geometry-shapes iconGrief, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships, Bipolar Disorder
In Person & Online in West Des Moines, IA
16 years in practice
Ages served: 11-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Desiree accepts 11 insurers
Optum Serve
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Medicare IA
Multi Plan PHCS
Oscar Health
Poppins Health
UMR
Uprise EAP
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Desiree

I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 16 years of experience supporting clients through challenges such as self-esteem concerns, mood disorders, trauma, and major life transitions. I aim to meet you exactly where you are in your journey and provide a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to navigate the complexities of life with greater confidence and clarity.


I earned my master’s degree in community counseling from Argosy University. I use an integrated approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and reality-based techniques to help clients build practical coping skills, gain insight, and strengthen their sense of control in their daily lives.


I am excited that you are taking this step toward healing, and it would be an honor to support you along the way. I am committed to offering a nonjudgmental space where we can explore your strengths and work toward meaningful growth at a pace that feels safe for you. You deserve care, compassion, and a path forward—and I look forward to walking it with you.

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"As a woman of color who has navigated trauma and loss, I understand how deeply life’s painful experiences can affect us and am committed to supporting clients with empathy, authenticity, and healthy coping skills."

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Get to know Desiree

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

As early as nine years old, I can remember family and friends and even strangers would share with me their personal experiences good and bad. I realized early on that I had a gift and a unique talent for understanding them on a deep, personal level no matter who they were.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with Women and teenagers who may be suffering from self-esteem challenges, self-confidence and empowerment issues along with self-advocacy. I also work best with clients dealing with Mood Disorders.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

Mental Health, Therapy and the healing process is not cookie cutter and there is no one same approach that works 100% for every client. Therapy can be uncomfortable and raw sometimes especially when exploring feelings and emotions associated with Trauma. However, the bright side of exploration, is if you continue on the journey; it will be so rewarding after every obstacle you surpass and overcome.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

Clients can expect sessions that are non-judgmental and safe. Clients will be encouraged to be their authentic self and be validated in their feelings.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

I have experienced a lot of trauma, major loss, death, grief, addictions, diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, Childhood Sexual Trauma, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Sexual Identity, Spiritual foundation issues, Infertility, child of divorce, low self-esteem and suicide ideations/failed attempts. As painful as it was to go through these experiences, I am grateful because it has helped me immensely in my profession and pretty much everything I have experienced in my life has correlated with most of my clients across race, demographics and gender. At the end of the day, I could never be ashamed of my personal experiences because what I went through and overcame will give someone else encouragement and motivation to overcome them too.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I use Person-Centered therapy, active listening and empathetic understanding to let them lead the session. We then collaborate together on what their needs and personal goals are and how they will be met as a result from engaging in therapy.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesGrief, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships, Bipolar Disorder, Divorce, Racial Identity, Substance Use, Alcohol Use, Spirituality, Chronic Illness/Pain, Career Counseling, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Anger Management, Gender Identity / Transgender, Weight Loss, Suicidal Ideation, Social Anxiety, Seniors & Geriatric, Psychosis, Panic Attack, Obesity, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, Mood Disorders, Learning / Intellectual Disabilities, Infertility, Impulse Control Disorders, Hoarding, Gambling, Emotional Disturbance, Dual Diagnosis, Domestic Violence, Developmental Disorders, Codependency, Caregivers, Body Image Issues, Body Dysmorphia, Self-Harming, Life Transition, Eating Disorder, Sleep / Insomnia, Addiction, Sexual Abuse, Women’s Issues, Self Esteem, Infidelity, Coping Skills, Behavioral Issues, LGBTQIA+, Domestic Abuse
ApproachesMusic Therapy, Multicultural, Faith-Based Counseling, Culturally Sensitive, Strength-Based Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Play Therapy, Narrative, Motivational Interviewing, Humanistic / Rogerian, Christian Counseling
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Education and training

Years in practice
16 years
Graduating institute
Argosy University, Chicago
Graduating degree
Master's of Arts in Community Counseling
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1487270682
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State of practiceIA
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Individual Counseling
Video
In-person
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Desiree Dread's profile image

Desiree Dread

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)she/her