Therapists for Foster & Adoptive Familes
IFAPA has created a list of Mental Health Professionals in Iowa. This list contains therapists who have experience working with foster and adoptive families. They are categorized by DHS Service Area. If you have a therapist experienced in foster care and adoption related issues that does not appear on this list, please send an e-mail to Crystal Thomason at cthomason@ifapa.org with your therapist name and contact info. IFAPA will contact the therapist about being included as a resource on our website.
Great Resource for Families!
The Child Welfare Information Gateway has a great fact sheet for selecting a therapist. This resource explains the various types of mental health professionals (i.e. psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist) and the various approaches to therapy (i.e. play therapy, family therapy, cognitive therapy)
and gives pointers for selecting the right therapist for your family's needs.
VIEW FACT SHEET
Please note: This page is accurate to IFAPA's knowledge. The information posted below has been provided to us by each individual therapist. Please be sure to always verify that a therapist accepts your insurance / Medicaid before attending any sessions.
Western Service Area
Berneeta Wagoner, MSW
Southwest Iowa Families Inc
215 E Washington
Clarinda, IA 51632
712-542-3501
swfamilies@mediacombb.net
Services provided: play therapy, individual counseling, family counseling, group work
Specialties: play therapy, group work for behavioral disordered kids, victims of physical or sexual abuse or neglect.
Ages served: 0-18
Insurances accepted: Most all insurances will pay
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm, other appts as needed
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: I have worked with many foster and adoptive families. I have been in practice for over 30 years.
Other training: have attended numerous DHS and other workshops/training.
Lucia Beckendorf
Southwest Iowa Families Inc
215 E Washington
Clarinda, IA 51632
712-542-3501
swfamilies@mediacombb.net
Services provided: Counseling and Behavioral Health (BHIS)
Specialties: Fluent Spanish speakers
Ages served: 4 - Adult
Insurances accepted: Title 19
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Yes
Other training: PCIT
Amy Riessland
Center for Healing and Hope
427 E. Kanesville Blvd, Suite 102
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
712-256-9660
amy@healingandhopellc.com
Services provided: Mental health therapy for children, teens and adults. I am a registered play therapist (RPT).
Specialties: Play therapy, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Ages served: All
Insurances accepted: Majority
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Yes - If I don't have an opening there are also 6 other therapists in my office - two other RPT.
Experience working with foster/adoptive families:I have worked with several families in nine years of therapy experience.
Shellie Matt
Family Connections
500 Willow Ave, Suite 305
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
smatt@fmlyconn.omhcoxmail.com
Services provided: Family, individual, group counseling
Specialties: Behavior disorders, ADHD, adolescent issues, school issues, substance abuse, adjustment issues, learning disabilities
Ages served: Youth, adolescent and adult
Insurances accepted: BC/BS
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Yes
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Yes
Other training: Evaluation, assessment for social, emotional, behavior, cognitive and/or academic issues - special education evaluations.
Barb Gobel, LISW
Family Connections
500 Willow Ave, Suite 305
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
barbLISW@hotmail.com
Services provided: Individual & family therapy, play therapy
Specialties: Reactive Attachment Disorder, PTSD, EMDR therapy
Ages served: 2-20
Insurances accepted: BC/BS, United Bahvioral Health, Value Options
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Yes
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Yes within a week, some Saturdays
Other training: Eye movement Desensitization Rapid Therapy and training and treating RAD & PTSD
Laurie A. Licari, LISW
Family Connections
500 Willow Ave, Suite 305
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
llicari@fmlyconn.omhcoxmail.com
Services provided: Mental health therapy for individuals, families, couples, parent/child reunification
Specialties: Play, art, bibliotherapy, dialectic behaviors, therapy skills - solution focused
Ages served: age 2 & up
Insurances accepted: Medicaid, BCBS, Midlands Choice, Aetna, Cigna
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available:M-F (10am-7pm), Sat., by appt.
