Therapists for Veterans in Iowa

Finding a therapist who truly understands the unique challenges faced by veterans and military families is crucial for effective mental health support. With 6 verified therapists in Iowa who specialize in working with veterans and their families, you can filter by therapy type (CBT, DBT, EMDR) and focus on issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma to find a provider equipped to support those with military backgrounds. Each therapist listed is Grow Therapy-verified, familiar with the complexities of veteran life, currently welcoming new clients, and has availability within the next 30 days.

Availability updated: 12/31/2025

Empowering
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Military/Veterans
Anxiety
Grief
+10
Fully licensed and accepting new clients in NC, WI, and IA. Do you wish you could lessen the effects of emotional pain without having to relive it? Internal Family Sytems is an evidence-based, intrapsychic approach rooted in the multiplicity of mind, based in systems thinking, and a very psycho-spiritual (not religioous) approach. Using 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 circumstances. Let's get together and chat about how to quiet your mind and make your life more fulfilling. 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
Intelligent

Specialties

Military/Veterans
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
Open-minded

Specialties

Military/Veterans
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
Holistic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Military/Veterans
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Hi, I’m Emy Carlson. I’m a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Integrative Health Therapist practicing in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Washington, and Oregon (MS, LPC-MH, LPCC, LPC, NCC, CCTP, QMHP). I’m also a Board-Approved Supervisor in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. I specialize in working with adults and couples navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing. I integrate whole-person strategies that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I believe therapy should feel safe, empowering, and purposeful—a space where you can heal, grow, and reconnect with your authentic self.
VirtualAvailable

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Open-minded

Specialties

Military/Veterans
Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
+10
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in South Texas, dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health support. With experience working with diverse populations, including children and teens, I specialize in helping clients navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. My approach is centered on creating a safe, supportive space where individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions while developing the tools they need to thrive. I have worked with clients facing a variety of concerns, including trauma and abuse, stress and anxiety, depression, family dynamics, gender identity exploration, and self-esteem challenges. My goal is to empower each person I work with by fostering growth, healing, and emotional well-being. No matter what you are facing, I am here to support you on your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
VirtualAvailable
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Military/Veterans
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
+7
I am a husband of 14 years, a father of a 11 y/o neurodivergent son and a 7 y/o precocious daughter, a veteran of the US Navy with 12 years served, including 1 deployment, and a geek. I am what the Japanese culture describes as an otaku, in that I work to support my passions. In my free time I enjoy video games (mostly on Nintendo Switch), movies (all kinds, although my favorite is the 2005 animated Transformers movie), books (current favorite author is Brandon Sanderson), and spending time with my family.
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 the state. 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 Military/Veterans?

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, Military/Veterans, 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 to expect during your first 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.