Child therapists in Ames, Iowa IA
Find experienced child therapists in Ames who provide testing, counseling and support for children, and their families. Our directory features detailed therapist profiles so you can compare specialties, experience, and treatment approaches to find the provider that’s right for you.
Child or Adolescent Issues
Ashley Paulson
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, LIMHP, CHt
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is offered for children aged 2 to 7 years. Caregivers are actively involved in all sessions with their child. Issues such as defiance, behavioral issues, meltdowns/tantrums, insecurity in parenting, ADHD, and ODD are addressed.
14 Years Experience
Online in Ames, IA Iowa (Online Only)
Child or Adolescent Issues
Clear Path Counseling and Wellness Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA. LPC
Brad provides compassionate, trauma-informed counseling for children, adolescents, teens, and families facing emotional, behavioral, social, and mental health challenges. Growing up in today’s fast-paced world can be overwhelming for many children and teenagers, especially with increasing academic pressure, social stress, family conflict, bullying, anxiety, and the constant influence of social media. Many young people struggle silently with emotional overwhelm, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, isolation, trauma, or difficulty coping with everyday stressors.
Brad takes a holistic and personalized approach to child and adolescent therapy, helping young clients feel safe, supported, understood, and empowered throughout the counseling process. Therapy is tailored to each child or teen’s unique personality, experiences, emotional needs, and developmental stage. His goal is to help young people improve emotional well-being, strengthen confidence, develop healthier coping skills, and create more positive relationships at home, school, and socially.
Many children and adolescents experience emotional struggles connected to bullying, peer pressure, social media stress, family difficulties, trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, self-esteem issues, or major life transitions. Brad provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where children and teens can openly discuss difficult emotions, experiences, fears, or concerns without feeling criticized or misunderstood. No topic is off limits, and therapy is focused on helping young clients feel emotionally secure while working through the challenges affecting their lives.
As an experienced trauma therapist and EMDR therapist, Brad integrates EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), trauma-focused counseling, emotional regulation strategies, and holistic therapeutic approaches to help children and teens process difficult experiences, reduce emotional distress, and build resilience. Therapy may focus on improving emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, strengthening communication, healing from trauma, improving self-esteem, and developing healthier coping strategies and relationships.
Brad also understands the importance of involving parents and families when appropriate to support healthy communication, emotional connection, consistency, and long-term progress. The counseling process is collaborative and focused on creating lasting positive change that supports both the child and the family system as a whole.
Healing, growth, and emotional resilience are possible. With the right support, children and teens can move beyond emotional struggles, develop greater confidence and self-awareness, and create healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Virtual counseling and online therapy sessions for children, adolescents, and families are available, providing confidential and convenient access to professional trauma-focused counseling from the comfort of home.
28 Years Experience
Online in Ames, IA Iowa (Online Only)
Child or Adolescent Issues
GRIS ALVES
Counselor/Therapist, Compassionate Inquiry, Trauma Informed Mindfulness Teacher
I work with supporting the parents/caregivers that have children or adolescent with issues.
11 Years Experience
Online in Ames, IA Iowa
Child or Adolescent Issues
Dr. Tracy Mallett
Psychologist, Psy.D., L.M.F.T., Licensed Psychologist
Childhood and adolescence can be times of tremendous growth — but also stress, confusion, and emotional challenges. I specialize in helping children and teens navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, school difficulties, peer and family conflict, self-esteem concerns, and adjustment to change.
My approach is collaborative, supportive, and developmentally attuned. I work to create a safe, trusting space where young people can express themselves freely and begin to understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Sessions often include age-appropriate cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT), emotional regulation skills, and guided problem-solving — all tailored to the child’s developmental level and individual needs.
Equally important, I work closely with parents and caregivers to strengthen communication and consistency at home. By helping families learn practical tools for support and structure, therapy becomes not just a place for the child to grow, but a foundation for the whole family to thrive.
Whether a child is struggling with school stress, social anxiety, mood swings, or family changes, my goal is to help them build resilience, confidence, and emotional understanding that will serve them for life.
22 Years Experience
Online in Ames, IA Iowa (Online Only)
Child or Adolescent Issues
Kim Feeney
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LISW, RPT
I provide play therapy for children dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, family concerns, school issues.
15 Years Experience
Online in Ames, IA Iowa
Child therapists in Ames, Iowa Statistics
Child therapists in Ames, Iowa average 15 years of experience and charge around $219 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (75%), Family Systems Therapy (58%), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (42%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$219
Accept insurance
67%
Offer sliding scale
42%
Gender ID
| 71% |
Female |
|
| 29% |
Male |
|
Session Type
| 58% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 42% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 75% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 58% | Family Systems Therapy |
| 42% | Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) |
| 42% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 33% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 33% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 33% | Gottman Method Couples Therapy |
Ages Served
| 92% | Adult |
| 75% | Teen |
| 67% | Children |
| 67% | Young Adult |
| 42% | Senior |
Client Focus
| 58% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 58% | Women |
| 50% | Men |
| 33% | Black / African American |
| 33% | LGBTQ+ |