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Yes
Other training: EMDR, senior issues
Lynnette Aschinger, LISW
Lutheran Family Service of Iowa
Zion Lutheran Church -
Denison (Mondays)
Grace Lutheran Church - Storm Lake (Tuesdays)
St. Paul's Lutheran Church - Ida Grove (Wednesdays)
St. Paul's Lutheran Church - Carroll (Thursdays)
For appts, call:
712-276-9000
Services provided: Outpatient therapy
Specialties: Sexual abuse, victimization/loss issues, attachment disorders, play therapy
Ages served: 3 & up
Insurances accepted: Majority of insurance
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Approx 20% of caseload is foster/adoptive children/families.
Other training: Extensive training in foster care, adoption, attachment disorders, abuse, grief and loss, play therapy and sexual abuse.
Deborah L. Pfeiffer
Whispering Pines Counseling, LLC
211 North Locust
Glenwood, IA 51534
712-527-2102
Services provided: Individual, family and couples therapy
Specialties: Depression, anger, ADHD, grief and loss, anxiety, PTSD, sexual abuse, EMDR
Ages served: 6 & up
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Yes
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Yes
Rachel Valentine, MA, LMHC
Bethany Christian Services Of Northwest Iowa
123 Albany Ave SE
Orange City, IA 51041
712-737-4831
Services provided: individual and family therapy; specialized support groups; ADOPTS trauma-informed therapy for long-term foster and adoptive placements
Specialties: abuse/neglect, adjustment issues, adoption/attachment issues, anxiety and depression, behavioral/learning difficulties, developmental concerns, eating disorders, grief/loss, infertility, marital difficulties, medical trauma, miscarriage, parenting skills, peer/sibling conflicts, post-abortion, separation/divorce, sensory processing issues, and stress/anger management.
Ages served: 0-65+
Insurances accepted: Most all insurances will pay
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday (8:00-8:00), Wednesday (8:00-4:00), Thursday (8:00-4:00), Friday (8:00-4:00)
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: In practice for 8 years with specialized training and history of working with foster/adoptive families.
Other training: ADOPTS/ARC Structured training, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Lifespan Integration Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Eating Disorder Therapy
Marty Wallace, LMHC, RPT/S, attachment, trauma, bonding specialist
Creative Living Center
1905 10th Street
Rock Valley, IA 51247
712-476-5245
mwallace@hickorytech.net
Services provided: child, adolescent, and young adult therapy, play therapy, theraplay, filial therapy, attachment therapy, dyadic therapy
Specialties: Attachment therapy, transferring the bond, play therapy, theraplay, filial therapy
Ages served: 3-17
Insurances accepted: Most insurance
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday & Tuesday 9am-9pm, Wednesday & Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
Degree held: MA Ed Psych, LMHC, RPT/S
Other training: attachment disorders, support group management
Valorie & Matthew Royster
Royster & Royster, PLLC
204 West Maple Street
Cherokee, IA 51012
712-225-5344
valorie@roystercounseling.com
Services provided: Mental health counseling
Specialties:sexual behaviors
Ages served:5-adult
Insurances accepted: BCBS, Tricare, Title 19, Avera, Sanford, Midland's Choice
Accepts Medicaid? yes
Appointments available: call for appt
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: We are licensed foster parents and have also adopted.
Other training: Iowa Board for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders
Carolyn Phillips, LISW
A Brighter Tomorrow
505 5th Street, Ste 337
Sioux City, IA 51101
712-224-2892
abrightertomorrow@longlines.com
Services provided: mental health therapy and counseling, assessments
Specialties: foster care and adoption
Ages served: 3-63
Insurances accepted: BCBS, other private insurances
Accepts Medicaid? yes
Appointments available: M-F 8:45am to 4:15pm, evening vary
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Have treated over 100 families
Other training: Adoption Specialist Training
Northern Service Area
Barb Lind, MSW
The People Place
209 Franklin St. Suite 4
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-277-7218
heyitsbarb@gmail.com
Services provided: Individual, Family & Relationship Counseling, Play Therapy, EMDR, Filial Therapy, Attachment Therapy
Specialties:Trauma & Attachment, Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health, Play Therapy, Foster & Adoptive Families
Ages served: Infant to Adult
Insurances accepted: Most
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays (9am-6pm), Mondays & Wednesdays (9am-7pm)
Other training: Foster/Adoptive Parent, taken both NOVA & PS-MAPP classes, advance training in promoting attachment and treating attachment disorders.
