geometry-shapes iconGrief, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Depression, Anxiety
Online in Iowa
29 years in practice
Ages served: 0-65+
shield check with plus icon

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Shannon accepts 20 insurers
Aetna
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Compsych
First Health Network
Humana Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Medicare IA
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Oscar Health
Quest Behavioral Health
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa | BCBS
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 Shannon

I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW) with 29 years of experience providing therapy and coaching to individuals navigating life’s challenges. I support clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, parenting struggles, career transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and the lasting effects of physical and emotional trauma. Many of the individuals I work with seek relief from emotional distress, greater clarity during times of transition, improved relationships, and a deeper sense of balance and fulfillment.


I earned my master’s degree in social work from St. Ambrose University. My approach is eclectic and individualized, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational emotive therapies. I focus on strengths, practical solutions, and skill-building in a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment that supports resilience and growth.


I recognize that beginning therapy takes courage, and you do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Whether you are working through a difficult season or pursuing personal growth, I am here to support and empower you. When you are ready, I invite you to take the next step and begin a collaborative journey toward a more balanced and fulfilling life

Provider background floral illustration
Shannon  Dameron's profile image

"Through my personal experiences with trauma and loss, I understand how challenging life circumstances can shape our lives and how building new life skills can support healing and renewed empowerment."

chats icon

Get to know Shannon

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

I enjoy working with people to find balance in their lives.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I start where the client is. I will try to work with anyone.

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

I wish clients knew that therapy is not about being “fixed,” but about being supported, understood, and empowered to build skills and insight that help them navigate life more effectively. I wish clients knew that progress in therapy is not always linear, and that moments of discomfort or uncertainty are often signs of growth rather than failure. I wish clients knew that they already have strengths and resilience within them, and therapy helps uncover and build upon those strengths rather than defining them by diagnoses or labels.

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

Clients can expect their first session to be a welcoming and supportive conversation focused on getting to know them as a whole person, not just their concerns. We will talk about what brings them to therapy, what they hope to gain from our work together, and any questions or concerns they may have about the process. My goal is to create a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. In the early stages of therapy, we will work collaboratively to identify goals and develop a personalized treatment plan that reflects each client’s unique needs, strengths, and values. Sessions may include exploring current challenges, understanding patterns that may be contributing to distress, and learning practical skills to support coping, emotional regulation, and personal growth. Clients can expect therapy to move at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive, with ongoing collaboration, feedback, and encouragement as we work together toward healing and positive change.

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

My practice is informed by both my professional experience and my personal understanding of life’s challenges. Having experienced personal trauma and loss, I have a genuine appreciation for how deeply painful life circumstances can affect emotional well-being, relationships, and one’s sense of self. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassionate, respectful support. I value authenticity, empathy, and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship. I believe that healing occurs in a space where individuals feel safe, heard, and free from judgment. My commitment to reducing stigma around mental health and focusing on strengths rather than labels guides my work and allows me to meet clients with dignity, hope, and encouragement as they work toward growth, healing, and meaningful change.

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

By recognizing that each client brings their own history, strengths, challenges, and goals into the therapeutic space. Early in our work together, I take time to understand what has shaped their experiences, what they hope to achieve through therapy, and what approaches have or have not been helpful in the past. This collaborative understanding allows us to set meaningful, individualized goals. My approach is eclectic and flexible, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive techniques. I adapt these methods to match each client’s needs, preferences, and pace, while remaining attentive to their values and life circumstances. Throughout therapy, I regularly check in and adjust our work as needed, ensuring that the process remains supportive, respectful, and focused on strengths, growth, and lasting change.

Read more
Lady on bicycle icon

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesGrief, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Depression, Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Divorce, School Issues, Parenting, Family Conflict, Spirituality, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Career Counseling, Anger Management, Sports Performance, Social Anxiety, Seniors & Geriatric, Performance Anxiety, Panic Attack, Mood Disorders, Marital & Premarital, Learning / Intellectual Disabilities, First Responders, Emotional Disturbance, Codependency, Caregivers, Body Image Issues, Trauma / PTSD, Relationships, Life Transition, Sleep / Insomnia, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Autism, Women’s Issues, Self Esteem, Infidelity, Coping Skills, Behavioral Issues, LGBTQIA+, Military / Veteran
ApproachesIntegrative, Strength-Based Therapy, Interpersonal, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychotherapy, Coaching, Behavioral Therapy, Any / Eclectic, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing
Academic cap icon

Education and training

Years in practice
29 years
Graduating institute
St. Ambrose University
Graduating degree
Master of Social Work
magnify glass with eyes icon

Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
file icon
NPI number1891926937
practice location icon
State of practiceIA
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

What type of counseling would you like?
Select...
Shannon is available for Video visits.
Want help booking? 
Existing client? and rebook
Shannon Dameron's profile image

Shannon Dameron

Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)she/her