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

45 family therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in West Des Moines: Next Step Counseling Services, RP Score 73/100; 3.9★ from 9 Google reviews; open Saturdays until 12 AM.

  2. 20

    Most-reviewed: Better Days Mental Health Clive, 65 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 45 ranked; ranked #20.

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

45 West Des Moines family therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 7 open Saturdays and 2 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.0★ across 45 rated practices.

Most of this list also appears on the Family therapists in Des Moines ranking. See Family therapists in Des Moines

Top 10 family 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 family therapists in West Des Moines at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Next Step Counseling Services733.9★ (9)Des Moines, 2 mi awaySat · EveningsOverall
2Rising Phoenix Wellness Center, LLC724.0★ (4)Urbandale, 3 mi away——
3Des Moines Pastoral Counseling: Means J Jeffrey PHD713.7★ (3)Urbandale, 3 mi away——
4Mid-Iowa Family Therapy Clinic, INC & Institute for Therapy & Psychological Solutions, LLC703.1★ (7)Urbandale, 4 mi away——
5Grapevine Clinical694.0★ (12)West Des Moines——
6New Life Counseling (West Des Moines)693.4★ (15)West Des MoinesEvenings—
7New Beginnings Counseling Service674.2★ (14)Urbandale, 4 mi awayEvenings—
8MOSAIC Family Counseling Center, Inc.664.2★ (15)Urbandale, 4 mi away——
9New Life Counseling634.6★ (10)Ankeny, 12 mi awaySat—
10Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy West Des Moines623.7★ (15)West Des MoinesSat · Sun · Evenings—

The 45 best family 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 Next Step Counseling Services

    Based in Des Moines, 2 mi away

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.9★ from 9 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.9★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 12 AM–12 AM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 12 AM–12 AM · Sun closed
    Address
    3812 Ingersoll Ave #100, Des Moines, IA 50312
    View profile for Next Step Counseling Services(515) 255-2500

  4. #4 Mid-Iowa Family Therapy Clinic, INC & Institute for Therapy & Psychological Solutions, LLC

    Based in Urbandale, 4 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.1★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.1★ from 7 Google reviews
    Address
    3401 106th Cir, Urbandale, IA 50322
    View profile for Mid-Iowa Family Therapy Clinic, INC & Institute for Therapy & Psychological Solutions, LLC(515) 254-1556

  5. #5 Grapevine Clinical

    Based in West Des Moines

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.0★ from 12 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4949 Pleasant St #104, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for Grapevine Clinical(515) 369-0034

  6. #6 New Life Counseling (West Des Moines)

    Based in West Des Moines

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 3.4★ from 15 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.4★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–6 PM · Tue–Thu 8 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3737 Woodland Ave Ste 300, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for New Life Counseling (West Des Moines)(515) 225-4006

  9. #9 New Life Counseling

    Based in Ankeny, 12 mi away

    63/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Family counselor”, 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews.

    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

  11. #11 Relationship & Intimacy Center

    Based in West Des Moines

    61/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 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

  16. #16 Ankeny Family Counseling

    Based in Ankeny, 10 mi away

    58/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 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

  19. #19 Susan R. Gauger, LISW

    Based in Clive, 2 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and proximity: 2.3★ from 4 Google reviews, 2 mi from West Des Moines.

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

    • 2.3★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    7405 University Ave Ste 6, Clive, IA 50325
    View profile for Susan R. Gauger, LISW(515) 277-3101

  21. #21 Realm Therapy and Wellness

    Based in West Des Moines

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 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 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    7755 Office Plaza Dr N Suite 160, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for Realm Therapy and Wellness(515) 216-0617

  25. #25 Innovative Learning Professionals: Counseling & Psychological Services

    Based in West Des Moines

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, based in West Des Moines.

    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
    1001 Grand Ave #201, West Des Moines, IA 50265
    View profile for Innovative Learning Professionals: Counseling & Psychological Services(515) 270-0280

How we ranked West Des Moines family therapists

We scored 45 West Des Moines family 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 family therapist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure family therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Marriage and family therapists (LMFT) are trained to work with families as a whole; psychologists and counselors may also offer family sessions, so ask about their training.
  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 family 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 family therapy?
  • Who would you want to attend the first session?
  • 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.

Family therapists in West Des Moines: frequently asked questions

Who is the best family therapist in West Des Moines?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked family therapist in West Des Moines, IA is Next Step Counseling Services with an RP Score of 73/100. It has 3.9★ from 9 Google reviews. It is open Saturdays until 12 AM. Rising Phoenix Wellness Center, LLC (#2) and Des Moines Pastoral Counseling: Means J Jeffrey PHD (#3) follow. We ranked 45 family therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many family therapists are there in West Des Moines?

RankedPsychologists ranks 45 family therapists serving West Des Moines, IA. 12 of them are based in West Des Moines; the rest serve it from nearby towns. 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 family therapists in West Des Moines work on weekends?

7 of 45 ranked family therapists post Saturday hours and 2 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Next Step Counseling Services (#1), New Life Counseling (#9) and Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy West Des Moines (#10). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do West Des Moines family therapists have?

The median Google rating among 45 rated family therapists in West Des Moines is 4.0★, with a median of 12 reviews. Better Days Mental Health Clive has the most, 65 reviews, and ranks #20. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank family therapists?

Each family 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 family 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 family 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 family 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 family 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 family therapy and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

Who attends family therapy?

It depends on the concern. Sessions may include the whole household, a parent and one child, or adult family members. Ask the practice how it decides who comes and whether it also sees people individually.

Can I see a family 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 45 family therapists serving West Des Moines.

More family therapists and West Des Moines pages