Kate Haberman, LISW
Monarch Therapy Services Inc.
505 Coates St - Parkersburg
3356 Kimball Ave - Ste 5 - Waterloo
406 W. Bremer - Waverly
319-231-9399
khaberman@monarchtherapyservices.com
Services provided: Individual, Family & Play Therapy, Group Therapy, BHIS Services, Child Mental Health Waiver
Specialties: Attachment, Sexuality & Gender, Family
Ages served: 4 & up
Insurances accepted: All
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Yes
Other training: I am a foster/adoptive parent. Training in play therapy and attachment.
M. Brigid Christianson, LISW, RPT-S
North Iowa Therapy Associates
103 E State Street, Suite 701
Mason City, IA 50475
641-423-3864
brigidc@internet2go.biz
Services provided: Individual, Family, Group, Play Therapy
Specialties: children, adolescents, families
Ages served: 3 & up
Insurances accepted: All
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday - Thursday 8am-5:30pm
Experience with foster care & adoption: 10 years experience
Chidi Ojinnaka
Counseling & Mediation Center
110 3rd Ave SW
Independence, IA 50644
319-332-0151
comedctr@indytel.com
Services provided:Therapy, counseling and mediation
Ages served: All
Insurances accepted: Blue cross, UnitedHealthcare, Title XIX, Midlands Choice
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Call for appt times
Other training: Parent child interaction therapy
Eastern Service Area
Margy Hendershott, LISW
Family Counseling & Psychology Center, P.C.
2485 Tech Drive
Bettendorf, IA 52722
563-355-1611
m.hendershott@qcfamilycounseling.com
Services provided: Individual and family therapy with children, adolescents, adults
Specialties: children, adolescent and family therapy, trauma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, behavior problems
Ages served: 5 & up
Insurances accepted: All major insurance and many others
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Call for appt times
Experience with foster care & adoption: 25 years experience
Tina R. Flaherty, LISW
Family Counseling & Psychology Center, P.C.
2485 Tech Drive
Bettendorf, IA 52722
563-355-1611
t.flaherty@qcfamilycounseling.com
Services provided: Individual, couple and family therapy
Specialties: Trauma, anxiety, depression
Ages served: All
Insurances accepted: Call to check on insurance coverage
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available:Mondays 8am to 9pm and Tuesdays through Fridays 8am to 4pm
Experience with foster care & adoption: Was a therapist in residential treatment facility and in spec. foster care programs and worked for DHS.
Laura Tackett, LCSW, LISW
Family Counseling & Psychology Center, P.C.
2485 Tech Drive
Bettendorf, IA 52722
563-355-1611
l.tackett@qcfamilycounseling.com
Services provided: Individual & family therapy, play therapy
Specialties: Children, adolescents, families, behavior issues, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, abuse
Ages served: children/teens (3-18 years) adults, families
Insurances accepted: Most major insurances
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Call for appt times
Experience with foster care & adoption: 5+ years
Emily Clifton, LMSW
Lutheran Services in Iowa
315 5th Ave So., Clinton, IA 52732 (563-243-8200 or 888-457-4692)
111 W. 15th St, Davenport, IA 52803 (563-322-7419 or 888-457-4692)
emily.clifton@lsiowa.org
Services provided: Individual, family & play therapy, and assessment as needed
Specialties: Autism, Spectrum Disorders, behavior disorders, including anger management, mood disorders, trauma and attachment, abuse, homelessness, GLBT issue, and anxiety disorders
Ages served: 4 & up
Insurances accepted: Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tri-Care and private pay
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Call for appt times
Experience with foster care & adoption: I have worked with youth and adolescents in the foster care system in a variety of capacities for over 5 years.
