your own life and are unsure how to get back on track? It happens to all of us sometimes. Our minds can be our biggest enemies, where our expectations get the best of us. Allow me to collaborate with you in order to unpack your thoughts and emotions to gradually make adjustments to help you become a stronger version of yourself. Whether you are struggling with a life transition, pregnancy and postpartum, caregiving for a loved one, grief and loss, anxiety or depression; I will work with you to process and navigate through these difficult times. I will empower you to find your strengths and use them to make a little progress every day.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Open-minded
Warm
Authentic
Humorous
Intelligent
Empowering
Direct
Open-Minded

Specialties

Grief
LGBTQ
Anxiety
+6
Welcome! If you are seeking a down to earth and relaxed therapist- you are in the right place! I specialize in creating a safe and affirming space for individuals within the LGBTQ+ communities- where I have lived experience, individuals navigating chronic illness and caregiving, and those impacted by hoarding behaviors. I understand how important it is to feel heard and validated, especially when dealing with sensitive topics such as gender identity, transgender health, trauma, anxiety, depression, boundary setting, communication skills, chronic disorganization, and more. I write gender affirming care letters.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session

Often rebooked

Open-minded
Authentic
Humorous
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Grief
Anxiety
Depression
+6
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado, Texas, Nevada, Iowa, and Hawaii and Washington. I view therapy as a partnership focused on healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. I work with a wide range of adults seeking relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress-related concerns, and I tailor my approach to each person’s unique story. My goal is to help you strengthen your sense of self, improve relationships, and develop practical tools to live with greater peace and authenticity.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Authentic
Intelligent
Empowering
Warm
Direct
Humorous
Solution oriented
Holistic
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Challenging
Open-Minded

Specialties

Grief
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Fully licensed and accepting new clients in NC, WI, and IA. LGBTQ-friendly therapist. Do you want to neutralize effects of emotional trauma/pain without having to relive it? Internal Family Sytems is an evidence-based, psycho-spiritual approach, rooted in systems thinking which, together wIth Polyvagal somatic therapy, is a highly effective way to heal. Also offering art & journal therapy, EFT & relaxation & meditation, we will work together to calm your mind and free parts of you that are frozen in time. I believe each of us have both a unique set of gifts and a world view shaped by past experiences and present circumstance. I believe we each have both a unique set of gifts and a world view shaped by past experiences and present circumstances. As an evidence-based relaxation and meditaiton trainer, I am uniquely qualified to help you learn to cope with grief, anxiety, past trauma, women's issues, and vicarious trauma experienced by veterans and first responders. My approach is eclectic, using interventions from a broad base of solidly-grounded, accepted theoretical orientations, including Cognitive Processing Therapy, an evidence-based, brief modality for resolving PTSD symptoms. I see clcients for anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and women's issues. Through sessions together, I will collaborate with you to assist you in recognizing your individual strengths and strive to empower you with the self-awareness and self-confidence to pursue your dreams. i also practice Internal Family Systems, a means of healing PTSD without having to revisit the event. this is evidence based and rooted in both Attachment Theory and Family Systems Therapy. I take a person-centered, creative, non-judgmental approach to creating a safe space for counseling sessions, allowing you to unburden yourself and share your goals, while helping you to see how your uniquely shaded lenses of experience have color your perceptions.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session

Specialties

Grief
Anxiety
Depression
+9
I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am a compassionate social worker who is an active listener, who is dedicated to working tirelessly to help you resolve issues and thrive on your own terms. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, situational family therapy, trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, and NLP I also have experience in grief and bereavement counseling. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with mindfulness.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Direct
Empowering
Intelligent
Challenging
Humorous
Holistic

Specialties

Grief
Addiction
Anxiety
+10
I thank you for the opportunity to collaborate with you in your healing journey. My desire is to help you through life’s struggle, and challenges. My goal is to provide authentic, compassionate, and nonjudgmental quality care. Building a therapeutic relationship is the first step in the treatment process. I offer person centered therapy specific to your individualized and unique experience, in order to assist you through the struggles of life. I am a passionate and empathetic therapist with strong counseling abilities and an understanding of interpersonal familial relationships. I utilize a goal- oriented, strength-based approach with my clients. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a graduate of the University of Georgia and have been practicing for 5 years. Thank you for taking the first step and for allowing me to be part of this very important journey.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Open-minded
Direct
Intelligent
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Challenging
Humorous
Solution oriented

Specialties

Grief
Crisis Intervention
Family Therapy
+8
Meet Mike Arieta, LICSW Hello and welcome. I’m Mike Arieta, a licensed clinical social worker with nearly three decades of experience supporting individuals, couples, families, and teens through life’s most complex challenges. Since 1995, I’ve worked across diverse settings—from foster care and homelessness to adoption and refugee support—and have been practicing clinically since 2011. My therapeutic approach is body-based and trauma-informed. I believe our bodies often speak before our minds can make sense of what we’re feeling. This philosophy guides my work with clients navigating trauma, PTSD, and transitions that require deep emotional resilience. I integrate movement-based and somatic strategies to help clients reconnect with themselves and their communities. Currently, I’m completing my Doctor of Social Work degree at Tulane University, where my research focuses on trauma recovery and evidence-informed practices that foster healing. I also hold advanced training in adoption competence and provide support to foster youth, adoptive families, and caregivers navigating complex systems. Therapy, for me, is a collaborative journey. I’m honored to walk alongside my clients as they reclaim their stories, build strength, and move toward meaningful change. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my work—I look forward to connecting with you.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Direct

