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Best Psychologists in Des Moines, IA (2026)

36 psychologists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Des Moines: Pottebaum Sheila M PHD, RP Score 69/100; 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews.

  2. 10

    Most-reviewed: Kavalier and Associates, 57 Google reviews at 3.0★, the most of 36 ranked; ranked #10.

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

36 Des Moines psychologists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 4 open Saturdays and 3 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.2★ across 36 rated practices.

Top 10 psychologists 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 psychologists in Des Moines at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Pottebaum Sheila M PHD693.7★ (6)West Des Moines, 6 mi away—Overall
2Philip Ascheman, Ph.D.683.8★ (4)Urbandale, 6 mi away——
3Cal J. SEDA, PhD673.7★ (3)Urbandale, 7 mi away——
4BlueSky Telepsych675.0★ (26)Des MoinesSat · Sun · Evenings—
5Dr. Mark Poeppe672.0★ (4)West Des Moines, 7 mi away——
6Dr. Matthew Cooper673.7★ (3)West Des Moines, 7 mi away——
7Reynolds Randal D PHD663.7★ (3)West Des Moines, 8 mi away——
8WEST DES MOINES CENTER FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY663.7★ (3)West Des Moines, 8 mi away——
9Glen Haven Counseling Resources642.7★ (3)West Des Moines, 10 mi away——
10Kavalier and Associates633.0★ (57)West Des Moines, 6 mi away—Most reviews

The 36 best psychologists 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.

  1. Ranked #1 in Des Moines

    #1 Pottebaum Sheila M PHD

    Based in West Des Moines, 6 mi away

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews
    Address
    939 Office Park Rd #200, West Des Moines, IA 50265
    View profile for Pottebaum Sheila M PHD(515) 226-2508

  2. #2 Philip Ascheman, Ph.D.

    Based in Urbandale, 6 mi away

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.8★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.8★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    Psychology Associates, 7177 Hickman Rd Ste 12, Urbandale, IA 50322
    View profile for Philip Ascheman, Ph.D.(515) 253-0566

  3. #3 Cal J. SEDA, PhD

    Based in Urbandale, 7 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    2500 82nd Pl, Urbandale, IA 50322
    View profile for Cal J. SEDA, PhD(515) 270-1344

  4. #4 BlueSky Telepsych

    Based in Des Moines

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 26 Google reviews, based in Des Moines.

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

    • 5.0★ from 26 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    699 E Walnut St 4th Floor, Office 462, Des Moines, IA 50309
    View profile for BlueSky Telepsych(888) 279-0002

  5. #5 Dr. Mark Poeppe

    Based in West Des Moines, 7 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 2.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 2.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    2700 Westown Pkwy #300, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for Dr. Mark Poeppe(515) 575-3180

  6. #6 Dr. Matthew Cooper

    Based in West Des Moines, 7 mi away

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    3408 Woodland Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for Dr. Matthew Cooper(515) 267-1996

  7. #7 Reynolds Randal D PHD

    Based in West Des Moines, 8 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    4401 Westown Pkwy Ste 290, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for Reynolds Randal D PHD(515) 421-8250

  10. #10 Kavalier and Associates

    Based in West Des Moines, 6 mi away

    63/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.0★ from 57 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.0★ from 57 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1003 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
    View profile for Kavalier and Associates(515) 267-1003

  11. #11 Joel Greenberg, PsyD

    Based in West Des Moines, 7 mi away

    62/100RP Score

    Ranked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2700 Westown Pkwy Ste 425, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for Joel Greenberg, PsyD(515) 259-0706

  16. #16 Mid-Iowa Family Therapy Clinic, INC & Institute for Therapy & Psychological Solutions, LLC

    Based in Urbandale, 8 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.1★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family counselor”.

    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

  18. #18 Innovative Learning Professionals: Counseling & Psychological Services

    Based in West Des Moines, 6 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

    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

  22. #22 MWI Health - West Des Moines

    Based in West Des Moines, 8 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 19 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

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

    • 4.8★ from 19 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–7 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3737 Woodland Ave Ste 410, West Des Moines, IA 50266
    View profile for MWI Health - West Des Moines(515) 500-6082

  25. #25 Birchwood Wellness

    Based in Ankeny, 6 mi away

    51/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 25 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.