Teri Hughes-Paulline, LISW
Psychology Health Group
2102 E 388th Street
Davenport, IA 52807
563-359-4049
Services provided: Outpatient therapy for children, adolescents, adults and family
Specialties: children, adolescent and family therapy
Ages served: 10 & up
Insurances accepted: Most, check with your provider
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Call for appt times
Experience with foster care & adoption: 35 years experience
Yvette Saeugling
Crossroads Counseling Center, LLC
909 Main Street, Suite 505
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-556-0699
yvette@crossroadsdbq.com
Services provided: Individual & family therapy, play therapy, theraplay, DDP
Specialties: Attachment, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adoption, foster care, relationships
Ages served: Infant to Adult
Insurances accepted: All major insurances
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday - Friday
Other training: EMDR, Theraplay, DDP (Dyadic, Developmental Psychology on attachment and trauma approach
Cedar Rapids Service Area
Steven Washler, LISW
Cedar Centre
1730 1st Ave
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-365-3993
Services provided: Individual, couples and family counseling
Specialties: Family relationships, parent/child management issues, ADHD, ODD
Ages served: School age through adulthood
Insurances accepted: Yes
Accepts Medicaid? Unknown
Appointments available: Monday – Friday, 8am to 6:15pm
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Many over the last 25 years
Brad VanGorkom
Harmonic Family LLC
1935 1st Ave SE, Suite D
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-531-1158
brad@harmonicfamily.com
Services provided: Individual, family and group therapy
Specialties: Anxiety, PTSD, trauma
Ages served: 3 to 20
Insurances accepted: XIX, BC/BS, Midlands Choice, First Administrators, ect.
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Call to schedule
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Yes
Other training: TF-CBT and CPC Linkage
Sandra Fischer, PsyD
Horizons, A Family Service Alliance
819 5th Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319-398-3943
sfischer@horizonsfamily.org
Services provided: Individual therapy
Specialties: Childhood trauma, TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy), adjustment issues, children with sexual behavior problems (ages 5-10)
Ages served: 5 to 14
Insurances accepted: most major insurances, EAP benefits
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: 8am-4pm (Monday-Friday)
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Over five years of experience working with children in foster care.
Other training: ITCT (integrated treatment of complex trauma); numberous trainings on sexual abuse
Farrah Bonde, LISW
Coralville Family Counseling
1754 5th Street
Coralville, IA 52241
319-338-1052
farrahbonde@yahoo.com
Services provided: Individual and family therapy for children and adults, theraplay techniques, play therapy, EMDR, narrative therapy, attachment and bonding therapy
Specialties: Attachment related trauma/reactive attachment disorder, grief, loss, abuse, depression, anxiety, stress management, and emotional and behavioral issues in children
Ages served: all ages of children and adults served
Insurances accepted: All major insurances accepted as well as EAP benefits
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday – Thursday 9am-5:30pm
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: 11 years experience and have treated hundreds of foster and adoptive families
Other training: EMDR, Registered Attachment Clinician training, training in Theraplay techniques, several hundred hours of specialized training in complex trauma and attachment disruptions, narrative therapy, play therapy, etc.
Katie Barreras, LISW
Coralville Family Counseling
1754 5th Street
Coralville, IA 52241
319-338-1052
katiebarreras@gmail.com
Services provided: Individual and family therapy
Specialties: Play-based therapies, pre and post adoption counseling, foster care counseling, child emotional and behavioral disorders
Ages served: Ages 3-12 and their parents
Insurances accepted: Yes, all major
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday – Thursday, evening appointment available
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Have treated 150 foster/adoptive families
Other training: Ten years of experience in family centered and foster care and adoption services. Multiple training and workshops related to child mental health, adoption, foster care, play therapy.
