Mental Health Therapist Jobs in Iowa
Mental Health Therapist jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, where employers like UnityPoint Health, University of Iowa Health Care, and Broadlawns Medical Center maintain steady hiring across inpatient, outpatient, and community behavioral health settings. Demand is strongest for therapists specializing in trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, and child and adolescent mental health. Openings exist at every level, from newly licensed associates to seasoned clinicians taking on supervisory caseloads. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 4 of 47+ Mental Health Therapist jobs
Ascend Healthcare is committed to providing fully integrated, quality psychiatric and behavioral health services in a compassionate, convenient, and affordable manner. We work with external partners to provide services to patients across the country through integrated psychiatric medication management, substance use disorder treatment, counseling services, peer support and care coordination for seamless patient care. We believe in a "no wrong door" treatment model which finds ways to say "yes" to any patient referral rather than a multitude of exclusionary criteria found elsewhere. This approach reflects our values of improved patient and clinician experience, better outcomes, and lower costs.
The Ascend Story
Founded to transform mental health care access, Ascend Healthcare delivers integrated psychiatric and behavioral health solutions with a commitment to equity, compassion, and operational excellence. We partner directly with health centers to build fully integrated, sustainable behavioral health programs—bringing deep clinical expertise, operational support, and long-term stability.
Our work environment fosters:
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Patient-First Mindset
- Work from home opportunities
- Career Growth and Professional Development Training
Why Ascend?
You'll be joining a team delivering innovative, compassionate care to communities that need it most. At Ascend, your work drives real impact—and your career grows alongside it. We believe in a "no wrong door" treatment model that finds ways to say "yes" to any patient referral rather than a multitude of exclusionary criteria found elsewhere.
Position Summary:
We are looking for a Bilingual Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) to provide counseling and therapy treatment to our patients. Services will be provided remotely, through telemedicine, to patients throughout Iowa. We are a "say yes" first clinical provider and look to treat patients where they are and guide them along their journey to recovery and stabilization.
*Clinician must be active or willing to obtain a Iowa License*
Key Areas of Ownership:
- Provides patient care modalities of evidence-based practices to best meet the clinical needs of the patients. Examples include; CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Psychoeducation (Symptom Recognition), Trauma Therapy, Addiction Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Bereavement/Grief Counseling, etc.
- These specific treatment modalities will be implemented in both the individual and group therapy setting, with a focus of engaging patients in their treatment plan.
- Review and signature of patient clinical Psychosocial assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan, and consents as needed for the patient in a timely manner. Maintenance of the clinic record, including documentation of activities performed as part of the service delivery process.
- Documents all services and patient activities appropriately. Ensures documentation complies with best clinical practices, contracts, regulatory and other legal
- Conducts crisis intervention for the individual and family based on the individual's safety plan.
- Participate in regular case planning with the involved Multidisciplinary Team as new information is gathered to ensure the most clinically appropriate patient disposition.
- Participate in individual and group supervision as required. Participate in ongoing education, including in-services, training, and other activities to maintain and improve competency. Demonstrate competency through post-testing, skill observation, and performance as assessed by direct supervisor
- Provides case management services to promote recovery and community reintegration as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Active, unrestricted mental health license in state of primary residence and state of medical services being provided
- Comfortable working in a remote environment
- Willingness to work primarily with pediatric patients
- Patient-first mindset
Physical Requirements: This is a fully remote position but may require in-person attendance as company needs arise. Please be aware the below physical requirements should be considered prior to applying to the position:
- Prolonged Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods during working hours.
- Manual Dexterity: Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for using a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
- Visual Requirements: Adequate vision for reading computer screens and documents.
- Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for virtual meetings and correspondence.
- Hearing: Sufficient hearing ability for participating in phone calls or virtual meetings.
- Work Environment: Access to a quiet, dedicated workspace free from distractions with reliable internet connectivity.
Perks
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and LTD benefits
- PTO + Company and Floating Holidays (yes, take your birthday off if you wish).
- Yearly CEU Stipend
- Collaborative Environment
- Remote-first setting
- Clinician Founded and Operated
Job Type: Full-time
Base Compensation Range: $75,000-$85,000 with primary residence in Iowa
Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental Insurance
- 5, 8-hour or 4, 10-hour shifts
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Ascend Healthcare is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Ascend Healthcare participates in conducting comprehensive background checks and drug screenings for all potential employees as a contingency to gaining employment status.
Ascend Healthcare is committed to providing fully integrated, quality psychiatric and behavioral health services in a compassionate, convenient, and affordable manner. We work with external partners to provide services to patients across the country through integrated psychiatric medication management, substance use disorder treatment, counseling services, peer support and care coordination for seamless patient care. We believe in a "no wrong door" treatment model which finds ways to say "yes" to any patient referral rather than a multitude of exclusionary criteria found elsewhere. This approach reflects our values of improved patient and clinician experience, better outcomes, and lower costs.
The Ascend Story
Founded to transform mental health care access, Ascend Healthcare delivers integrated psychiatric and behavioral health solutions with a commitment to equity, compassion, and operational excellence. We partner directly with health centers to build fully integrated, sustainable behavioral health programs—bringing deep clinical expertise, operational support, and long-term stability.
Our work environment fosters:
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Patient-First Mindset
- Work from home opportunities
- Career Growth and Professional Development Training
Why Ascend?
