Virtual Therapy Iowa

Accessible Virtual Therapy for Iowa Residents

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that about 649,000 Iowa residents struggle with a mental health condition, including chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. This number is four-times greater than the population of the state’s second most populated city, Cedar Rapids. Of added concern, is that about 171,000 Iowa adults have a serious mental illness, and that nearly 17% of IA youth between the ages of 12-17 experience a major depressive episode each year. According to various sources (here and here) Iowa also holds the unfortunate distinction of ranking highest in the U.S. for having the worst access to psychiatric care. This data suggests a severe shortage of treatment for mental illnesses. While specific mental health conditions vary, Iowa faces major challenges in providing mental health services, leading to poor outcomes and high rates of unmet needs. Without intervention, the state is headed for an especially challenging future because to reiterate – a staggering 1.3 million Iowa residents live in a community that does not have enough mental health professionals. To overcome barriers to accessing qualified support, Kindbridge has stepped in to offer powerful virtual therapy. Iowa residents (individuals, couples, and families) can connect to a specialized counselor right here, right now.

“Iowa has the ranking highest in the U.S. for having the worst access to psychiatric care.” (NAMI)

Using Technology to Overcome Tech Addictions

Technology addiction is one of the fastest growing threats to public health in Iowa. Problematic behavior regarding engagement with internet-enabled activities has compromised the wellbeing of vulnerable and at-risk residents. These issues include the following:

• Problematic online gambling behavior: Research shows that 13.6% of adult Iowans (over 315,000 residents) report experiencing at least one symptom associated with problem gambling during the past 12 months.
• Problematic use of pornography: National studies suggest that up to 7% of Americans meet the criteria for problematic use of pornography, which equates 226,800 IA residents.
• Problematic online trading behavior: National studies suggest that 8% of investors meet the criteria for compulsivity regarding online trading.
• Unhealthy video gaming: National studies suggest around 3-5% of gamers experience issues with unhealthy gaming.
• Problematic online shopping behavior: National studies suggest that up to 16% of Americans struggle with unhealthy online shopping behavior. It’s estimated that 518,400 Iowans may be affected, assuming the state mirrors national averages. Meanwhile, research from the University of Iowa indicated around 80% of those with a problematic relationship with online shopping have traditionally been women, but more recent studies suggest a narrower gap between men and women, with some data confirming similar rates (around 5.5% to 6%). 

As a virtual counseling platform, Kindbridge leverages technology to treat all of the above. Counseling specific to each issue are available to any Iowa resident with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop (everyone). Click or call to connect right now.

Successfully Treating Cooccurring Issues

A number of mental health concerns are comorbid with technology addictions. Whether you struggle with one or more of these as cooccurring (w/ problem tech use) issues or they are standalone concerns, we will help.

Anxiety	ADHD
Bipolar Disorder	Chronic Anger + Irritability
Depression	OCD
PTSD	Substance Use Disorder