Denise L. Best, LMHC, RAC
Adoption and Attachment Treatment Center of Iowa
1929 Keokuk St
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-338-2722
denisebest@mchsi.com
Services provided: Specialist in Attachment and Bonding Treatment, specialized trauma therapy; theraputic parenting for traumatized children presetner across US, child and adolescent therapy, marriage and family therapy, adoption & behavioral assessments, grief/loss counseling, training & education of attachment-trauma to professionals & parents
Specialties: Attachment and bonding therapy, therapeutic parenting training program & manual, dyadic developmental psychotherapy, narrative therapy, & trauma & loss program
Ages served: 2-17 and their families
Insurances accepted: Most major companies - please call to confirm
Accepts Medicaid? No
Appointments available: Monday – Friday 10am-8pm
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Have 25 years experience in mental health and has been in private practice for 14 years with a focus on children and their families.
Other training: Registered attachment clinician, attend ATTACh conference yearly, NACAC, Trauma & Loss Institute, EMDR, and 150 hours of specialized parent training.
Jen Sacora, MA, LMHC, NCC
United Action for Youth
410 Iowa Ave
Iowa City, IA 52241
319-338-7518
jen.sacora@unitedactionforyouth.org
Services provided: Outpatient individual and family therapy
Specialties: Expressive modalities including play, art and sand tray; addressing "missed capacities" of individuals with attachment deficiencies, trauma/abuse/neglect, anxiety and depression
Ages served: 12-18 and some young adults and their families
Insurances accepted: BC/BS, Hawk-i and other insurances, call for more info
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday – Friday, including Mon, Tues and Wed evenings.
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Have treated many over the last 12 years
Other training: Developmental attachment training and on-going supervision with Holly VanGulden; ten years experience providing Family Foster Care and Adoption Services contracted through DHS; attended several workshops and trainings, including NACAC.
Jamie Berger, LISW
Creating Connections Counseling, PLLC
306 Scott Court
Iowa City, IA 52245
319-351-1381
www.creatingconnectionsic.com
Services provided: Individual therapy, family therapy, support for therapeutic parenting, EMDR, and phone consultation
Specialties: Adoption, attachment & trauma
Ages served: 5 & up
Insurances accepted: BCBS, Midlands Choice, Aetna, First Administrators
Accepts Medicaid?No
Appointments available: 9am-8pm (Monday-Thursday)
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Caseload of exclusively adoptive families for the past five years
Other training: Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma & Loss Institute, 800 hours of training in Attachment Therapy
Becky Grabe, LISW
Corridor Christian Counseling Center, LLC
655 Libery Way, Suite 6 - PO Box 667
North Liberty, IA 52317
319-665-2137
beckyg@southslope.net
Services provided: Individual therapy to children, adolescents and young adults, while incorporating parenting support and family/sibling sessions.
Specialties: Primary evidence based treatment specialities include PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy) primarily for ADHD, ODD, strained parent/child relationships and attachment issues, TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for trauma victims, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for depression and anxiety, and play therapy techniques.
Ages served:2-40
Insurances accepted: Most - please inquire
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: 9am-5pm (Monday-Thursday), some evenings until 7pm
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Yes
Rebecca Dickinson, LISW
First Resources Corporation
1907 17th Ave E
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
641-673-1421
rdson@firstresources.us
Services provided: Individual, couples, family and play therapy for children, youth and adults
Specialties: Specialize in working with children with both directive and non-directive play therapy. Utilize a variety of therapeutic styles based on client needs. Individualized treatment for each client/family.
Ages served: Ages 3 to Adult
Insurances accepted: BCBS of Iowa, Midlands Choice, American Behavioral EAP, EFR EAP, Magellan, Interplan Health Group-Humana
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: M – F 8am-5pm, some flexibility based on client needs; Tuesday & Thurs in Ottumwa office
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Have treated 15 foster/adoptive families. I have been a licensed foster parent since Feb. 2010. I have worked in residential treatment and worked abroad in London England as a child protection social worker which included investigating reports of abuse, removing children from birth families and placing then in foster care.