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

    • 4.0★ from 25 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–4 PM · Fri 8 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6950 NE 14th St #36, Ankeny, IA 50023
    View profile for Birchwood Wellness(515) 289-1515

All 36 psychologists

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #36, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.

psychologists in Des Moines, ranks 26 to 36
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Mind & Spirit Counseling Center513.8★ (34)7 mi
27Pasadena Villa Outpatient Des Moines514.6★ (22)8 mi
28Sagent Behavioral Health- Ankeny514.5★ (36)10 mi
29Center for Interpersonal Effectiveness (CIE Counseling Services)515.0★ (43)11 mi
30Stride Autism Centers - Johnston ABA Therapy505.0★ (12)8 mi
31Healing Rock Counseling504.5★ (15)8 mi
32Stride Autism Centers - West Des Moines ABA Therapy495.0★ (8)8 mi
33Sagent Behavioral Health - West Des Moines494.4★ (25)11 mi
34Central Iowa Family Institute493.9★ (14)9 mi
35Lighthouse Counseling (LHC)475.0★ (4)10 mi
36Peace of Mind Counseling Services414.0★ (4)17 mi

Also serving Des Moines

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

Unranked psychologists serving Des Moines
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Affinity Therapy and Counseling Services3.8★ (10)In Des Moines
Anderson Kerry L4.7★ (6)In Des Moines
Bailey Luellen, LMSW2.1★ (37)In Des Moines
BHG Des Moines Treatment Center3.6★ (28)In Des Moines
Bliss Psychiatry4.8★ (226)In Des Moines
DMU Clinic — Behavioral Health3.5★ (6)In Des Moines
Innovative Counseling2.8★ (25)In Des Moines
Jeffrey W Kramer, MA, LMHC, LLC4.8★ (8)In Des Moines
Lloyd's Counseling Inc3.4★ (20)In Des Moines
MercyOne Des Moines Behavioral Health Care2.4★ (100)In Des Moines
MercyOne Des Moines Psychiatry Hospitalists1.9★ (9)In Des Moines
Next Step Counseling Services3.9★ (9)In Des Moines
Orchard Place3.7★ (19)In Des Moines
Prairie Wellness4.5★ (15)In Des Moines
Psychiatry Associates - Des Moines4.8★ (95)In Des Moines
Resilient Health Services4.8★ (60)In Des Moines
Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC3.9★ (21)In Des Moines
Synergy Clinical Services, L.L.C.3.3★ (30)In Des Moines
the changing point / David Steenson, LISW5.0★ (5)In Des Moines
UnityPoint Health - Blank Children's Psychiatry3.2★ (10)In Des Moines

How we ranked Des Moines psychologists

We scored 36 Des Moines psychologists 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 a psychologist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure they regularly work with clients who have your concern, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. If you may need testing as well as therapy (for example for ADHD or memory concerns), ask whether the practice does assessments itself.
  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 psychologist

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How often do you work with concerns like mine?
  • Do you offer psychological testing, or therapy only?
  • 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.

Psychologists in Des Moines: frequently asked questions

Who is the best psychologist in Des Moines?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychologist in Des Moines, IA is Pottebaum Sheila M PHD with an RP Score of 69/100. It has 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews. Philip Ascheman, Ph.D. (#2) and Cal J. SEDA, PhD (#3) follow. We ranked 36 psychologists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many psychologists are there in Des Moines?

RankedPsychologists ranks 36 psychologists serving Des Moines, IA. 7 of them are based in 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 psychologists in Des Moines work on weekends?

4 of 36 ranked psychologists post Saturday hours and 3 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are BlueSky Telepsych (#4), Sagent Behavioral Health - Des Moines (#13) and Online Anxiety Therapy for Millennial Professionals (#15). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Des Moines psychologists have?

The median Google rating among 36 rated psychologists in Des Moines is 4.2★, with a median of 8 reviews. Kavalier and Associates has the most, 57 reviews, and ranks #10. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank psychologists?

Each psychologist 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 psychologists outside Des Moines count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Des Moines city center, our service radius for psychologists. 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 psychologists 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 psychologists 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 psychology 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 a psychologist and a therapist?

“Psychologist” is a protected title: only people licensed by a state or provincial psychology board may use it. Most hold a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) and are trained in psychological testing as well as therapy. “Therapist” is a general word: licensed counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists also provide therapy under their own licenses.

Can I see a psychologist 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 36 psychologists serving Des Moines.

More psychologists and Des Moines pages