In-person or Telehealth **Scheduling new clients for AUGUST 2025 Wait list available
Welcome
New Leaf Counseling
Since 2011
Annika Ross, LISW
Psychotherapist
Licensed in Iowa
Individual Mental Health Counseling
Ages 13 and up
Welcome to New Leaf Counseling!
What is Therapy?
People come to therapy when their typical ways of solving problems and coping with stress are not working anymore. A therapist has special training to help you work through concerns in a non-judgmental and supportive way, using a variety of approaches. In therapy, you'll learn to manage your mental health more effectively to enjoy a more meaningful, satisfying life.
Since your therapist isn't a part of your family, social network, or professional circle, he or she can provide non-biased feedback on the issues concerning you. The assurance of confidentiality in the client-therapist relationship offers a welcoming space for growth and change.
Mental health counseling is often covered by health insurance. You can call the customer service number on your insurance card to find out about your plan's coverage for therapy.
What to expect
Annika works with children ages 13 and up, adults of all ages, and a small number of couples. Appointments are typically an hour long. Annika takes a thoughtful, tailored approach to working with each individual client. Currently, she offers both in-person and telehealth (therapy by video) appointments.
At the first appointment, you'll meet with Annika for about an hour. You'll share about the concerns that prompted you to schedule and how they are affecting you. You'll also discuss your background. Soon into the therapy process, Annika will help you set goals.
Appointments, which can be scheduled anywhere from weekly to as-needed, will involve collaborative work between you and your therapist on those goals. Goals might include developing coping skills, improving family relationships, healing emotionally from a painful experience, etc.
About the Office
New Leaf Counseling opened in downtown Iowa City in 2011. We are proud of 13 years of service to the Johnson County and surrounding communities.
Clients have shared that they appreciate the warm, friendly office environment that we maintain, and the professional, effective services provided.
Our office is located just off Highway 6 (AKA 2nd Street) in Coralville. We are not far from Coral Ridge Mall, just across 23rd Ave from the new VA Outpatient Clinics.
We accept insurance plans including BCBS and plans covered under Midland's Choice. Due to the variation among plans, please call the phone number on your insurance card to see if Annika Ross, LISW is an in-network provider for your specific plan.
TELEHEALTH or IN-PERSON
Telehealth & In-Person Appointments Available
Annika provides services both in-person and by secure video therapy. She provides video-based therapy through Doxy, a HIPAA-compliant website accessible by phone or computer.
Many clients who typically have sessions in-person will use the telehealth format when they are sick but still able to talk.
Telehealth and insurance
Many insurance companies cover both in-person and telehealth appointments. Since every plan is different, please call the phone number on your insurance card to learn about your plan's unique benefits.
**Annika's professional license requires that for telehealth appointments, both the therapist and the client need to be in Iowa when the session takes place. The client also needs to be in a confidential space.***
Therapist Approach and Experience
Annika Ross, LISW
Annika has 16 years of experience providing outpatient therapy in school, community mental health, and private practice settings. She previously worked as a secondary teacher, teaching French and At-Risk classes at the middle and high school level and tutoring first-generation college students. After getting a degree in French Language and then Secondary Education, she earned her Master's in Social Work with an Emphasis on Counseling with Individuals, Families, and Groups in 2007.
Annika has experience providing school-based therapy services to K-12 students, and outpatient therapy experience working with individuals ages 5-100. She has helped clients with issues including anxiety, work stress, relationship problems, and recovering from traumatic experiences. She adjusts her therapy approach to the needs of each unique client, but generally draws from CBT, ACT, Mindfulness IFS, and EMDR.
Some of Annika's favorite therapy work includes helping clients manage their worries more effectively, develop healthier boundaries, cultivate self-compassion, build confidence and self-acceptance, and improve communication skills for happier relationships. She is also trained in EMDR and has used this since 2016. EMDR therapy can help clients heal emotionally from painful life experiences.
Annika sees therapy as a collaborative process wherein clients can explore their histories and present concerns in a safe and supportive space, and work on goals to improve their lives. She connects with a wide variety of people, and she brings a non-judgmental, supportive approach to sessions. She enjoys teaching habits and strategies for optimal mental health management.
Annika is scheduling new clients for August 2025 and beyond. She maintains a wait list to move clients up whenever possible.
Annika works with kids ages 13 and up and adults of all ages. Space is currently limited for couples work.
Insurance and Payment
How do I pay for therapy?
Many insurance plans cover counseling, but you should call your insurance provider to get information about your unique plan. New Leaf Counseling can file claims for many insurance plans, or you can pay for services out-of-pocket.
We offer some reduced-fee and payment plan services on a case-by-case basis.
New Leaf accepts cash, check, or credit cards. If you choose to pay by cash, you have a right to a Good Faith Estimate of Services under the No Surprises Act.
We accept insurance plans including BCBS, and plans covered under Midland's Choice. Due to the variation among plans, please call the phone number on your insurance card to see if Annika Ross, LISW is an in-network provider for your plan. We do not file claims for Medicaid or Medicare.
How do I know if my insurance will pay?
Every insurance plan is different. If you want to know what your health insurance benefits are for counseling, call the customer service number on your insurance card and ask the following:
- If Annika Ross is in-network for your plan
- Whether pre-certification is required
- Whether you have a deductible
- If you have to pay a co-payment or co-insurance, and if so, what that amount is
- If there is a limit to sessions allowed
Client Testimonials
Client Reviews
Satisfied clients have offered their feedback on the services they have received at New Leaf Counseling. Reviews are posted anonymously to protect confidentiality.
I am very grateful to finally have someone who sees me for me and who will gently push me to acknowledge and explore both my challenges and my worth.
You make clients feel cared for from the second they walk in the door to the second they leave.