Des Moines Service Area
Gregory Barclay, MD
Barclay & Associates, PC
1525 Airport Road, Suite 101
Ames, IA 50010
515-292-3023
www.drbarclay.com
Services provided: Evaluation, individual and family therapy. I have over 20 years of experience working with children, teens and parents involved in adoption, attachment and relinquishment issues. Medications, although useful as an adjunct, are not my primary focus.
Specialties: Teens with adoption/relinquishment issues, substance abuse, & conduct/personality disorder
Ages served: under 40, specializing in children, teens and families
Insurances accepted: Wellmark BCBS of Iowa, Health Alliance, Midlands Choice
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: M-F 8:40am - 5:00pm
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Have treated over 200 families
Kim Abbey, LMHC, CCDP
Barclay & Associates, PC
1525 Airport Road, Suite 101
Ames, IA 50010
515-292-3023
www.drbarclay.com
Services provided: Individual & family counseling
Specialties: attachment, relinquishment and parenting therapy
Ages served: 10 - adult
Insurances accepted: Wellmark BCBS of Iowa, Health Alliance, Midlands Choice
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: M-F 8:40am - 6:00pm
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Have treated over 100 families
Sue Stidwell, LMHC, LMSW
Barclay & Associates, PC
1525 Airport Road, Suite 101
Ames, IA 50010
515-292-3023
www.drbarclay.com
Services provided: Individual and family therapy
Specialties: Parenting skills, anger management skills, working with children 4 & up, parents, foster parents
Ages served: 4 & up
Insurances accepted: BCBS, Title 19, First Administrators
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Appts available Monday through Thursday
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: experience with foster care
Other training: Nurturing Skills Program
Dustin D. Ernberger, LMHC
Barclay & Associates, PC
1525 Airport Road, Suite 101
Ames, IA 50010
515-292-3023
www.drbarclay.com
Services provided: Mental Health Assessment, Therapy (Individual, Play, Family Group)
Ages served: 4 - Adult
Insurances accepted: Wellmark, UBH, Aetna, First Administrators, Value-Options, Midlands Choice
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: 17 years experience providing therapy to children in foster care
Alyson Popes, LISW
Barclay & Associates, PC
1525 Airport Road, Suite 101
Ames, IA 50010
515-292-3023
www.drbarclay.com
Services provided: Therapy - Individual, Couples, Family
Specialties: Trauma, depression, anxiety, EMDR therapy
Ages served: Kids age 6 & up, teens, adults
Insurances accepted: Wellmark, UBH, Midlands
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: 9:30am - 8:30pm
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: yes
Other training: EMDR training
Warren H. Phillips, Ph.D.
Central Iowa Psychological Services
319 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
515-233-1122
whp@iowacounseling.com
Services provided: Psychological testing and individual and family psychotherapy with children, teens and families
Specialties: ADHD, learning disorders, autism-spectrum disorders, pediatric bipolar disorder(s), anxiety disorders and OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder
Ages served: 5 years through age 18
Insurances accepted: All major insurances including Wellmark, Tricare, Coventry United Behavioral Health, Value Options
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: 11am to 5pm (Monday - Friday)
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: I have treated over 200 families
Other training: I have provided trainings for IFAPA on many topics for several years including behavior problems, ADHD, pediatric bipolar disorder, sexual abuse, and behavior management/parenting.
Joann Seeman-Smith, Ph.D.
Central Iowa Psychological Services
319 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
515-233-1122
jcs@iowacounseling.com
Services provided: Individual, family and play therapy. Evaluations and assessments as needed.
Specialties: Play therapy, ADHD, anxiety, depression, fostering positive attachment, behavior disorders, autism spectrum disorders.
