20 Best Psychology Grad Programs In Des Moines, IA (2022 Updated)

To all high school seniors looking at colleges, tour Iowa State! Iowa State was pretty low on my college list but I decided to tour it anyway. Coming from Wisconsin, my first thoughts were it was a college in the middle of no where with an easy acceptance rate…sketchy. But the moment I stepped foot on campus for my college visit I knew it was the place for me. It's a division one school but the beautiful campus and friendly staff made it feel small. Iowa State was the only college I applied to and I am more than happy with that decision. The professors and advisors truly care for every student and want you to succeed. For the university being in a such a small town, there is so much to do at ISU. From intramural sports, clubs, going to sporting events, joining greek life, exploring Ames, there is so much to do. Go cyclones.Cody King

Every fall, I am reminded as to why Iowa State University is ranked as one of the most beautiful campus in the country. All the fall foliage makes me want to keep snapping photos like an incoming freshman visiting the campus for the first time. Some of the best locations for looking at fall colors are: 1) around the campanile, 2) central campus (near Pearson Hall), and 3) along Osborn Dr. If you want to avoid getting judged by others for taking pictures, there are plenty of photo opportunities at Reiman Gardens. However, be sure to take those photos quickly as peak fall colors only lasts for about a week.John Hsieh

Beautiful Campus, offers a variety of majors and a multitude of colleges. Very helpful faculty and always friendly people on campus, very welcoming and open environment. Large expansion occurring throughout campus in the engineering and sciences. Definitively recommend visiting in the fall when the leaves are changing or in the spring when all the flowers are in blossom.Wil Q

I have spent the last three years as a student at Central. It was an absolute game changer in my life and career trajectory. As an education major, I am so thankful for the faculty who are so supportive and encouraging. This campus is perfect for students who want that individualized attention and education experience. I feel equipped with the skills I need to not only be an effective teacher, but also a good human being. You will not regret going to or visiting Central!Timothy Stammeyer

I currently have 2 sons enrolled at Central and they are both in the Football program. My "boys" went to Central and within a semester, were young "men" who felt like they had a 2nd family and a future. The coaching staff is beyond remarkable and the school environment is very welcoming and comfortable. We are blessed to be a part of a wonderful program. Thank you #goDUTCH!Stacy Renae

I am extremely grateful for the staff at Central College. They have been very helpful and patient with getting my son set up and ready to head to Iowa from TX. I am confident that he will be surrounded by amazing people. Donna in Financial Aid has been a big blessing to us! Thank you all for being professional and courteous in answering all my questions!yvette banda

The receptionist was very nice and did what she could to fit me in that day for a substance abuse evaluation. Unfortunately I talked to a newer counselor for my first OWI offense (actually my first offense ever.) This gentleman flat out said I did not have a drinking problem but continued to go on about a five-day class that he thought would be beneficial and wanted me to agree to, however I would not. I stressed to him I have a family of 6 that I support on my own and could not afford the class nor the time away. He still recommended it. Very disgruntled that he would not listen to me after agreeing I did not have a problem and could not inform me what this class was going to teach me that the OWI drinking driving class did not already. So mr. Aaron Trotter thank you for wasting my time and money, after I already have done my due diligence and pay my debt to society! Sincerely a father of four.Luke Veik

Had An EFR Evaluation With Devan And She Is Wonderful And IS A Great Person Who Is Very Helpful And Reliable If You Want Treatment! She Listens And Cares To Seek The Best Help For Anyone! My Friend Also Concurred This As well,Which He Is Now An Alumni At Prelude. Congratulations J.M.! And Thank You Devan And EFR Services! God Bless You All!Seph Park

Amazing staff, super friendly. Highly recommend. First time ever getting in trouble and was super scared but they made me felt at ease.Jake From the Farm

Went here to get my cdl class b only and they did a great job teaching in classroom and in trucks. The instructor take their time to teach you. They give both positive feedback and suggestions for improving on. They also give you leads to employers who hire recently graduates. Would recommend for anyone looking to get their cdlKevin leach

Great school. I had no relevant experience before starting here & was able to get the education & experience I needed to start my career as a semi driver. I needed more help than some students to get through it & get my cdl but they provided it. The instructors are great to work with.John Thoren

Whole host of characters run this show. Don't buy the industry hype – there is no shortage of drivers Don't pay out of pocket – DMACC should point you towards state financing/SWIFT does it & so should you. Avoid the headaches and pass while you're in school.Aaron White

