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Best Addiction Counselors in Des Moines, IA (2026)

20 addiction counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Des Moines: MercyOne House of Mercy - Des Moines, RP Score 76/100; 3.7★ from 12 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 8

    Most-reviewed: Central Health Chiropractic, 166 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 20 ranked; ranked #8.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

20 Des Moines addiction counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 7 open Saturdays and 5 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 3.6★ across 20 rated practices.

Top 10 addiction counselors in Des Moines at a glance

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 addiction counselors in Des Moines at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1MercyOne House of Mercy - Des Moines763.7★ (12)Des MoinesSat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Prelude residential765.0★ (4)Des MoinesSat · Sun · Evenings—
3Community & Family Resources733.0★ (29)Des Moines——
4Cornerstone Recovery Counseling703.0★ (8)Ankeny, 7 mi away——
5Assessment Services Inc.674.7★ (39)West Des Moines, 10 mi away——
6ThriveNow Recovery Center Pleasant Hill634.4★ (37)Altoona, 6 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
7Des Moines Wellness Center623.7★ (28)Johnston, 7 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
8Central Health Chiropractic615.0★ (166)Des Moines—Most reviews
9BHG Des Moines Treatment Center573.6★ (28)Des MoinesSat—
10UCS Healthcare563.4★ (71)West Des Moines, 6 mi awaySat—

The 20 best addiction counselors in Des Moines, ranked

Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

  2. #2 Prelude residential

    Based in Des Moines

    76/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    3806 Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50317
    View profile for Prelude residential

  5. #5 Assessment Services Inc.

    Based in West Des Moines, 10 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Alcoholism treatment program”, 4.7★ from 39 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 39 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    440 Fairway Dr #200, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for Assessment Services Inc.(515) 327-7036

  8. #8 Central Health Chiropractic

    Based in Des Moines

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 166 Google reviews, based in Des Moines.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 166 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 7 AM–6 PM · Tue 12 PM–6 PM · Wed 7 AM–6 PM · Thu 12 PM–6 PM · Fri 9 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    500 SW 7th St #205, Des Moines, IA 50309
    View profile for Central Health Chiropractic(515) 971-6143

  10. #10 UCS Healthcare

    Based in West Des Moines, 6 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and proximity: 3.4★ from 71 Google reviews, 6 mi from Des Moines.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.4★ from 71 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 6 AM–5 PM · Sat 6 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1300 Woodland Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
    View profile for UCS Healthcare(515) 280-3860

  12. #12 Rosedale Shelter

    Based in Ames, 30 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Homeless shelter”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    703 Burnett Ave, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Rosedale Shelter(515) 233-2330

  18. #18 YSS Family Counseling and Clinic

    Based in Ames, 29 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.6★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Non-profit organization”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.6★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–7 PM · Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed–Thu 8 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    125 S 3rd St, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for YSS Family Counseling and Clinic(515) 232-4977

  19. #19 YSS Headquarters

    Based in Ames, 29 mi away

    45/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.4★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Non-profit organization”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.4★ from 23 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    420 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for YSS Headquarters(515) 233-3141

  20. #20 Creative Counseling Services

    Based in Ames, 29 mi away

    45/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.8★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.8★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    605 E Lincoln Wy suite 4, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Creative Counseling Services(515) 233-1699

Also serving Des Moines

7 more addiction counselors within 50 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked addiction counselors serving Des Moines
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Ankeny Substance Abuse Project9 mi
Community & Family Resources5.0★ (2)35 mi
Community Access & Life Management, INCIn Des Moines
Employee & Family Resources5.0★ (1)6 mi
MercyOne House of Mercy Indianola4.0★ (2)17 mi
MercyOne House of Mercy Newton3.0★ (2)30 mi
Wayspring Clinic5.0★ (2)In Des Moines

How we ranked Des Moines addiction counselors

We scored 20 Des Moines addiction counselors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Des Moines data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose an addiction counselor

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure addiction counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Ask which credential the counselor holds (for example a state addiction counselor certification, LPC or LCSW).
  4. Ask whether they work with a physician if medication for addiction treatment is part of your plan.
  5. Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
  6. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  7. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask an addiction counselor

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How much of your work is addiction counseling?
  • Do you offer individual sessions, groups or an intensive outpatient program?
  • What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
  • Do you offer online sessions?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?

Terms explained

PhD / PsyD
Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
Licensed psychologist
A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
Psychological associate
In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
LPC / LMHC / LCPC
US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
LMFT
Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
RP / RCC
Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
PSYPACT
An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
Telehealth
Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.

Addiction counselors in Des Moines: frequently asked questions

Who is the best addiction counselor in Des Moines?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked addiction counselor in Des Moines, IA is MercyOne House of Mercy - Des Moines with an RP Score of 76/100. It has 3.7★ from 12 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Prelude residential (#2) and Community & Family Resources (#3) follow. We ranked 20 addiction counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many addiction counselors are there in Des Moines?

RankedPsychologists ranks 20 addiction counselors serving Des Moines, IA. 8 of them are based in Des Moines; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 7 within 50 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

What should I do if I need help right now?

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.

Which addiction counselors in Des Moines work on weekends?

7 of 20 ranked addiction counselors post Saturday hours and 5 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are MercyOne House of Mercy - Des Moines (#1), Prelude residential (#2) and ThriveNow Recovery Center Pleasant Hill (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Des Moines addiction counselors have?

The median Google rating among 20 rated addiction counselors in Des Moines is 3.6★, with a median of 23 reviews. Central Health Chiropractic has the most, 166 reviews, and ranks #8. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank addiction counselors?

Each addiction counselor gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do addiction counselors outside Des Moines count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 50 mi of the Des Moines city center, our service radius for addiction counselors. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.

Can addiction counselors pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?

No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

How are addiction counselors in Des Moines ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on addiction counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

What is the difference between outpatient addiction counseling and rehab?

Outpatient counseling means regular sessions while you live at home and keep working; intensive outpatient programs meet several times a week. Residential rehab and medical detox happen in a facility. Withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs can be medically dangerous, so speak to a doctor before stopping if you drink or use heavily every day.

Can I see an addiction counselor online?

Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.

What if I need help right now?

Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.

Update log for Des Moines

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 20 addiction counselors serving Des Moines.

More addiction counselors and Des Moines pages