Ages served: ages 2 & up
Insurances accepted: Many, call the office for specific details
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: 8am to 6pm (Monday - Friday)
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: I have worked with many foster and adoptive families over the years.
Other training: I present an IFAPA training on behavior modification techniques.
Matthew T. Hiveley, Ph.D., LMHC
Central Iowa Psychological Services
2515 University Blvd, Suite 102
Ames, IA 50010
515-233-1122
mth@iowacounseling.com
Services provided: Therapy/counseling to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Specialties: I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Couple and Family Therapist and I specialize in the areas of relationships, communication, general parenting, adolescent concerns, separation/divorce, grief/loss, self-esteem, anger management, stress management, depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and adult symptoms of Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Ages served: Children through adulthood
Insurances accepted: Virtually all insurances
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday (9am-8pm); Tuesday - Friday (9am-4pm)
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Many experiences over the past 10 plus years.
Summer K. Brunscheen, Ph.D.
Central Iowa Psychological Services
319 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
515-233-1122
skb@iowacounseling.com
Services provided: Individual and family therapy, psychological testing
Specialties: ADHD, LD's, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder
Ages served: ages 4 & older, primarily children and teens
Insurances accepted: Almost all: contact our office for a complete listing
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday thru Thursday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: I have worked with over two dozen families.
Pamela Osuch, M.S.
Abundant Life Counseling
111 Lynn Ave., Suite 5
Ames, IA 50014
515-257-1101
pamelaosuch@juno.com
Services provided: Counseling for anxiety, depression, attachment issues, behavior problems, co-dependency, domestic violence, sexual abuse, spiritual crisis and substance abuse.
Specialties: Licensed Mental Health Couselor, International Alcohol & Drug Counselor, trained in Filial play therapy and trauma focused cognituve behavior therapy
Ages served: 3 to 100
Insurances accepted: Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Midlands Choice, MHNet Behavioral Health, Title 19
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday - Friday, 11am to 6pm
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: I have been a foster and adoptive parent for the past six years. I have worked with families and children involved with DHS and the courts for the past 25 years.
Karen Combs, LISW
66684 110th Street
Mc Callsburg, IA 50154
641-487-7832 or 515-231-3476
karencombs@netins.net
Services provided: attachment therapy (parents are always in the room when working with the child), parent child interaction therapy (PCIT), child custody mediation, parenting skills, permanency mediation, information and referral
Specialties: attachment, trauma, assessment, adoption, foster care, parenting for attachment, family mediation, support, referral
Ages served: children 0-18 and their family
Insurances accepted: Call the office for details
Accepts Medicaid? Call the office for details
Appointments available: Generally Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Availability is affected by the needs of my family and the needs of the family being served.
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: 38 years of experience working in a variety of positions with foster and adoptive families; most recently in private practice. My husband and I have been foster parents and are adoptive parents. I understand the importance of always expanding my knowledge & skills in the fields of adoption, foster care, attachment, trauma, & parenting. Every year I attend educational and skill building conferences/trainings where professionals & parents are together to discuss current practices and new techniques in the field of adoption/foster care/attachment. Specialized training: child sexual abuse; transitioning children from foster care to adoption, Love & Logic Parent Instructor; Family & Child Custody Mediator, Professional Open Adoption Practitioner, Permanency Mediator, studied with Holly van Gulden, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Foster Parent Training, Treatment Level Foster Parent Training, Trainer for Adoption Pre-Service Classes, Trainer for PS-MAPP Classes, Trainer for Vision for Tomorrow Classes (NAMI), Parent Child Interation Therapy (PCIT).
Child Guidance Center / Orchard Place
808 5th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-2267
Tharmeyer@orchardplace.org
Services provided: individual, family and group therapy, psychological testing and evaluation, and psychiatric evaluation and med management, and early childhood and school-based therapy
Specialties: attachment, trauma, loss
Ages served: 0-18
Insurances accepted: most insurances accepted and sliding fee scale available for those uninsured.