Thank goodness, I went to this campus over Iowa State University because I wasn't too sure which was better for doing my automotive classes, this or at Ames. But now, here I am doing my auto classes and experience in ease, it's convenient in terms of price and the majors I have, now that I did the smart thing, and kept the money in my pockets, I will lean forward towards the next 2 years, and ensure I get the education I need. Thanks again, DMACC. For changing my mind about big university and then leave, and going to you first then onto the big things. ☺☺🤗🤗🤗hatchcracker_570

Being a DMACC Commercial Horticulture grad in the mid80's changed my life. Work-study w/Jim Mason in the early years of Country Landscapes also put me in a position to be a Iowa Certified Nurseryman @I.S.U. for 25+ years. If I was a parent w/new student in any of the horticulture programs I would be thankful knowing he/she had the best there is as department head. He will change your life as well.Jim Schleier

I guess someone doesn’t want do there job so they yelled at a woman who try to explain them what been happening to her getting different answers each times she calls instead of getting help she got yelled at and honged up dear student Aid is that what we call great customer service that so messed up I was watching it on tiktok try to peace it together will I know where not to go to school nowIslam Slaha

Dr. Jeffrey Kinderdietz was just the therapist I needed for where I was in my life, meeting the challenges of many foundational changes in my life. We had weekly video sessions during the hight of the pandemic. While I doubted the effectiveness of telehealth in this setting, I ultimately found it satisfying and effective.David Cotton

Kirk gets things ready for Dr K and he's a real sweetheart.and Dr K is so,so kind. This is the place you need to go there if you need to talk to someone!I VERY MUCH RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!! I never thought o needed to talk to anyone but someone suggested you.Denise Roustio

Fantastic! Small campus with small class sizes and helpful advisors and instructors. Don't be afraid to ask questions, because you will be given a happy and thorough answer.M M

Simpson College is a liberal arts institution. My kid goes to this school, and really loves it! It has small course sizes and student-to-teacher ratios. Simpson has some top notch scholars with Ivy league education from schools such as Harvard and Stanford. Simpson is located in Indianola, Iowa (which admittedly lacks diversity and culture). Yet, it is a growing city and they are at least "open" to the idea of differing thoughts and cultures. The college is somewhat expensive being of such small stature, but they are overly generous with scholarship opportunities. Simpson promotes their undergraduate research programs as highly competitive. I don't know the actual level of research and societal contributions they are able to make since they are a private institution (aka, lack of incoming public research dollars). However, Simpson has outstanding academic programs. We were sold on Simpson due to our kid's recruiter, named Dave. He's undoubtedly one of the best resources at Simpson. I would highly recommend any student to at least take a campus visit.RACC J

Simpson College has the worst case of faculty diversity issues! Please be mindful of the environment and services available to minority students on campus. Simpson College subjects students to unjust actions and denies their rights. The institution is financially unstable. Professors at Simpson, provide students with assistance and support their academic goals! Unfortunately, institutional politics at Simpson College will leave a negative lasting impression. Students and the Carver legacy are marketing tools. Minorities do not have the same support as other students on campus! Simpson must resolve all diversity issues, treat every student the same and remove racial bias.Professors ONLY

Great campus and friendly staff. However if you're going to simpson to play sports at the next level, you might want to look else where. They over recruit (its a money thing) and typically carry triple the roster size than most D3 sports programs. The coaches usually choose their starters from locals and students from out of town are treated accordingly. NO direct flights to Des Moines, and Indianola is very difficult to get to in a timely manner. Overall the admin staff treated us right but to be honest indianola is still still stuck in the 60's as far race relations go.chris velasquez

I just want everyone to be aware that Megan Cecil should not be allowed to practice therapy. I told her I had worsening depression and needed to be seen but she never had any time and said "I don't have time." You tell a client after MONTHS of seeing them that you SUDDENLY don't have time for them? She also refuses to answer e-mails and hardly answers a phone call! She always said there was a cancellation list but not once did I get an appointment moved earlier. She kept telling me to go do ERP therapy. It has been agreed by my ERP therapist that it is too much for me as my depression grows. (I TOLD HER IT WOULD BE) SHE DOES NOT LISTEN. Megan refused to give me support and I don't trust therapists anymore. She was the straw that broke the camel's back. For her to call hereself a therapist and for this establisment to be called a mental health facility is disgusting and pathetic. Megan also lied about specializing in autism which I was looking for. She did not study it; she simply had met other people who also have autism and claims to be an expert. She wants your money and she wants an easy job. The second she realizes she will actually have to work for a living, she will dismiss you with a smile and tell you "it's all for the best." STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!! Shortly after posting this someone went on here to say she's great….really you tell your clients to give you good reviews?✋Anna Phillips

