Compare 221 therapists in Ames, IA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
221
Therapists
100%
Accepting patients
7%
Most common: LMHC
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Ames has 221 therapists. The most common credential is LMHC (7%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Nearby hospitals include University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, and Blank Children's Hospital. Local training programs run through University of Iowa Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Iowa State University Department of Psychology.
The first session (often called an intake) lasts about 50 to 60 minutes. Your therapist will ask about your background, current concerns, goals, and any relevant history. They are not judging you; they are building a picture of how to help. Together you will set a direction for treatment. Follow-up sessions are usually weekly.
Consider seeing a therapist if you are struggling with persistent sadness or worry, difficulty sleeping, relationship conflicts, the aftermath of a traumatic event, a major life change (divorce, job loss, grief), substance use concerns, or simply feeling stuck. You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy.
Session (in-network copay): $20-50 · Session (out-of-network): $100-250 · Sliding scale: varies
Therapists use evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you understand anxiety triggers, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build practical coping skills that work in real life.
Therapy for depression helps you identify the patterns keeping you stuck and develop strategies to re-engage with life. Most people notice meaningful shifts within eight to twelve sessions.
Whether you are navigating conflict with a partner, family tension, or patterns that keep showing up in your relationships, therapy offers a space to understand what is happening and change course.
Chronic stress erodes your health, your focus, and your patience. Therapy helps you identify what you can change, set boundaries where you need them, and build resilience for what you cannot control.
Losing someone you love changes everything. Therapy provides a safe space to process grief at your own pace, without anyone telling you to move on before you are ready.
Ames, IA has 221 licensed therapists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of therapists in Ames, IA are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
The most commonly accepted carriers among therapists in Ames, IA include qhp-25896, qhp-93078, qhp-17091, unitedhealthcare, and medicare. Coverage and in-network status vary by provider, so it is worth confirming directly with the office before scheduling. FindClarity shows accepted insurance for each provider.
In-network sessions typically have a copay of $20 to $50. Out-of-network sessions cost $100 to $250 per session. Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Actual costs in Ames, IA depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Mental health parity laws require most insurance plans to cover therapy at the same level as medical care. Out-of-network therapists are common in this field. Ask about superbills for possible insurance reimbursement.
Finding the right therapist is personal. Consider their specialization and therapeutic approach, and whether the fit feels right. Ames, IA has 221 therapists. Many offer a brief phone consultation before the first session. FindClarity lets you filter by insurance, telehealth availability, and focus area.
Some therapists in Ames, IA accept Iowa Medicaid (Iowa Health Link), the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers mental health services in all states. The number of covered sessions and provider types vary by state. Some states require prior authorization for ongoing therapy. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Iowa Medicaid (Iowa Health Link) participation before scheduling.
Most people in therapy attend weekly sessions, especially at the start. As symptoms improve, sessions may shift to every two weeks or monthly before tapering off entirely. The right frequency depends on your needs and goals. With 221 therapists in Ames, IA, you can search on FindClarity to find a provider who fits your schedule.
Top accepted carriers in Ames, IA include qhp-25896, qhp-93078, qhp-17091, unitedhealthcare, and medicare.
Mental health parity laws require most insurance plans to cover therapy at the same level as medical care. You will typically pay a copay or coinsurance per session. Check whether your plan requires a referral, how many sessions are covered per year, and whether your therapist is in-network. Out-of-network therapists are common. Ask about superbills for possible reimbursement.