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Best Therapists And Counselors in Ames, IA (2026)

35 therapists and counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Ames: 5th Street Mental Health Professionals, RP Score 76/100; 3.1★ from 11 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 2

    Most-reviewed: Walnut Creek Psychiatry, 133 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 35 ranked; ranked #2.

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

35 Ames therapists and counselors 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 4.0★ across 35 rated practices.

Top 10 therapists and counselors in Ames 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 therapists and counselors in Ames at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
15th Street Mental Health Professionals763.1★ (11)AmesSat · Sun · EveningsOverall
2Walnut Creek Psychiatry734.7★ (133)Ames—Most reviews
3Joyful Mind Psychiatry733.1★ (18)Ames——
4The Kai Lani Center, LLC734.0★ (4)Ames——
5Community & Family Resources733.0★ (22)Ames——
6Red Couch Counseling713.7★ (11)AmesSun · Evenings—
7Covenant Family Solutions - Ames Clinic714.8★ (26)Ames——
8Ames Counseling Center, Wall Bing PHD703.7★ (3)AmesSat · Evenings—
9Honey Sage Wellness695.0★ (10)Ames——
10Okerberg & Associates - Ames694.7★ (14)Ames——

The 35 best therapists and counselors in Ames, 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 Ames

    #1 5th Street Mental Health Professionals

    Based in Ames

    76/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”, 3.1★ from 11 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.1★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–8 PM · Tue–Wed 8 AM–6 PM · Thu 8 AM–7 PM · Fri 8 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    600 5th St Unit 200, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for 5th Street Mental Health Professionals(515) 232-2051

  2. #2 Walnut Creek Psychiatry

    Based in Ames

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 4.7★ from 133 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.7★ from 133 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    223 S Walnut Ave, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Walnut Creek Psychiatry(515) 368-7504

  3. #3 Joyful Mind Psychiatry

    Based in Ames

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 3.1★ from 18 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.1★ from 18 Google reviews
    Address
    315 6th St #100, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Joyful Mind Psychiatry(515) 412-4110

  6. #6 Red Couch Counseling

    Based in Ames

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 3.7★ from 11 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat closed · Sun 9 AM–12 PM
    Address
    1103 Buckeye Ave #104, Ames, IA 50011
    View profile for Red Couch Counseling(515) 954-9865

  8. #8 Ames Counseling Center, Wall Bing PHD

    Based in Ames

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–7 PM · Tue 8 AM–7:30 PM · Wed 8 AM–6 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat 10 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2515 University Blvd #106, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Ames Counseling Center, Wall Bing PHD(515) 233-8473

  9. #9 Honey Sage Wellness

    Based in Ames

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1333 Buckeye Ave #1002, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Honey Sage Wellness(515) 500-5383

  12. #12 Susie Lang, LLC

    Based in Ames

    69/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    408 Douglas Ave C, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Susie Lang, LLC(515) 233-6110

  14. #14 NEXT Counseling of Iowa

    Based in Ames

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–5 PM · Tue 9 AM–6 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    809 Wheeler St #108, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for NEXT Counseling of Iowa(515) 996-6778

  16. #16 Kathy May Counseling, PLLC

    Based in Ames

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    1800 Collaboration Pl Ste 124, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Kathy May Counseling, PLLC(515) 824-0729

  18. #18 Eyerly Ball

    Based in Ames

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Mental health service”, 3.3★ from 41 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.3★ from 41 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–4 PM · Tue–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2521 S University Blvd Unit 121, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Eyerly Ball(515) 598-3300

  19. #19 Compass Tree Counseling

    Based in Ames

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 3.4★ from 7 Google reviews.

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

    • 3.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    600 5th St Unit 300, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Compass Tree Counseling(515) 233-3971

  20. #20 Adrienne R. Shrader, LMHC, CADC

    Based in Ames

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 11 AM–7 PM · Wed 9 AM–6 PM · Thu 11 AM–7 PM · Fri 2 PM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    218 SE 16th St #101, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Adrienne R. Shrader, LMHC, CADC(515) 735-9488

  21. #21 Ames Counseling Center

    Based in Ames

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Counselor”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2515 University Blvd #106, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Ames Counseling Center(515) 233-8473

  24. #24 Rosedale Shelter

    Based in Ames

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews, based in Ames.

