Hi, I'm Daniel. Therapy is hard work, and change is possible.
I’ve been a therapist in the Des Moines metro for over a decade, working with adults and young adults navigating anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, performance pressure, and life stress.
My approach is genuine, steady, and straightforward. We’ll work to understand what’s actually happening, challenge the patterns that are getting in the way, and build tools that help you move toward the life you want to live.
Daniel Chavarria, LMHC
I believe therapy should feel safe enough to be honest and strong enough to support real change.
Daniel Chavarria, LMHC
For the people who've been managing it alone for too long.
I work with clients who are navigating things that have often been building for a while. Anxiety that has gotten louder. A relationship with food that does not feel right. Something that happened that they have not fully dealt with yet.
Most people who reach out are dealing with more than one thing at once: anxiety and trauma, eating disorders and depression, self-esteem, performance pressure, or overwhelming stress. These things do not usually show up alone, so I do not treat them like they do.
I provide therapy for adults and young adults across Iowa, with specialized experience working with college-age individuals athletes, and first responders.
I’m bilingual and offer sessions in both English and Spanish.
The tools I draw from.
I don’t use one method on every person. I pull from a handful of evidence-based approaches and blend them to fit what you’re actually working with.
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ACT — Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Make room for the hard stuff instead of fighting it, and move toward what actually matters to you — values over avoidance.
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DBT — Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Practical skills for the moments your nervous system runs the show — emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and steady ground.
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EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
A structured, evidence-based approach for processing trauma so old experiences stop dictating present-day reactions.
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CBT — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The thoughts feel true. That doesn't mean they are. We work on telling the difference.
What other therapists say.
Daniel is an exceptional mental health counselor known for his professionalism, ethical integrity, and direct approach. Trusted by his clients, he provides a safe, supportive environment and empowers them to pivot toward wellness. I highly recommend.
Delphine Weiss
LISW · MS, MSW
Daniel's understanding, engaging, and challenging approach helps clients grow while feeling supported. Specializing in eating disorders, he uses evidence-based techniques to ensure therapy is both impactful and transformative.
Leisha Ristau
LISW
Daniel is a knowledgeable therapist who makes challenging issues feel manageable. He blends practical strategies with compassion, helping clients create real, lasting change with a lighthearted touch.
Grant A. Franklin
LMHC · NCC
Fees & Insurance
$195
Intake session
$185
1-hour session
Insurance accepted
- Wellmark BCBS
- Midlands Choice
- Cigna
- Medica
- HealthPartners
The “No Surprises Act” is a piece of legislation passed in the United States aimed at protecting patients from unexpected medical bills, particularly those stemming from out-of-network providers during emergencies or scheduled procedures at in-network facilities. It was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and went into effect on January 1, 2022. The No Surprises Act aims to address the issue of surprise medical billing by establishing fair payment mechanisms, enhancing transparency, and protecting patients from unexpected financial burdens related to out-of-network care.
Daniel Chavarria, LMHC
A decade of this work has taught me what actually helps and what just takes up time. I focus on the former.
License
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Years in practice
10 years
support for
Teens and Adults
Education
MS, Clinical Mental Health
languages
English and Spanish
Location
In-Person in Ankeny, IA
Telehealth Statewide
Therapy for when your symptoms are getting in the way of your life.
A short email or call is enough to start. We’ll figure out the rest together.