Accepts Medicaid? yes
Appointments available: Monday - Thursday: 8am-7pm, Friday: 8am-5pm; therapy appointments are attempted to be scheduled within 10 business days from initial call
Other training: therapists have received extensive training on attachment, trauma and loss issues and their effects on children; evidenced based practice of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is often used
Gladys Noll-Alvarez, MSW, LISW
Child Guidance Center / Orchard Place
808 5th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-2267
galvarez@orchardplace.org
Services provided: individual, family, group therapy, attachment assessments and dyadic therapy
Specialties: young child who have been sexually abused and discovery work
Ages served: 0-18
Insurances accepted: All
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: I have treated over 200 families.
Other training: I have knowledge in attachment disorder, attachment assessment and dyadic therapy. I have worked extensively with the Juvenile court system with Model court and Court Improvement Project.
Pat Petersen, MSW, LISW
The Healing Center
4685 Merle Hay Road, Suite 108
Des Moines, IA 50322
515-201-9953
pjmpete@aol.com
Services provided: Talk and sandplay therapy
Specialties: depression, anxiety, domestic violence, relationship issues
Ages served: 6 - Adult
Insurances accepted: Yes
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday - Thursday 11- 7
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Training and expertise in the treatment of children, adolescents and adults.
Kenya J Randall, MS, LMHC, LPHA
Mosaic Family Counseling Center, Inc.
3705 Grand Ave, Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-724-8920
krandall@mosaicfamilyinc.com
See brochure
Services provided: mental health counseling
Specialties: E.M.D.R. Trauma Counseling
Ages served: Children, adults, couples and families
Insurances accepted: Medicaid, BCBS
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday-Friday (8am – 6pm)
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: 10+ years of working with foster and adoptive families
Molly Hayes, Psy.D.
Kavalier & Associates
1003 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-267-1003
Services provided: child and adolescent individual therapy, family therapy, psychological assessment
Specialties: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral problems, abuse/neglect/trauma, pervasive developmental disorders (Autism spectrum), ADHD, learning disorders
Ages served: 0-18
Insurances accepted: most major insurance plans accepted
Accepts Medicaid? no
Appointments available: Monday - Friday daytime, some early evening times available
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Training and expertise working with many families with foster/adoption issues. While practicing in community mental health, about 40-50% of my caseload was with children and adolescents who were in foster care or had been adopted. Experiences in coordinating treatment with a multidisciplinary team including DHS, remedial workers, school staff and other providers.
Bridget Bencke, LMHC, NCC, MA
Central Iowa Psychological Services
3737 Woodland Ave #415
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-222-1999
bbencke@iowacounseling.com
Services provided: Therapy for children, teens and families
Specialties: Depression/anxiety, grief work, behavioral issues
Ages served:3-21
Insurances accepted: Tricare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, First Health, MHNet, APS Health, Multi Plan, Aetna, Coventry, Cigna, Principal
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Monday (8am-5pm), Tuesday (10am-8pm), Wednesday (10am-7pm), Thursday
(8am-4pm), Friday (8am-3pm)
Experience working with foster/adoptive families: Several foster/adoptive children and families
Charlcie Y. Carey, LISW
Counseling for Growth & Change, LC
6959 University Ave
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
515-243-1020
Services provided: Individual, Couple & Family Therapy; Assessments
Specialties: Family foster care and adoption issues, attachment disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, grief & loss
Ages served: 8yrs to Adult
Insurances accepted: Wellmark BCBS and Midlands Choice; will negotiate fees for uninsured families
Accepts Medicaid? Yes
Appointments available: Mondays & Wednesdays (3pm-7pm)
Experience with foster care & adoption: Over 30 years of varied experience in child welfare with a major emphasis on family foster care and adoption.
Other training: Participate in on-going mental health and related training
Attention Mental Health Professionals
If you would like to be included on this resource list and have experience working with foster and adoptive families and practice in Iowa or near the Iowa border, please e-mail Crystal Thomason at cthomason@ifapa.org.