You'll be joining a team delivering innovative, compassionate care to communities that need it most. At Ascend, your work drives real impact—and your career grows alongside it. We believe in a "no wrong door" treatment model that finds ways to say "yes" to any patient referral rather than a multitude of exclusionary criteria found elsewhere.
Position Summary:
We are looking for a Bilingual Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) to provide counseling and therapy treatment to our patients. Services will be provided remotely, through telemedicine, to patients throughout Iowa. We are a "say yes" first clinical provider and look to treat patients where they are and guide them along their journey to recovery and stabilization.
*Clinician must be active or willing to obtain a Iowa License*
Key Areas of Ownership:
- Provides patient care modalities of evidence-based practices to best meet the clinical needs of the patients. Examples include; CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Psychoeducation (Symptom Recognition), Trauma Therapy, Addiction Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Bereavement/Grief Counseling, etc.
- These specific treatment modalities will be implemented in both the individual and group therapy setting, with a focus of engaging patients in their treatment plan.
- Review and signature of patient clinical Psychosocial assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan, and consents as needed for the patient in a timely manner. Maintenance of the clinic record, including documentation of activities performed as part of the service delivery process.
- Documents all services and patient activities appropriately. Ensures documentation complies with best clinical practices, contracts, regulatory and other legal
- Conducts crisis intervention for the individual and family based on the individual's safety plan.
- Participate in regular case planning with the involved Multidisciplinary Team as new information is gathered to ensure the most clinically appropriate patient disposition.
- Participate in individual and group supervision as required. Participate in ongoing education, including in-services, training, and other activities to maintain and improve competency. Demonstrate competency through post-testing, skill observation, and performance as assessed by direct supervisor
- Provides case management services to promote recovery and community reintegration as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Active, unrestricted mental health license in state of primary residence and state of medical services being provided
- Comfortable working in a remote environment
- Willingness to work primarily with pediatric patients
- Patient-first mindset
Physical Requirements: This is a fully remote position but may require in-person attendance as company needs arise. Please be aware the below physical requirements should be considered prior to applying to the position:
- Prolonged Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods during working hours.
- Manual Dexterity: Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for using a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
- Visual Requirements: Adequate vision for reading computer screens and documents.
- Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for virtual meetings and correspondence.
- Hearing: Sufficient hearing ability for participating in phone calls or virtual meetings.
- Work Environment: Access to a quiet, dedicated workspace free from distractions with reliable internet connectivity.
Perks
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and LTD benefits
- PTO + Company and Floating Holidays (yes, take your birthday off if you wish).
- Yearly CEU Stipend
- Collaborative Environment
- Remote-first setting
- Clinician Founded and Operated
Job Type: Full-time
Base Compensation Range: $75,000-$85,000 with primary residence in Iowa
Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental Insurance
- 5, 8-hour or 4, 10-hour shifts
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Ascend Healthcare is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Ascend Healthcare participates in conducting comprehensive background checks and drug screenings for all potential employees as a contingency to gaining employment status.
See All 47 Mental Health Therapist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Therapist JobsMental Health Therapist Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mental Health Therapist Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Insurance
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health therapist jobs across Iowa.
- Active Iowa LMHC, LISW, or LMFT license issued by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or related field
- Experience providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based treatment modalities
- Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation standards
- Ability to conduct intake assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and treatment planning
- Strong communication skills for coordinating care with multidisciplinary treatment teams
Mental Health Therapist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health therapist in Iowa?
To become a licensed mental health therapist in Iowa, you must earn a master's degree in counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy, then apply to the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science for the appropriate credential, which is either the Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Independent Social Worker, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist designation depending on your degree. Each track requires passing a national exam and completing supervised post-degree clinical hours before full licensure is granted.
Which companies hire mental health therapists in Iowa?
Employers hiring mental health therapists in Iowa right now include Vitae Health Systems, UnityPoint Health, and Psychiatric Medical Care, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's community mental health centers, hospital-based behavioral health units, and federally qualified health centers generate consistent openings statewide, particularly in rural counties underserved by private practices.
Which Iowa cities have the most mental health therapist jobs?
Des Moines, Fort Dodge, and Mason City have the most mental health therapist openings in Iowa. Des Moines dominates due to its large integrated health systems and state government-affiliated behavioral health programs, while Iowa City's concentration around University of Iowa Health Care and its affiliated clinics explains strong demand there even relative to the city's size.
Are there remote mental health therapist jobs in Iowa?
Yes, and telehealth has made remote work more accessible in this field than most clinical roles. About 44% of mental health therapist openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting ongoing expansion of teletherapy platforms and rural outreach programs. Fully remote positions are most common in outpatient individual therapy, while crisis, inpatient, and school-based roles typically require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a mental health therapist in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a post-degree associate or pre-licensure clinician role at a community mental health center, where Iowa employers like Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health Services and Abbe Center for Community Mental Health routinely hire candidates who are accruing supervised hours toward full licensure. Completing a practicum or internship at an Iowa-based agency during your master's program gives you a direct referral network, and holding an Iowa provisional license from the Board of Behavioral Science signals readiness to employers even before you reach the supervised-hour threshold for full licensure.
Where can I find and apply to mental health therapist jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to mental health therapist jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across health systems, community behavioral health centers, and outpatient practices. Search the listings, find the roles that match your license level and specialty, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 47 Mental Health Therapist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mental Health Therapist Jobs