LMHC

Cara Kelley , LMHC

Therapist in Iowa

Online therapy - get matched and start messaging.

About Cara

Cara Kelley approaches counseling with the conviction that it is never too late to become who one might have been. She has worked with people of all ages in both individual and group settings and maintains connections to the military community, including advocacy for veteran suicide awareness. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and she holds the LMHC credential - Licensed Mental Health Counselor - indicating graduate-level training and state licensure. She is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and has completed training in Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), Psychological First Aid (PFA), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and serves as a QPR Gatekeeper for suicide prevention education.

Cara frames counseling as a warm, supportive relationship where individuals can openly explore thoughts and emotions while learning practical strategies for coping. She aims to collaborate with people to build new patterns that support healthier coping, greater confidence, and an increased sense of purpose. Her practice emphasizes using clients' existing strengths to overcome barriers and foster growth. Cara values human resiliency and recognizes that people sometimes become stuck and benefit from guidance to move forward. She takes a holistic view of wellbeing - acknowledging the interplay of mind, body, and spirit - and encourages hope for change. Cara wants people to know they are not alone and that seeking help can be a meaningful step on a journey toward greater wellbeing.

Therapeutic approaches and online care with Cara Kelley

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an accepting, empathetic environment in which the individual is the expert on their own experience. In this approach the therapist follows the person's lead, offering support and reflection to help clarify values and goals; it can be especially helpful for self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - is a practical, skills-oriented approach that helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is often used for anxiety, stress, and patterns that interfere with daily functioning, offering concrete strategies for coping and problem solving.

Motivational Interviewing uses collaborative, nonjudgmental conversation to explore ambivalence and strengthen intrinsic motivation for change. It is well suited to clients facing difficult decisions or readiness-related barriers, such as making career shifts or addressing patterns of avoidance.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Licensed professionals, including therapists, often combine methods and adjust techniques based on a person's needs, goals, and preferences. Cara works collaboratively with people to determine which strategies fit best and to revisit that plan as goals evolve.

Online sessions offer practical benefits - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging increase flexibility and make it easier to schedule care around work, family, or mobility limitations. These options help people access consistent support from licensed professionals in a way that fits their daily life.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Cara Kelley have?

Cara Kelley has 8 years of experience in counseling.

Is Cara Kelley a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LMHC credential - Licensed Mental Health Counselor - and is licensed in Iowa as IA LMHC 095624.

In which languages does Cara Kelley provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Cara Kelley located?

Cara Kelley is based in Iowa.

How can I work with Cara Kelley as my therapist?

Cara Kelley provides services through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.

Does Cara Kelley work with international clients?

She does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Cara Kelley cost?

Costs can vary depending on factors such as location and availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current pricing and details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Prospective clients can get started by clicking the "Start Therapy" button and completing a short questionnaire that helps match them with a therapist. Depending on availability, an initial session can then be scheduled by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesObsessions, compulsions, and OCDSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

8+ years

Licensed

Iowa

Languages

English

Ready to work with Cara?

Begin with a short quiz to get matched and start messaging.

Start with Cara →