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Best Couples Therapists in West Des Moines, IA (2026)

32 couples therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in West Des Moines: Kristin D Hocker, RP Score 73/100; 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews.

  2. 21

    Most-reviewed: Iowa Psychiatry, 85 Google reviews at 3.0★, the most of 32 ranked; ranked #21.

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

32 West Des Moines couples therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 8 open Saturdays and 3 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.3★ across 32 rated practices.

Top 10 couples therapists in West 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 couples therapists in West Des Moines at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Kristin D Hocker734.2★ (10)Clive, 2 mi away—Overall
2Real Connections Counseling, LLC684.7★ (31)Urbandale, 4 mi awayEvenings—
3the changing point / David Steenson, LISW675.0★ (5)Des Moines, 3 mi away——
4Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy West Des Moines613.7★ (15)West Des MoinesSat · Sun · Evenings—
5J4BG Family LLC (Larry Jackson Jr., MSEd, LMHC, LPC)615.0★ (5)West Des MoinesSat · Sun—
6Relationship & Intimacy Center604.4★ (36)West Des MoinesSat · Evenings—
7Sagent Behavioral Health - Des Moines604.3★ (54)Des Moines, 2 mi awaySat · Evenings—
8Premier Counseling Professionals594.9★ (33)West Des Moines——
9Healing Ways Counseling583.7★ (3)West Des Moines——
10Sagent Behavioral Health - West Des Moines574.4★ (25)West Des Moines——

The 32 best couples therapists in West 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.

  1. Ranked #1 in West Des Moines

    #1 Kristin D Hocker

    Based in Clive, 2 mi away

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews
    Address
    7405 University Ave Ste 6, Clive, IA 503251343
    View profile for Kristin D Hocker(515) 371-9861

  2. #2 Real Connections Counseling, LLC

    Based in Urbandale, 4 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Marriage or relationship counselor”, 4.7★ from 31 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.7★ from 31 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 10:30 AM–7 PM · Wed 2 PM–5 PM · Thu 8 AM–4:30 PM · Fri 9 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2540 106th St Ste 202, Urbandale, IA 50322
    View profile for Real Connections Counseling, LLC(515) 635-1805

  6. #6 Relationship & Intimacy Center

    Based in West Des Moines

    60/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.4★ from 36 Google reviews, based in West Des Moines.

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

    • 4.4★ from 36 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri 10 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    9295 Bishop Dr Ste 105, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for Relationship & Intimacy Center(515) 505-8313

  11. #11 Kardia Counseling -Therapy for Individuals, Couples, Families in Clive, Iowa

    Based in Clive, 4 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1370 NW 114th St #206, Clive, IA 50325
    View profile for Kardia Counseling -Therapy for Individuals, Couples, Families in Clive, Iowa(515) 267-0030

  12. #12 Narrative Healing Therapy

    Based in West Des Moines

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews, based in West Des Moines.

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

    • 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1601 W Lakes Pkwy Ste 210, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for Narrative Healing Therapy(515) 827-2340

  17. #17 Red Couch Counseling LLC

    Based in Johnston, 6 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 4.4★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 8 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    5408 NW 88th St #130, Johnston, IA 50131
    View profile for Red Couch Counseling LLC(515) 954-9865

  18. #18 Audrey Giese, LMHC, LLC

    Based in West Des Moines

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, based in West Des Moines.

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

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–5 PM · Tue–Wed 9:30 AM–5 PM · Thu 9 AM–4:30 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    1200 Valley W Dr Ste 204, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for Audrey Giese, LMHC, LLC(515) 868-0443

  20. #20 Ankeny Family Counseling

    Based in Ankeny, 10 mi away

    53/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 56 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

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

    • 4.0★ from 56 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–1 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1910 SW Plaza Shops Ln, Ankeny, IA 50023
    View profile for Ankeny Family Counseling(515) 508-1150

  21. #21 Iowa Psychiatry

    Based in Urbandale, 3 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and proximity: 3.0★ from 85 Google reviews, 3 mi from West Des Moines.

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

    • 3.0★ from 85 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2327 70th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
    View profile for Iowa Psychiatry(515) 270-2242

  24. #24 SS Therapy and Consulting, Ltd

    Based in Des Moines, 5 mi away

    50/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

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

    • 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4725 Merle Hay Rd Ste 205, Des Moines, IA 50322
    View profile for SS Therapy and Consulting, Ltd(515) 528-8135

  25. #25 New Life Counseling

    Based in Ankeny, 12 mi away

    49/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family counselor”.

