Compassionate, experienced clinicians here to support your growth and healing.
Our therapists bring diverse backgrounds, specialties, and lived experiences to provide thoughtful, client-centered care. We all have training and expertise as being generalist and trauma-informed clinicians, and then each of us also has different specialty areas of focus through extra training and experience. Whether you’re navigating stress, trauma, relationships, or life transitions, we’ll work alongside you to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered.
LMSW
Accepting Clients Ages 15 & Up
Kari is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) in both Iowa and Indiana with extensive experience supporting children, families, and older adults who have experienced trauma. She has worked across a variety of settings, including residential programs, in-home services, and nursing facilities, gaining experience with individuals and families of all ages and needs. Kari is currently pursuing her Independent Licensure and is excited to guide clients on their journey toward growth and healing.
Her approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and client-centered. Treatment is guided by you, with Kari providing support and expertise along the way. She uses a mix of evidence-based modalities tailored to each client’s needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interference-based CBT (I-CBT), and Brainspotting, to help clients navigate challenges related to anxiety, relationships, OCD, self-esteem, and trauma. Kari strives to create a supportive, laid-back, and non-judgmental space where clients can feel safe exploring and overcoming their barriers.
Outside of work, Kari is a mother of three and manages a lively household with a whole lot of pets on her family’s cattle farm. She also coaches her children’s sports, including basketball, softball, and volleyball, and is a proud Indiana Hoosiers fan. Kari is available to clients in both Iowa and Indiana via telehealth and looks forward to joining alongside you in your journey toward betterment.
T-LMHC
Accepting Clients Ages 9 & Up
Jeremy Voss is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. His professional background is diverse and community-focused, including work with veterans, experience teaching in elementary schools, and leadership within non-profit community development organizations. These roles have shaped a practical, collaborative approach to therapy that emphasizes partnership, flexibility, and meaningful change.
Jeremy’s clinical work is grounded in evidence-based care. He is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) for OCD. He primarily uses CBT-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and exposure-based interventions, often integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support deeper understanding and lasting change. His work commonly focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, substance use, and relationship challenges, while remaining adaptable to each client’s unique goals and concerns-with a special passion for helping veterans, parents, and teachers.
Jeremy believes therapy works best when it feels like a partnership. Together, he and his clients work to understand patterns, build steady coping skills, ease difficult thoughts, and create change that feels realistic and aligned with what matters most. He strives to create a space that is supportive, grounded, and welcoming, meeting clients where they are and moving forward one step at a time. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what comes next, Jeremy believes everything is figureoutable and that you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Outside of therapy, Jeremy is a Purple Heart Army veteran. He has coached high school football and Little League baseball and currently works as a substitute teacher in West Des Moines. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors and, when inside, playing board games with his family.
LMSW
Accepting Clients Ages 16 & Up
Leslie Henter is a licensed Master’s level Social Worker with over seven years of experience in community-based mental health settings. Her work has spanned direct care, case management, and therapy, giving her a broad perspective on the needs of clients across all ages. Leslie’s approach is trauma-informed, holistic, and strengths-based, prioritizing collaboration so that clients are empowered to lead their own growth while she provides guidance, tools, and support along the way. She primarily addresses concerns such as anxiety, stress, attachment/relationship wounds, depression, trauma, PTSD, OCD, and self-esteem. She Specializes in working with moms navigating perinatal related concerns, as well as young adults, and attachment trauma.
Leslie’s therapy style emphasizes creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where trust and openness can flourish. She believes therapy is a partnership: you are the driver, and she is a passenger cheering you on. Using evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, I-CBT, and Brainspotting, Leslie helps clients identify unmet needs, explore challenges, and design actionable plans to move their lives forward. She supports clients in mapping out goals, building coping skills, and discovering ways to show up for themselves consistently.
Outside of therapy, Leslie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading thrillers, and staying active outdoors. You might catch her biking on trails or going for walks. She looks forward to meeting new clients and supporting them on their journey toward personal growth and wellness.
T-LMHC
Accepting Clients Ages 9 & Up
Alex Bitting is a passionate and dedicated Licensed Therapist (T-LMHC) with experience supporting individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, and adults. As a transgender male, military veteran, adoptee, adoptive parent, and former mobile crisis first responder with the Des Moines Police Department, Alex brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to his counseling practice. His approach is trauma-informed, relational, and practical, providing care that is inclusive, affirming, and tailored to each client’s needs.
Alex works with a diverse range of clients, including queer youth and adults, trauma survivors, and military veterans, addressing issues such as identity exploration, trauma, self-harm, suicide prevention, relationship challenges, and life transitions. He is known for balancing deep empathy and compassion with direct, honest, and practical guidance, creating a space where clients feel affirmed, understood, and supported. Sessions are collaborative, flexible, and designed to provide real insight, clarity, and tools that clients can use in their everyday lives.
Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with his family, playing board games, exploring new foods, and embracing the excitement of everyday life. He also enjoys DIY projects, sports, concerts, traveling, and building lasting memories through a strong support system and regular self-care. Alex is excited to continue his journey as a counselor and looks forward to supporting his clients in their pursuit of healing and growth.
T-LMHC
Accepting Clients Ages 13 & Up
Kinsey Hauser is a dedicated mental health counselor providing therapy to individuals ages 5 and up. She creates a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where clients can explore challenges and work toward meaningful growth. Kinsey is committed to walking alongside her clients, helping them navigate life’s struggles and guiding them toward the life they aspire to lead. Her sessions are welcoming, trauma-informed, and personalized, and often include the company of her two therapy dogs, Sydni and Lena, for clients who enjoy animal-assisted support.
