Waterloo Counseling Center Inc

Oct 2019

I see multiple negative reviews complaining about the amount of paperwork and the attitude of the therapists. I have found that ALL good therapists will either have several questionnaires, or they will spend the entire first session asking those questions. Additionally, people have complained about a therapist trying to set goals with them, and about a therapist telling them that they aren't alone in their problems. Those are both common therapy practices that work with many people, so it's unsurprising that your therapist tried them! My personal experience has been this: I was referred to Waterloo for a Transmasculine therapy group meeting weekly. It was a bit tricky to get an appointment set - their phone setup is not great, but once I was in the intake appointment (Just me and the group therapist) I was treated like a valued human being. Sarah helped me fill out the paperwork, asking me for clarification if she needed it. I was told I would have to attend a certain number of sessions before I could opt out, and I'm nearly at that number but I don't ever want to leave this group! I will say that the way the group runs is not very structured, it's mostly just a bunch of us sitting around and talking about what we struggled with or what we achieved in the week, but Sarah always offers great insight into why or how we may be experiencing our lives. I have also found that the group members are all wise in their own way, making this a great setting for learning how to take care of your emotional and mental health. 4 stars, lost one because the phone system really sucks.

May 2019

I've been coming here off/on for a decade now and have always received quality mental health care. Each person I've seen has been knowledgeable, compassionate, and more helpful than I ever anticipated. Be aware, there is ALWAYS a long waiting list. If you need mental heath care immediately, find a mental health urgent care facility while you wait on the waiting list. Prices have been extremely reasonable for me, but I also have great insurance. I've been to some other places around town as well and they have all paled in comparison. YMMV. TLDR: If you can wait and have insurance, this place is great for LGBT mental health; if you are in immediate crisis, are looking to start therapy, and don't have insurance, you will probably be upset.

Sep 2013

There are no words to describe how wonderful, helpful, supportive, ugh....I can't express how nice it is to have someone to talk to about issues important to me and relatable to my incredible therapist. I've been using this facility and its incredible staff for over three months now. Attentive, thoughtful, and affordable.