Christy Alten, LPC-MH, LMHC
Iowa counselor offering hope and evidence-based care
- Addictions and mental health
- Faith-informed strategies
- Clinical supervision expertise
About Christy Alten
Christy Alten brings more than three decades of clinical experience to her counseling work, combining spiritual conviction with evidence-based methods to support adults and adolescents facing addiction and mental health challenges. She holds LPC-MH and LMHC credentials - professional licenses that authorize practice in mental health counseling - and has longstanding training in addiction treatment, couples work, and trauma-informed approaches.
Rooted in a Christian perspective, Christy blends faith-oriented support with practical strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), 12-Step approaches, Gottman couples techniques, accelerated resolution methods, and polyvagal-informed practices. Her approach is informed by existential and spiritual themes, helping clients explore meaning, values, and purpose while addressing symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance use, and relationship difficulties.
She emphasizes a nonjudgmental, collaborative process in which therapist and client develop a tailored plan for healing, growth, and improved functioning. In addition to direct clinical work, Christy has more than two decades of experience providing clinical supervision and professional development for newer and experienced clinicians, reflecting a commitment to supporting helpers as well as those they serve.
Scheduling is managed directly rather than by self-scheduling; she maintains limited evening and weekend availability and is willing to consider options for clients who are ready to engage fully in therapy. Her practice focuses on creating hope, restoring functioning, and walking alongside people through life transitions and recovery.
Rooted in a Christian perspective, Christy blends faith-oriented support with practical strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), 12-Step approaches, Gottman couples techniques, accelerated resolution methods, and polyvagal-informed practices. Her approach is informed by existential and spiritual themes, helping clients explore meaning, values, and purpose while addressing symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance use, and relationship difficulties.
She emphasizes a nonjudgmental, collaborative process in which therapist and client develop a tailored plan for healing, growth, and improved functioning. In addition to direct clinical work, Christy has more than two decades of experience providing clinical supervision and professional development for newer and experienced clinicians, reflecting a commitment to supporting helpers as well as those they serve.
Scheduling is managed directly rather than by self-scheduling; she maintains limited evening and weekend availability and is willing to consider options for clients who are ready to engage fully in therapy. Her practice focuses on creating hope, restoring functioning, and walking alongside people through life transitions and recovery.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Family conflictsGriefSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposePanic disorder and panic attacksPregnancy and childbirthSelf-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Christy Alten have?
Christy Alten has 31 years of clinical experience.
Is Christy Alten a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds these credentials: LPC-MH, LMHC. License details: SD LPC-MH LPC-MH2270, IA LMHC 111880.
In which languages does Christy Alten provide therapy?
Christy Alten provides therapy in English.
Where is Christy Alten located?
Christy Alten is located in Iowa.
How can I work with Christy Alten as my therapist?
You can work with Christy Alten through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Christy Alten work with international clients?
Christy Alten does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Christy Alten cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approach-Focused Online Therapy and Flexible Care
Christy Alten often integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical approach that identifies unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and teaches skills to shift them, which can help with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and coping skills. She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness - tools that are helpful for intense emotions, relationship struggles, and impulse challenges. For couples or relationship work she applies principles from the Gottman Method to improve communication, reduce conflict cycles, and strengthen connection.
Choosing the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Christy works with clients to assess needs, goals, and preferences, then tailors interventions and adjusts strategies over time so therapy aligns with what will be most helpful.
Online therapy allows licensed professionals to deliver these approaches through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering clients greater flexibility in scheduling and access from home or work. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into busy lives, and use therapy alongside other supports and responsibilities.