    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

  25. #25 Axis Therapy Centers - Ames

    Based in Ames

    62/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Applied behavior analysis therapist”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1315 S Bell Ave Ste 108, Ames, IA 50010
    View profile for Axis Therapy Centers - Ames(515) 337-0343

All 35 therapists and counselors

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #35, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.

therapists and counselors in Ames, ranks 26 to 35
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26YSS Family Counseling and Clinic613.6★ (27)In Ames
27Salty Peaks TeleHealth605.0★ (5)7 mi
28Richmond Center581.7★ (3)In Ames
29Peggy Clark Lmst573.7★ (3)14 mi
30The Rose Center564.4★ (9)13 mi
31Eastern Star Masonic Home564.5★ (52)15 mi
32YSS Headquarters553.4★ (23)In Ames
33CORA Mental Health544.7★ (12)14 mi
34YSS of Boone County534.0★ (4)13 mi
35NAMI Central Iowa533.4★ (5)In Ames

Also serving Ames

20 more therapists and counselors within 15 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked therapists and counselors serving Ames
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Abundant Life Counseling5.0★ (1)In Ames
Ames Psychological Wellness Center5.0★ (4)In Ames
Amy Kuehl, LISWIn Ames
Barbara A. Kennedy, PHD3.0★ (2)In Ames
Blue Door Counseling ServiceIn Ames
Brooks Witter, LMHCIn Ames
Connections Testing & Consulting, LLC5.0★ (1)In Ames
Creative Counseling Services5.0★ (1)In Ames
Dr. Courtney Clippert-Treadwell5.0★ (1)In Ames
Dr. Jack Dodd4.3★ (4)In Ames
Firm Foundations CounselingIn Ames
Heart and Solutions, LLC A Strength Based Counseling Agency5.0★ (2)In Ames
Heartland Mental Health Therapy LLC3.0★ (2)In Ames
Kasey Strosahl1.0★ (1)In Ames
Lemon Therapy LLC1.0★ (1)In Ames
Mary Nii Munteh5.0★ (1)In Ames
Mid-Iowa Family Therapy Clinic, Inc.4.5★ (2)In Ames
River Valley Therapy Clinic5.0★ (2)In Ames
Rooted Therapy5.0★ (1)In Ames
Wild Blossom Counseling, LLC5.0★ (1)In Ames

How we ranked Ames therapists and counselors

We scored 35 Ames therapists and 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 Ames 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 therapist

  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. Check which license they hold (for example LPC, LCSW, LMFT or RP) and look it up with the board or college that issued it.
  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 therapist

  • 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?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • 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.

Therapists and counselors in Ames: frequently asked questions

Who is the best therapist in Ames?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked therapist in Ames, IA is 5th Street Mental Health Professionals with an RP Score of 76/100. It has 3.1★ from 11 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Walnut Creek Psychiatry (#2) and Joyful Mind Psychiatry (#3) follow. We ranked 35 therapists and counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many therapists and counselors are there in Ames?

RankedPsychologists ranks 35 therapists and counselors serving Ames, IA. 29 of them are based in Ames; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 15 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 therapists and counselors in Ames work on weekends?

4 of 35 ranked therapists and counselors post Saturday hours and 3 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are 5th Street Mental Health Professionals (#1), Ames Counseling Center, Wall Bing PHD (#8) and Rosedale Shelter (#24). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Ames therapists and counselors have?

The median Google rating among 35 rated therapists and counselors in Ames is 4.0★, with a median of 10 reviews. Walnut Creek Psychiatry has the most, 133 reviews, and ranks #2. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank therapists and counselors?

Each 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 therapists and counselors outside Ames count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 15 mi of the Ames city center, our service radius for therapists and 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 therapists and 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 therapists and counselors in Ames ranked?

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

Is a licensed counselor the same as a psychologist?

No. Licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and, in Ontario, registered psychotherapists hold their own licenses and answer to their own boards or colleges. They provide talk therapy for many of the same concerns; formal psychological testing is usually done by a psychologist.

Can I see a 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 Ames

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 35 therapists and counselors serving Ames.

More therapists and counselors and Ames pages