I was referred to this office from a so called councilor " Dr Tracy out of grimes who I stop seeing due to her billing me and my insurance the same amounts also hippa violation in my eyes. I received a appointment date and time and was told I had to give no less than 24 hour notice to cancel appointment but on the day of my appointment JUDY GONZALEZ office called 2 hours before and cancelled on me with no penalty of fees but if I do that Boom fees on top of fees at my new appointment I walked in office NO SIGNS, RULE BOOK ETC regarding vaccination rules or regulations nor in the multiple messages sent to my phone first thing out of this JUDY GONZALEZ mouth is " are you vaccinated" when I told her no it's my right not to take the vaccines she emeditly told me " IN HER OFFICE YOU WILL BE VACCINATED AND IF I DID NOT LIKE IT TO GET OUT" I did not say another word, just took the papers I was in process of filling out and started to walk out office, on way out I hear her say loudly slightly laughing, " welp takes care of that one" lady is the most unprofessional and rude " Dr " I have ever talked to I would not rate her one star but there is no lower rating, I would not recommend her to any one ever and yes JUDY soon as I got to my vehicle I did contact a civil rights lawyer to explore my optionsJosh Schwartz

Judy is more concerned about her political views than anyone’s well being once she fishes out that you support right wing beliefs she automatically assumes that you can’t think for yourself, she takes on the assumption that she’s smarter than anyone who opposes her, and she’s ! She asked me if I was vaccined And when I told her no she flipped out on me and asked me why I wasn’t taking care of myself and I told her that I was by not taking the shot that was my decision, and besides it’s a personal decision having nothing to do with her. Worst psychologist I’ve ever metDan Wolfe

I intensely regret attending this college. The Game Design program I was drawn by turned out to be a swindle, cobbled together from unrelated, pre-existing courses. And those courses were little more than shallow explorations of ideas that anyone with an Iowan high school degree will have consumed and spat out long before being asked for thousands of dollars. In those instances where I did learn something new, it would (with alarming regularity) come in the form of a link to a YouTube video I could have readily found on my own. Many professors are regularly unprofessional, rude, menacing and/or flatly combative (though my experience with this sort of behavior was limited to the faculty in the English department). And the courses you pay for may not be the ones you end up with. In one instance, I was given an A for a class and told not to continue to come, when the professor decided that some of us should simply be moved to a different, internet based, turn-key course. In another instance, the class was informed that the course's name and subject matter were due for a change in the coming year, and that the course we were attending would instead teach to that new (and unrelated) material. The library is stocked with ancient, irrelevant books. The staff aren't required to use the school's provided grading and assignment system. I advise anyone reading this to turn away. Consider the near 100% acceptance rate as the warning I should have heeded- and that you still have time to do. If my experience is any indication, Grand View should only be mentioned in the same breath as Trump University, and in no other instance.Claiming Light

Completely my home away from home. Grand View is outstanding for adults who desire to go back to school. The professors are personable, understanding, and more than accommodating. I’ve had to bring my toddler to class with me on several occasions without so much as a second glance from instructors! My advisor is amazingly helpful and wants all of his advisees to succeed. I love the small class sizes and the professor to student ratio is spot on! Even in classes where I have struggled, I was given the extra help I needed because I feel the priority of the staff is having their students do well! I am a veteran and processing my education benefits has always been effortless. There are so many clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities, students should have no problem finding their niche and becoming comfortable. Reading the few negative reviews sounds more like a reflection of the type of student attending the institution; not the school itself!Heather Jackson

There is a reason the acceptance rate is at 98%. Facilities are outdated. Freshman dorms are absolutely terrible and always had the smell of weed. They have a weight room area, but the weights are trashed and the space is extremely small. The cafetaria is okay the first week and then becomes the same stuff everyday, it is practically non existent on the weekend, the food also has no quality, basically tasted as if it was microwaved or drowned in grease. If you are looking to play a sport the lower level coaches are usually a joke and don't have any business coaching as discussed frequently within the teams. The class sizes are small and the professors are pretty good though. Not a very good atmosphere to be around.Luke Rincker

While I did have a decent experience at St. Ambrose, I can never forgive the "university" for completely discarding the Spring Class of 2020. On the day of our commencement, they aired a 12 minute marketing video and did not even read the names of any gradates virtually. Since then, they have promised the Class of 2020 that they would hold a special event and that has never happened nor do I think will happen. They did not even refund commencement fees. Now I hear, they are kicking the music department out of a building that the MUSIC DEPARTMENT RENNOVATED THEMSELVES because the university failed to provided adequate rehearsal space for the growing program. Even worse, they want to use Leclaire Hall for office space even though there are dozens of open office spaces throughout the university. They have no regard for the arts nor for the Class of 2020. They will never get a donation out of me EVER. The way this university handled the pandemic in unacceptable and soiled for 4 years of a pretty decent college experience.M. Cake

My experience at St. Ambrose University is awesome! It’s one of the best Universities here in IOWA. I am an International student at St. Ambrose and there are many international students here also. The University is diverse, you get to know about different cultures especially if you’re luck to have an international student as a roommate. My overall experience at St. Ambrose is golden! 😇Azar Sammie

Great and amazing place. I have so many memories from the time spent here. I lived on campus while attending classes. I worked in the library, athletic department, and campus recreations office. The faculty care about the students life and success here. Would return in a heart beat.Josh Shollenberger

THE UNIVERSITY IS AN INTERESTING PLACE TO VISIT, I WENT TO STUDENT ADMISSION FOR INFORMATION ON SPRING COURSES, TUITIONS AND CLASS HOURS, I LIKE THE CAMPUS, THE STUDENTS ARE FRIENDLY, SECURITY ARE FRIENDLY, KEEP YOU UNDER SURVEILLANCE, AND UPDATE THE CAMERAS.EXCELLENT COURSES.KIDS I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST APPLYING FOR IOWA EDUCATION GRANTS THERE'S 10 MILLION DOLLARS AVAILABLE IT'S FREE AND AVOID THE FINANCIAL DEBT OF TUITIONKenneth Peterson

I went to school here and graduated from here onto Simpson College. Great place. Caring professors. Many opportunities to network. Very clean campus. Always a spot for free parking. People only rated this college negatively because they probably aren't very good students either. I know so many great people went to school here and graduate onto doing something amazing. Also provides a lot of jobs for students!Uomi

At the moment, DMACC is not operating as should be. I live just so close. Security is functioning regularly, but offices are closed to the general public as far as I am concerned. No in-person services now. But it's a cool place to study or browse using free wifi on campus grounds. I love the peace and silence I usually experience when here… DMACC, Iowa, USAEmmanuel Robertson

Kelsey works well with girls that have experienced severe trauma in their life. She has a lot of connections to help individuals that are on the verge of homelessness or that need help applying for disability. Mackenzie at the front desk is awesome and I love how they play Christian music in the waiting room.Victoria Thompson

This is a virtual care clinic which isn't really my thing. The doctor is rude and domineering. I ended my visit feeling like I had gotten no where.Kayla Nyvold

After three years of an ongoing issue with my now nine year old son, we were able to have hope again after working with Kari Smith in the physical therapy department at DMU. After seeing doctors, neurologists, and another physical therapist things weren't getting better. Now that we have found Kari, there is relief in sight! We will be forever grateful to her!Handy Family

The Physical Therapy Clinic and Osteopathic Medicine Clinic are both amazing. I have experienced numerous other PT clinics and none use the thorough advanced methods that DMU uses. When the practioiner knows what they are doing (like they do at DMU) dry needling is a game changer in relieving pain and getting your body functioning better and optimally.Jean McCroskey

Vanessa (and staff) of the event coordinating staff were all incredible. The catering was spot-on, facilities were pristine, and the staff were all extremely attentive and professional. Our event couldn't have gone any better, and with much thanks to the staff for that.Random Fan

Overall had a great time during my undergrad and have loved my interactions and involvement on campus as an alumnae. Beautiful campus, brilliant, hilarious, interesting, and hard-working student body overall. Dining hall food quality has improved over the last 5 years, with the incorporation of student ideas and feedback. Student government is increasingly becoming more diverse to reflect the rest of campus. Endless leisure, health-related, and entertainment activities for students during the week as well as on the weekends. Self gov is love. My BA cost me about $25K over 4 years including loans and out-of pocket costs. First generation college student from Los Angeles; in terms of recruitment and college fit: I always felt that the school wanted me to join their student body, although I had some difficulty due to the academic rigor. I learned so much and I am a much more well-rounded, critical, grateful, edified life-long learner because of my Grinnell College experience. Thanks Obama!Marlu Abarca

Very friendly town and college. The people there are very customer service oriented. It is a very small town, but a great place to go if you'd like to get away from the "big city" college life. Just know, there are only a very few places that stay open past midnight, so be sure to do your shopping and entertainment before then. The town also doesn't seem to wake up until around 8am… so if you'd like to get a morning jog in, before anyone awakes – your safe between the hours of 5am and 8am… there are hardly any cars on the street – let alone, people.Imojean Robinson

The college looks very nice, it has a very old-fashioned style to it, and has a beautiful and spacious open park in the middle. In addition to all of this, a railroad goes right through the heart of the college. Also the atheltic facilities that I got a look at look pretty good and up to date. (track indoor and outdoor, tennis indoor and outdoor, baseball and Football)Daniel Burko

Do NOT come to the office!! You'll HAVE to do everything with a computer, b/c the registrar CAN'T do anything in person. ONLY via a computer. The experience with the registrar guy is very poor 🙁 Please make sure to have everything you need in hardcopies and write at least 2 directions on two pieces of paper and an email with the same direction on it. Or else he won't do anything and will not bother to ask you if he needs anything from you. Make sure to say in the email that you need to know if he get your email and mails or not. to send your transcript to a designate school or program. Go to Drake's ordering transcript website. Do all of the work by yourself and attach whatever document you need to attach. Complete! BTW, it cost money to do so. And they WON'T send your transcript to a P.O. Box. The only option left is "mail" – no tracking, take a long time to get there. At DMACC they do everything for free 🙂yoom surber

Awful. Glad I transferred, because they do not care bout student's future. Also, their food is terrible, the school is ruled by Greek life only, it's dangerous, and it has a lack of support for student mental health. As a first year, my FYS was taught by someone with no experience and was an unorganized class that didn't follow it's syllabus at all.Begoniagirl

My band director graduated from here and graciously offered to give me a tour of all the places where he got hit by a car on campus. Also we saw like 20 emergency vehicles so 5/5 for keeping us safe! Go bulldogs!Phoebe Osgood

In my multiple experiences with Innovative Learning Professionals, I continue to be impressed. They provide comprehensive testing that I have found to be far above other providers I have worked with. Their explanation of testing results is clear, detail oriented and actually very helpful. They provide workable suggestions for ongoing work with referring providers and for school personnel in creating IEPs and 504s to meet child specific needs. It has also been great for helping parents gain a deeper understanding of their child’s strengths and needs that may have contributed to or had been attributed to acting out or behavior problems. I have been turning to Innovative Learning Professionals for psycho-educational and psychological testing for 10 years. It is the top of the line. I have worked with many other psychologists but ILP continues to impress and stand out above the rest.Marcey Smith

Fantastic Doctors, Physicians assistants, and staff! I was however very, very disappointed that while walking to and from the hospital, we walked on the sidewalk on hospital property and the fence between the sidewalk and hospital were lined with hospital staff members smoking right next to the "no smoking" signs. I was there for my wife who has stage 4 lung cancer, she never smoked a day in her life. Having to walk past dozens of University of Iowa hospital staff members smoking on the property while leaning on the fence that had signage stating that this is a smoke free facility. What a kick in the gut for my self and my wife with stage 4 lung cancer having to breath that 2nd hand smoke for a block and a half. I expected better. Absolutely disgusting and to be in the medical field and subjecting patients to 2nd hand smoke is a joke.Zach Cretsinger

Iowa's first and finest university, the Hawkeye State's flagship center of academic excellence. A proud liberal arts university that has pioneered many areas of study and advanced research of benefit to all of humankind. Home to multiple highly ranked areas of study and of course the world-famous Writer's Workshop (Iowa City is currently the only U.S. "City of Literature" as designated by UNESCO). Home to a superb health care campus where advanced research and top-notch, highly specialized patient care are points of pride. A priceless gem of incalculable value to the people of Iowa!Michael Sondergard

The conference in England 2018 was amazing almost fourteen thousands people were there.As well the marathon went great from all over the world with multi talented, brilliant, educated, and open minded people. Well we decided that the Olympic will be in Japan and next we think would be in France we would decide soon. I have met several the most amazing leaders who made me stronger. Can't wait to complete my graduate school. Still in Europe, and now am in Paris thanks to Tony Robbins and thank to God.Christy Cox