Kinsey earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Animal Science from Iowa State University and her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Drake University. She has provided care across diverse settings, including inpatient psychiatric facilities, university police departments, K-12 schools, equine-assisted psychotherapy programs, and outpatient care. Kinsey has experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem concerns, eating disorders, phobias, OCD, and relationship challenges. She is especially passionate about working with phobias, eating disorders, and OCD.
Outside of work, Kinsey enjoys spending time with her husband and son, walking her four golden retrievers, and curling up with a good book. Her warm, supportive approach helps clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take meaningful steps toward healing and growth.
LMSW
Accepting Clients Ages 13 & Up
Elle is a licensed therapist with experience working in middle and high schools as well as outpatient settings, supporting teens, young adults, and families through difficult emotional and relational challenges. Teens and young adults often carry emotional burdens shaped by past experiences that can feel confusing or difficult to articulate. Elle supports individuals during this important stage of life as they navigate complex and transformative challenges. Together, clients explore how past experiences may be influencing the present and how different parts of themselves may be responding to current struggles with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relational conflict, or self-esteem.
Her approach is warm and collaborative, focused on creating a space where clients feel safe to explore all parts of themselves at their own pace. This may include getting to know protective parts that work to keep individuals safe, as well as vulnerable parts that carry pain. Elle uses evidence-based approaches such as Internal Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support this process.
Outside of work, Elle enjoys exercising, scouring Pinterest for new cooking recipes, reading, and watching movies and TV shows. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy exploring new restaurants, traveling, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones, except when they play each other. Go Hawks!
MS, LMHC, SOTP-II, AASECT
Accepting Clients Ages 18 & Up
Rachel is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who is a Sex Therapist certified by the American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) as well as a Sex Offender Treatment Provider (Level II) recognized by the Iowa Board for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (IBTSA). She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas (2017) and has over eight years of experience supporting teens, adults, couples, and families. Rachel has worked in community mental health, residential adolescent care, private practice, and telehealth platforms, with extensive experience collaborating with juvenile court and HHS systems around sexual abuse. Her training includes Level 2 Gottman Couples Therapy as well as sex therapy training through The Buehler Institute and Modern Sex Therapy Institute. She is also a Clinical Member of the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA) and serves as Secretary on the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) board.
In a safe and supportive environment, Rachel works with individuals, couples, and families to explore and challenge difficult emotions, beliefs, and behaviors while building on their unique strengths. Her approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and focused on empowering clients to lead healthier, more functional lives. As a sex therapist, she works with a diverse range of clients addressing topics such as sexual shame and trauma, sexual functioning, couples work, LGBTQ+ concerns, kink and BDSM, and sexual wellness, education, and development. Rachel is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental and sexual health and creating space for meaningful growth and change.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys traveling, rewatching Parks and Recreation, and spending quality time with her spicy cat, Poppy.
LISW
Accepting Clients Ages 13 & Up
Alicia Wright is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 10 years of experience providing therapy to children, teens, and adults. She is trained in multiple evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Care, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. Alicia creates a warm, supportive, and client-centered environment where healing happens through collaboration, empowerment, and honoring each person’s unique story.
Alicia specializes in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, postpartum mental health challenges, substance use, life transitions, grief, family conflict, and other emotional or behavioral concerns. Her approach focuses on providing practical tools for daily life while also creating space for deeper emotional understanding and personal growth. She offers both in-person and telehealth therapy for clients of all ages.
Born and raised in Des Moines, Alicia is proud to serve the community she calls home. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, spending time with her family, and savoring a good cup of coffee.
If you’re seeking a therapist who will walk alongside you with compassion, honesty, and encouragement, Alicia is ready to support your journey toward clarity, resilience, and hope.
LISW
Accepting Clients Ages 3 & Up
Alexis Lively is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who provides therapy for children, teens, adults, and older adults. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their own journey on their own terms. Alexis believes therapy isn’t about being “broken”—it’s about building tools to understand yourself, navigate life’s challenges, and create lasting change.
Alexis graduated from Colorado State University with a Master’s in Social Work and has experience across community-based, school-based, and long-term care settings. She is trained in multiple evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Therapy, and strengths-based approaches. She specializes in supporting clients with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and family conflict. Alexis hopes to become a certified play therapist in the future.
In her free time, Alexis enjoys reading, listening to music, practicing and teaching yoga (including children’s yoga), going on walks, exploring new places with friends, and spending time with her husband and cats.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply need someone to talk to, Alexis offers a compassionate, collaborative approach to help you feel seen, heard, and supported on your path to growth and healing.
Intern-Therapist
Accepting Clients Ages 5 & Up
Penelope Doremus is a mental health counseling intern who believes healing works best when we consider the whole person—mind and body. She integrates evidence-based counseling with principles of integrative and functional nutrition, informed by her Functional Nutrition Certificate of Practice, to help clients move beyond quick fixes and better understand what contributes to how they feel.
Penelope’s journey to counseling began as an elementary and special education teacher, where she witnessed firsthand how early experiences shape the way we relate to ourselves, others, and the world. That foundation continues to inform her work, deepening her commitment to compassionate, whole-person care.
She works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, major life transitions, and integrated weight management, with a special focus on supporting those who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward.
Outside of work, Penelope enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing the piano, and writing.
