Mental Health Therapy Services

Mental Health Therapy

Mental health therapy (sometimes called counseling or talk therapy) is a safe space where you can talk with a trained professional about what’s going on in your life—your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or challenges. It focuses on providing support, fostering self-awareness, and equipping individuals with strategies to navigate life’s challenges.

There are different types of therapy, and not every approach is the same. Some sessions feel like a conversation, others might include strategies to change unhelpful thought patterns, build better habits, or heal from past experiences.

 

Our Therapist

Dr. S Kyle Cardwell, PsyD, LMHC

Providing for Teens, Young Adults, and Adults in Ames

Dr. S. Kyle Cardwell (“Dr. Kyle” to his patients) is a licensed mental health professional with over 16 years of experience providing therapy to teens, young adults, and adults. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, identity concerns, and life transitions. His clinical approach is both compassionate and direct, using evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, REBT, and psychodynamic principles to support meaningful and lasting change.

Dr. Kyle has extensive experience working with adolescents in both outpatient and residential settings. He has also served in executive leadership roles—including CEO of a residential treatment center for youth—where he led trauma-informed care initiatives and program development. He is especially skilled in working with high-functioning individuals who feel overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or disconnected beneath the surface. For those who wish, he can also integrate Christian faith into therapy in a thoughtful and respectful way.

Originally from North Carolina, Dr. Kyle spent nine years working in Alaska, followed by four years in the Pacific Northwest, before relocating to the Midwest. He holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology and multiple graduate degrees, including in theology and public policy. He is licensed in several states and provides therapy through telehealth to individuals across the country.

Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Kyle enjoys traveling, cooking (as a self-proclaimed foodie), writing, and exploring the intersections of psychology, leadership, and faith.

Common Questions

People seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Some are navigating challenging life transitions or experiencing emotional distress such as anxiety, low mood, or persistent stress. Others may be looking to improve relationships, explore aspects of identity, or gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Whether the goal is to overcome specific difficulties or to enhance overall mental well-being, therapy offers a safe, supportive, and confidential environment to foster growth and resilience.

  • Anxiety Disorders
     Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
  • Depression and Mood Disorders
     Major depressive disorder, persistent low mood, and bipolar disorder
  • Trauma
     Recovery from traumatic experiences
  • Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
    Intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and behaviors
  • Identity and Self-Esteem Concerns
     Exploring identity, self-worth, body image, and confidence
  • Life Transitions and Personal Growth
    Navigating changes such as moving, career shifts, or academic challenges

Therapy can also be a valuable resource for individuals who may not have a diagnosed mental health condition but are seeking greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, or personal development.

Therapy Type

Common Uses

What It Focuses On

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Anxiety, depression, stress

Changing negative thoughts and behaviors

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Emotional regulation, self-harm, borderline personality

Building skills to manage emotions and relationships

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Trauma, PTSD

Processing traumatic memories

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Anxiety, depression, anger

Challenging irrational beliefs

Psychodynamic Therapy

Depression, relationship issues

Understanding past experiences and emotions

In many cases, you do not need a referral to see a mental health therapist, especially if you’re using private insurance or paying out of pocket. However, some insurance plans—particularly HMOs—may require a referral from your primary care provider before therapy is covered. To be sure, it’s best to check the details of your specific insurance plan.

Yes, many health insurance plans do cover mental health therapy. Coverage typically includes sessions with licensed professionals, but the specifics—like number of sessions, copays, and in-network providers—can vary. Thanks to parity laws, mental health services must be covered similarly to physical health care. To understand your benefits, it’s best to check with your insurance provider.

Yes! We submit claims to your health insurance and any remaining copayment or coinsurance will be billed to you. Our therapists are in-network with:

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (including Wellmark and Anthem policies; we are not in-network Unity Point HMO Plans)
  • Cigna
  • Health Partners
  • Midlands Choice
  • United Healthcare
  • United Medical Resources

We encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to verify coverage. If we are not in-network with your insurance company, please contact us. We do offer private pay rates as well. For more information click here.