Specialties

Grief
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
Hi, I’m Jacqueline Pickens, LICSW-S, PIP, a therapist dedicated to helping adults and couples find balance, peace, and purpose. I specialize in supporting working women, parents, and professionals who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, burnout, or the pressure to do it all. My approach is compassionate, practical, and rooted in evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based practices. I also offer faith-based counseling for those who wish to integrate Christian principles into their healing journey. For couples, I use Prepare/Enrich tools to help strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen connection. In every session, I aim to create a safe, judgment-free space where you can explore challenges, gain clarity, and develop skills that bring lasting peace and confidence to your life. Together, we’ll work toward helping you live your best days—one step at a time.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Direct
Humorous
Intelligent
Open-minded
Challenging
Holistic
Solution oriented
Open-Minded

Specialties

Grief
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Hello! My name is Kelly Brock and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania and also in Iowa. Maybe you are just feeling stuck, and don't know why? Or maybe you know why, but don't quite understand what tools to use or how to use them to get yourself to that next level up in self-understanding and comfort? I believe finding one's peace in life is a journey of exploration… Sometimes our human side tends to make the exploration in life's journey a tad bit complicated. When we know more about ourselves (and others)... we are just able to navigate life better!
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Direct
Empowering
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Humorous
Challenging
Open-Minded

Specialties

Grief
Anxiety
Family Conflict
+9
Kudos on taking this first step toward change! I am a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and an international parenting, divorce, and coparenting coach. You can read my full bio here: family-options.com/dr-tracy-mallett-bio. I have been working with single adults, couples, children and families for over 20 years. My clients learn to overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma; poor self-worth; relationship struggles; and many other challenges in their lives. I have expertise working with couples and families in conflict, or who are struggling with communication. I am Level II trained in the Gottman Method, and utilize this extensively with couples. My clients report successes such as trauma recovery; anxiety and depression reduction; managing existential and identity issues; gaining peace of mind; reducing stress; and controlling anger. I have counseled in mental health, addiction treatment, and criminal justice settings. I have a private practice in south Florida (family-options.com), where I supervise master's level mental health counseling and psychology trainees. In addition to Florida, I am licensed as a psychologist in Arizona and Iowa, and am a PSYPACT credentialed clinician, having obtained an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission, which also allows me to serve clients via telehealth in most US states. I also teach graduate-level courses in ethics, disaster and trauma response, abnormal behavior, community counseling, and criminal behavior, and I mentor graduate dissertation students in forensic psychology.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Grief
Addiction
Anxiety
+10
Hello there, I’m Elizabeth Jensema. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing social work for 20 years. I enjoy helping adults struggling with their mental health and also those struggling with addiction. My goal is to meet you where you are at and to help you achieve goals that are meaningful to you. I like to have fun with humor, stay positive, and focus on moving forward one day at a time. I feel it's important to provide support and the reassurance that you are not alone, we are all struggling. I hope I can help you to feel comfortable and supported.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm
Open-minded
Direct
Empowering
Intelligent
Humorous
Solution oriented
Challenging
Holistic

Specialties

Grief
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Parenting
+10
As a licensed clinical social worker, I am committed to collecting evidenced based "tools for my toolbox" to aid those grappling with finding the new normal after their world has shifted. I most love helping people find language to describe their losses, often when there has been difficulty finding the words, inspiring people to find hope again, and facilitate the development of a plan to move forward in a way that both honors their experiences and embraces the future. I take an action-oriented, collaborative approach to therapy. I utilize a combination of psychoeducation, storytelling, and evidenced-based interventions to offer meaningful insight to support clients’ healing. I strongly believe that rock bottom is the foundation upon which we can rebuild our lives. We do regular check-ins to review progress along the way. Our goal is not to change the past, but instead to find some relief from symptoms that impact daily functioning. I will solicit feedback regularly during sessions for takeaways to gauge progress and curate treatment interventions based on what is most engaging and productive for the individual client.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Warm
Authentic
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Empowering
Humorous
Open-minded
Direct

Specialties

Grief
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+5
With over 21 years of experience in behavioral health, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients of all ages—from children to older adults—in settings such as private practice and inpatient care. I bring a calm, steady presence and strong listening skills to each session, helping clients uncover the root causes of their distress. My goal is to walk alongside you on your journey to healing, offering compassion, understanding, and practical tools that support your growth. Blessings
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Authentic
Warm
Direct
Empowering
Intelligent
Solution oriented

Specialties

Grief
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
Finding the right therapist can be a journey in itself and connecting with your therapist is imperative. I offer services for depression, grief, anxiety, stress, career & workplace difficulties, women's issues, postpartum anxiety, anger management, and coping with life changes. Nutrition is also a key player in some mental wellness issues and I feel is very important to assess. My approach provides empathy, engaged listening and behavior change support as part of my therapy style. I am licensed in both Iowa (MHC License 123416) & Texas (LPC 62282) as a counselor. I look forward to supporting you.
VirtualAvailable
View profile
Book session
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Grief
Anxiety
Self Esteem
+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
View profile
Book session
Direct
Authentic
Solution oriented
Humorous
Empowering
Challenging
Intelligent
Open-minded
Warm
Holistic

Specialties

Grief
Career Counseling
Men's Issues
+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
View profile
Book session

Search therapists by insurance

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 Grief?

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. For example, your selected specialty, Grief, is filtering therapists in Iowa that work with patients with similar concerns.

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.