Expansion Coming in July 2026

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Your Story Matters &

We’re Here For Every Chapter

Providing in-person mental health services in Des Moines and virtual care across Iowa.

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We believe meaningful healing and growth begins when people feel safe enough to show up fully as themselves — honest, imperfect, raw, and deeply human.

Meet the Therapists

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Ali Simpson, LMHC

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Danielle Mardesen, LMSW

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Lynn Wang, tLMHC

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Wherever you are in your story, you don't have to navigate it alone.

We provide affirming, personalized care that honors your unique experiences, values, and goals. Together, we'll create a supportive space for healing, self-discovery, and meaningful growth.

Between work, relationships, responsibilities, and constant distractions, it can be difficult to find time to truly check in with yourself. Therapy offers a space to step back from the noise, gain perspective, and intentionally invest in your own growth and well-being.

  • We are a small group of culturally responsive therapists offering intentional, personalized mental health care rooted in authenticity, presence, and meaningful connection.

    We maintain smaller caseloads so our clinicians can provide thoughtful, attentive care tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.

    We believe meaningful healing happens through a collaborative therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, presence, and connection.

  • Your identity, culture, background, and lived experiences are central to your mental health. Our therapists bring diverse cultural backgrounds, identities, and perspectives that inform the care we provide.

    We center the experiences of BIPOC, multicultural, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and historically underrepresented communities. We welcome and support clients of all backgrounds through affirming, compassionate care.

    We honor your story and tailor care to fit you—not the other way around.

  • Healing isn’t linear, and it doesn’t happen on demand. We use trauma-focused approaches that honor your experiences, respect your pace, and support meaningful healing and growth.

    Therapy is more than processing challenges—it's about helping you build practical skills, strengthen resilience, improve relationships, and navigate life with greater confidence and ease. We are here to help you better understand yourself, heal from what has been weighing you down, and create meaningful, lasting growth.

Services & Fees

Individual Psychotherapy

Individual therapy provides a confidential and supportive environment to explore challenges, gain insight, and develop practical tools for navigating life. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to your unique goals, experiences, and strengths. Individual therapy sessions are 55 minutes in length.

Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based therapeutic approaches and customize treatment to meet each client's individual needs.

Insurance

We currently accept

Wellmark / Blue Cross Blue Shield

AETNA

UnitedHealthcare, Optum, UMR

Midlands Choice.

If you plan to use insurance, your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific benefits and coverage, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. Contact us with your insurance information, and we'll help you understand your coverage options.

Private Pay

We offer a private pay option for clients who prefer not to use insurance or whose insurance plans are out of network. Private pay can provide greater flexibility, increased privacy, and the ability to focus on treatment without insurance-related limitations or requirements.

Our rates are:

Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation: (initial appointment): $200

55-minute therapy sessions: $180

Superbill

(Out-of-Network Reimbursement)

If we are not in-network with your insurance, we can provide a superbill upon request.

A superbill is a detailed receipt that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan’s benefits.

Benefits of Therapy

Develop healthier ways to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm

Learn to establish and maintain healthy boundaries

Process difficult experiences in a supportive environment

Build confidence and strengthen self-esteem

Increase emotional resilience during life's challenges

Explore identity, purpose, and personal growth

Improve communication and relationships

Break patterns that no longer serve you

Create greater balance, wellness, and fulfillment in your daily life

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that navigating today's world can be challenging, and taking the first step toward therapy may feel overwhelming.

We hope these FAQs provide clarity and help you feel more comfortable exploring services. If you have additional questions, our team is here to help and support you in finding the care that's right for you.

  • Psychotherapy is a collaborative process in which you work with a licensed mental health professional to better understand your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships.

    Therapy can help with challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, life transitions, and personal growth.

  • Therapy can help if you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, stuck, or facing challenges in your relationships, work, or daily life. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy—many people seek support for personal growth, self-understanding, and improving their overall well-being.

    If you're unsure, an initial consultation can help you decide whether therapy is a good fit for you.

  • Getting started is simple. You can schedule an appointment online through our electronic scheduling system at Modern Day Counseling, or contact our office directly to discuss scheduling options and ask any questions you may have.

    Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive consent forms and intake paperwork to complete prior to your first session. These forms help us share important information with you and better understand you and your concerns before we meet.

  • We do not collect payment at the time of your appointment when using insurance. Instead, we submit claims to your insurance provider and wait to receive the processed information before billing. We keep your card securely on file to make the payment process convenient for both you and our office.

    For private pay clients, payment is due at the time of service.

    Our goal is transparency—we never want payment to be a surprise, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have about your benefits or financial responsibility.

  • Your first session typically focuses on discussing your concerns, personal history, goals for therapy, and any questions you may have about the process.

    This session helps determine how therapy can best support your needs.

  • The length of therapy varies based on your goals, concerns, and progress. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy focused on specific issues, while others choose longer-term support.

    We are here for you as you need it—many clients ebb and flow between more frequent sessions during times of high stress and reduced or paused services when symptoms have improved.

    We can continue to provide support throughout different seasons of life, adjusting care to fit your needs.