OCD Therapists Accepting New Patients in Iowa (2026)

OLEE Index · Updated November 2026

6 OCD specialists in Iowa appear to be accepting new patients, based on what they publicly list. Waitlists for strong OCD specialists can be long, so starting here can save you weeks. Here are the highest-ranked OCD therapists in Iowa currently taking new clients.

6
OCD providers scored
2
score 80 or higher
1
offer telehealth
6
accepting new patients

Top 6 OCD specialists, ranked by OLEE score

Scores are out of 100 and based only on public evidence of OCD expertise: how clearly a provider describes exposure and response prevention (ERP), how central OCD is to their practice, specialized training and affiliations, and credentials. No one pays to be listed or ranked. How we score.

  1. #1

    Erin Stevens

    PhD, LP · West Des Moines, IA

    Anxiety & OCD Treatment Services

    92/ 100
    Accepting new patients
    ✓Strong, specific evidence of ERP
    ✓OCD is a core focus of the practice
    ✓Specialized OCD training or affiliations

  2. #2

    Karen Nelson

    PhD · Iowa City, IA

    Eastwind Healing Center

    88/ 100
    Accepting new patients
    ✓Strong, specific evidence of ERP
    ✓OCD is a core focus of the practice
    ✓Specialized OCD training or affiliations

  3. #3

    Alicia Bruzek

    LMHC · Cedar Rapids, IA

    Cultivate Therapy

    79/ 100
    Accepting new patientsLGBTQ+ affirming
    ✓Strong, specific evidence of ERP
    ✓OCD is a core focus of the practice
    ✓Specialized OCD training or affiliations

  4. #4

    Zach Pacha

    LISW · West Des Moines, IA

    Anxiety and OCD Center of Iowa

    74/ 100
    Accepting new patients
    ✓Strong, specific evidence of ERP
    ✓OCD is a core focus of the practice

  5. #5

    Judy Nemmers

    LISW · Telehealth (IA), IA

    Insomnia, Anxiety & OCD Services of Iowa

    67/ 100
    TelehealthAccepting new patients
    ✓Strong, specific evidence of ERP
    ✓OCD is a core focus of the practice

  6. #6

    Rachel Thompson

    LMHC · Council Bluffs, IA

    Private Practice

    48/ 100
    Accepting new patients
See all 6 with more filters →

More ways to find OCD help in Iowa

All OCD therapists in Iowa33Telehealth (online therapy)14LGBTQ+ affirming5

Find the right specialist

How to find a qualified OCD specialist on OLEE

Most therapists who list OCD were never trained in the treatment that works. Here’s how to find one who was.

  1. Search your state, sorted by score

    Open OLEE search, choose your state and sort by score. We scored more than 5,000 OCD providers on publicly verifiable evidence of OCD expertise. No one pays to be listed or ranked.

  2. Narrow it to what you need

    Filter for telehealth, your insurance, accepting new patients or Spanish-speaking providers.

  3. Check “What we verified” on each profile

    Every profile shows the evidence behind the score. Look for: A clear description of how they use exposure and response prevention (ERP); specialized OCD training such as the IOCDF’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI); and an International OCD Foundation listing.

  4. Ask before you book

    “Do you use exposure and response prevention, and where were you trained in it?” and “How many of your current clients have OCD?” A real specialist answers clearly and specifically.
Search OCD specialists

FAQ

Which top OCD therapists in Iowa are accepting new patients?

Based on the OLEE Index, the highest-scoring OCD specialists in Iowa who appear to be accepting new patients are Erin Stevens (92/100), Karen Nelson (88/100) and Alicia Bruzek (79/100). Availability changes often, so confirm directly when you reach out.

How do you know a therapist is accepting new patients?

We use what providers publicly state on their profiles and websites. Availability changes quickly, so treat it as a starting point and confirm directly.

What if the OCD specialist I want has a waitlist?

Ask to be added to the waitlist and whether they offer a consultation or group in the meantime. You can also look for a telehealth OCD specialist licensed in your state, which often widens your options considerably.

What should I look for in an OCD therapist?

Look for someone who specifically uses exposure and response prevention (ERP) and for whom OCD is a large part of their caseload. Specialized training such as the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) is a strong signal. Ask how many of their current clients have OCD.

OLEE scores measure publicly verifiable signals of OCD expertise, not treatment outcomes. Always confirm licensure, availability and fit directly with a provider. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US).