WE’RE HIRING!
Come join our team of 2000+ clinicians
FEATURED ARTICLE
A comprehensive guide to starting therapy
Check my copay estimate
Sessions cost $24 on average with insurance
Book my first session
96% of clients feel supported and understood by their therapist
Get expert medication support, tailored to you
Discover how starting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
3 therapists available in Iowa
I believe it is a privilege to walk alongside individuals in their healing journey by creating a space where they feel seen and he...
About
I believe it is a privilege to walk alongside individuals in their healing journey by creating a space where they feel seen and heard, honoring every part of their story, and supporting them in using their strengths to take one intentional step at a time toward meaningful change and new ways of living.
I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW) with over 31 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I work with individuals, couples, teens, young adults, and adults age 65 and older navigating anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma histories, grief and loss, life transitions, relational challenges, and work-life balance concerns.
I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa. My approach is trauma-informed, relational, and practical. I integrate eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies to support emotional regulation, reduce distress, and strengthen insight.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, you do not have to navigate it alone. I believe healing happens through connection, patience, and compassion. When you are ready, I welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you as you take the next step toward balance, healing, and meaningful change.
Education and training
View more therapists in Iowa
As a woman of color who has navigated trauma and loss, I understand how deeply life’s painful experiences can affect us and am com...
As a woman of color who has navigated trauma and loss, I understand how deeply life’s painful experiences can affect us and am committed to supporting clients with empathy, authenticity, and healthy coping skills.
I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 16 years of experience supporting clients through challenges such as self-esteem concerns, mood disorders, trauma, and major life transitions. I aim to meet you exactly where you are in your journey and provide a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to navigate the complexities of life with greater confidence and clarity.
I earned my master’s degree in community counseling from Argosy University. I use an integrated approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and reality-based techniques to help clients build practical coping skills, gain insight, and strengthen their sense of control in their daily lives.
I am excited that you are taking this step toward healing, and it would be an honor to support you along the way. I am committed to offering a nonjudgmental space where we can explore your strengths and work toward meaningful growth at a pace that feels safe for you. You deserve care, compassion, and a path forward—and I look forward to walking it with you.
I believe healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood, and I strive to create a safe space where you can bring your wh...
I believe healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood, and I strive to create a safe space where you can bring your whole self without judgment.
Melissa Jenkins is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience. Melissa specializes in assisting individuals of all ages who have a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, panic disorders, relationship issues, a history of trauma, life transition issues, as well as mood and personality disorders. She has previous experience in addiction treatment, crisis intervention, and couples therapy.
Melissa earned a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wayne State College. Melissa utilizes a variety of clinical approaches that are targeted to client needs, including cognitive behavioral therapy, solutions-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based methods.
Melissa's goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. She is here to walk alongside you with care and understanding. Reaching out for help is a brave first step, and Melissa would be honored to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
Not ready to book? Contact me
Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We'll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.
No membership fees or subscriptions
Evening and weekend sessions
Award-winning therapy & psychiatry
What support are you seeking?
You acknowledge that by submitting this form, you are providing what may be considered “sensitive data” and consent to Thriveworks Privacy Policy & Terms. By submitting this information, you consent to receive communication from Thriveworks about our services via automatic calls, artificial or pre-recorded messages, or texts at the phone number provided, or by email at the address provided. You have the option to opt out of communications.
We will contact you with availability updates based on the preferences you provided for up to six months.
At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.
DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.
The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren’t inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Iowa, IA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actual number of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Thriveworks Iowa has no reviews yet, but check out these reviews from locations in Iowa.
Shown in ET
Call us to book
Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session.
Book online
Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps.