Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Therapy Partner in Ames, IA
Creative Counseling Services was founded in 2008 to provide accessible mental health therapy and substance abuse treatment to residents of Story County and surrounding areas. Our mission focuses on helping individuals and families maximize their potential through personalized care delivered by qualified professionals. As a non-profit agency, we prioritize community needs while maintaining high standards of service quality. Our team includes licensed therapists and supervised interns who specialize in diverse areas including trauma, addiction, and family dynamics. We offer both in-office and telehealth options to accommodate client preferences.Our facility in downtown Ames ensures convenient access via public transportation and proximity to key community resources. We accept Medicaid insurance and maintain partnerships with local organizations to expand service availability. Our governance structure includes a dedicated Board of Directors committed to ethical practices and community engagement. Over 20 years of combined clinical experience among our leadership team supports our commitment to evidence-based practices. We emphasize client-centered care while maintaining strict confidentiality and adherence to professional standards.
Services
In-Office Therapy
Telehealth Counseling
EMDR Treatment
Family Therapy
Individual Counseling
Substance Abuse Treatment
Intern Counseling
Trauma Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience in mental health counseling
- Our team includes EMDR-trained trauma specialists
- We accept Medicaid insurance for accessible care
- We offer both in-person and secure telehealth sessions
- Our interns provide no-cost counseling under licensed supervision
What people say
Compassionate staff
Affordable options
Experienced therapists
Flexible scheduling
Effective treatment
Services
In-Office Therapy
Our in-office therapy sessions provide face-to-face mental health treatment in a private, professional setting. Clients receive personalized care for depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. Sessions occur in individual offices with consistent scheduling to build therapeutic rapport and ensure continuity of care.
Telehealth Counseling
Secure telehealth sessions offer convenient mental health treatment through encrypted video conferencing. This HIPAA-compliant platform accommodates clients seeking flexibility while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness for anxiety, depression, and behavioral health concerns. Technical support ensures smooth virtual sessions.
EMDR Treatment
EMDR therapy addresses trauma through bilateral stimulation techniques that reprocess distressing memories. This evidence-based approach helps clients achieve healthier perspectives on past experiences while maintaining safety and control throughout treatment.
Family Therapy
Family therapy sessions address relationship dynamics and communication challenges within family systems. Our therapists help clients navigate conflict resolution, life transitions, and behavioral issues while respecting each family's unique structure and needs.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Specialized substance abuse treatment combines individual and group therapy approaches for addiction recovery. Our counselors address co-occurring mental health disorders while developing personalized relapse prevention strategies and coping mechanisms for sustained recovery.
People
Kristten Buttermore
Interim Executive Director
Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 18 years experience, EMDR-trained therapist, and Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association president. Holds advanced degrees from Iowa State and Drake University.
Stephanie Vela
Therapist
Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor with 11 years experience. Specializes in trauma treatment and addiction recovery with EMDR certification.
Kelly Binkowski
Masters Level Intern
Clinical Mental Health Counseling student with nursing background. Focuses on anxiety, depression, and postpartum mental health. Provides no-cost services under licensed supervision.
Abbie Stucker
Masters Level Intern
NYU mental health counseling student with FBI research experience. Specializes in LGBTQ+ issues and addiction treatment. Offers no-cost services using person-centered approaches.
Questions
Do you accept Medicaid insurance?
Yes, we accept Medicaid insurance for mental health therapy services in Iowa.
Are telehealth sessions available?
Yes, we offer secure telehealth therapy sessions through HIPAA-compliant platforms.
What mental health issues do you treat?
We treat depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, relationship issues, and co-occurring disorders.
Do you offer crisis services?
No, we are not a crisis service. For emergencies, please contact 9-1-1 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.
Are there free counseling options?
Yes, our supervised interns provide no-cost mental health counseling services for qualifying clients.
Is your facility accessible?
Our office is wheelchair accessible but lacks ADA-compliant restrooms. We can provide referrals for accessible facilities.