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

    • 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–6 PM · Tue–Wed 8:30 AM–6 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    227 NW School St, Ankeny, IA 50023
    View profile for New Life Counseling(515) 964-5003

All 32 couples therapists

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #32, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.

couples therapists in West Des Moines, ranks 26 to 32
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Sagent Behavioral Health- Ankeny484.5★ (36)13 mi
27Thrive Counseling Center474.2★ (10)10 mi
28Full Heart Family Therapy- Ankeny474.3★ (17)13 mi
29Wellness Works Counseling Services, PLLC465.0★ (7)12 mi
30Central Iowa Family Institute463.9★ (14)12 mi
31Clear Brook Counseling Professionals, Ankeny464.2★ (21)13 mi
32Healing Rock Counseling464.5★ (15)14 mi

Also serving West Des Moines

20 more couples therapists within 20 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked couples therapists serving West Des Moines
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
515 Therapy & Consulting4.4★ (39)In West Des Moines
Compass Clinical Associates, PLLC3.3★ (96)In West Des Moines
Compassionate Hearts Therapy, LLC5.0★ (7)In West Des Moines
Counseling Associates of Central Iowa, PC4.6★ (9)In West Des Moines
Counseling for Growth and Change, LC2.1★ (8)In West Des Moines
Gina Campbell Counseling5.0★ (9)In West Des Moines
Good Life Therapy, LLC4.5★ (8)In West Des Moines
Healing Collective Counseling4.9★ (53)In West Des Moines
Human to Human Counseling5.0★ (38)In West Des Moines
kalm therapy group pllc5.0★ (6)In West Des Moines
Kavalier and Associates3.0★ (57)In West Des Moines
Kingdom Counseling5.0★ (5)In West Des Moines
Lighthouse Counseling (LHC)5.0★ (4)In West Des Moines
Luminous Life Therapy, LLC5.0★ (5)In West Des Moines
Realm Therapy and Wellness5.0★ (9)In West Des Moines
Silverline Counseling & Formation5.0★ (5)In West Des Moines
Stepping Stone Family Services3.9★ (10)In West Des Moines
Sullivan Counseling3.3★ (7)In West Des Moines
The Mind Co.4.8★ (20)In West Des Moines
Thriving Families Counseling Services3.9★ (7)In West Des Moines

How we ranked West Des Moines couples therapists

We scored 32 West Des Moines couples therapists 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 West 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 a couples therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure couples and marriage counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Ask what training they have in couples work specifically (for example the Gottman Method or Emotionally Focused Therapy).
  4. 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.
  5. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  6. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask a couples therapist

  • 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 couples and marriage counseling?
  • Do you also see each partner on their own?
  • 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.

Couples therapists in West Des Moines: frequently asked questions

Who is the best couples therapist in West Des Moines?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked couples therapist in West Des Moines, IA is Kristin D Hocker with an RP Score of 73/100. It has 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews. Real Connections Counseling, LLC (#2) and the changing point / David Steenson, LISW (#3) follow. We ranked 32 couples therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many couples therapists are there in West Des Moines?

RankedPsychologists ranks 32 couples therapists serving West Des Moines, IA. 11 of them are based in West Des Moines; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 20 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 couples therapists in West Des Moines work on weekends?

8 of 32 ranked couples therapists post Saturday hours and 3 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy West Des Moines (#4), J4BG Family LLC (Larry Jackson Jr., MSEd, LMHC, LPC) (#5) and Relationship & Intimacy Center (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do West Des Moines couples therapists have?

The median Google rating among 32 rated couples therapists in West Des Moines is 4.3★, with a median of 15 reviews. Iowa Psychiatry has the most, 85 reviews, and ranks #21. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank couples therapists?

Each couples therapist 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 couples therapists outside West Des Moines count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the West Des Moines city center, our service radius for couples therapists. 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 couples therapists 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 couples therapists in West 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 couples and marriage counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

Do both partners need to come to couples therapy?

Most couples therapists prefer to see both partners, at least at first, but many will start with one. Ask how they handle individual sessions. If there is violence or fear in the relationship, tell the therapist privately; many do not offer joint sessions in that situation.

Can I see a couples therapist 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 West Des Moines

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 32 couples therapists serving West Des Moines.

More couples therapists and West Des Moines pages