IMMEDIATE OPENINGS AVAILABLE! 1ST APPOINTMENT CAN BE IN-PERSON, ONLINE, OR BY PHONE
Welcome
New Leaf Counseling
Counseling & therapy for all ages
Since 2011
Annika Ross, LISW
Sue Bock, LMHC
Tara Wilford, LISW
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 is trained to help you work through problems in a non-judgmental, supportive way. Since your therapist isn't involved in your family, social network, or professional circle, he or she can provide a helpful, non-biased perspective on the issues concerning you.
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
Therapists at this office work with children ages 10 and up, adults of all ages, and couples. Appointments are typically an hour long. Our therapists take a thoughtful, tailored approach to working with each individual client. Currently, we offer mostly teletherapy (therapy by video or phone) as well as some in-person appointments where appropriate.
At the first appointment, you'll meet with a therapist for about an hour. You'll share about the concerns that prompted you to schedule and how they are affecting you. Soon into the therapy process, your therapist 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.
Our Office
New Leaf Counseling opened as a solo practice in downtown Iowa City in 2011. Since then, we've moved locations and we've grown. We now have three full-time therapists on staff. Our Office Manager, Christine Awe, helps keep the office running smoothly so that therapists can focus on their work with clients.
We are proud to have served hundreds of satisfied clients over the almost ten years we have been serving the Iowa City/Coralville community. Clients have shared that they appreciate the warm, friendly office environment we maintain.
Our office is located just off Highway 6 (AKA 2nd Street) in Coralville. We are not far from Coral Ridge Mall.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Telehealth & In-Person Appointments Available
In mid-March, our office switched to teletherapy or telehealth (video or phone-based therapy) to keep our community safe.
While most of our appointments are still being done via teletherapy, Tara and Annika are offering in-person appointments for the first client visit, and in instances where the therapist has decided it is necessary to do in-office work. Sue is doing all visits through telehealth right now.
Office Policies
Clients and staff are currently required to wear masks when in the office. We are practicing social distancing, frequent hand-washing and have increased our cleaning and sanitizing efforts. We are participating in the Mask of Wellness small business program to support the wellness of our community.
We provide masks for clients who do not have one.
We ask that clients wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when they enter the office. We provide hand sanitizer.
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.
Looking for an appointment sooner rather than later?
You're in luck! Sue Bock has openings within 1 week and Tara Wilford has openings within 2 weeks.
Therapist Backgrounds
Annika Ross, LISW
Annika opened New Leaf Counseling in 2011 after working in community mental health, where she was a school-based therapist and provided outpatient therapy to adults. Prior to becoming a therapist, she worked as a middle and high school teacher.
Annika primarily uses the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness in her work. Annika is also trained in EMDR, a therapy that helps people overcome the negative effects of difficult life experiences. She is currently working toward becoming an EMDR-certified therapist. She works with clients of various ages with a wide variety of concerns, but particularly enjoys working with women with anxiety and/or trauma histories.
Annika is scheduling new clients for May 2021 and beyond. Annika works with kids ages 10 and up, adults of all ages, and couples.
Sue Bock, LMHC
Sue joined New Leaf Counseling in early January, 2020, coming to us from Grace C Mae Advocate Center, where she worked as an outpatient therapist. Sue has a wide range of professional experience working with people with physical, mental, emotional, and developmental challenges.
Sue believes all people have the capacity for change and that small steps can lead to significant improvements in our lives. She values diversity, and draws heavily on cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and person-centered theories in her work with clients. She enjoys working with women age 30 and older, and enjoys working with people who experience anxiety and bipolar disorder. Sue also has experience working with people struggling with substance abuse.
Sue is trained in EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy, two kinds of therapy to help people heal from emotionally difficult experiences. She is also Level I Gottman trained in couples therapy, and is working through Level II training at this time.
Sue is scheduling clients within 1-2 weeks. She is accepting individual clients ages 15 and up, and couples. Sue is currently doing all appointments via telehealth.
Tara Wilford, LISW
Tara joined our practice in April 2020 with over nine years of experience in therapy, case management, and advocacy work. She previously practiced at Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine in Michigan where she worked as a therapist.
Tara has worked in a variety of professional settings, and currently works with adolescents and adults. She takes a collaborative approach to therapy work and enjoys helping clients develop positive coping skills and healthy ways of thinking.
Tara uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and aspects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in her work. When appropriate, she incorporates her experience as a collegiate athlete and her lifelong interest in fitness into her work.
Tara has openings for new clients for March 2021 and beyond. She is accepting individual clients ages 12 and up.
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.
Insurance plans we accept: BCBS, Aetna, plans covered under Midland's Choice
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, Sue Bock, or Tara Wilford (depending on whom you'd like to see) 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.
Annika helped me to not only overcome, but grow from my trauma. Her kind support and effective use of EMDR and other counseling methods were exactly what I needed to continue working towards and maintaining recovery.
Sue always made sure I was comfortable and always made sure I was advocating for myself. Made me feel like I was actually heard, and actually helped me work through my struggles. By far the best counselor I've ever had!
My teenager still hasn't met Tara in person since she started counseling online. Yet Tara clearly is connecting well with her and she feels heard, understood, and supported.
Christine (Office Manager) was always a pleasure to work with at the front desk. She was very kind and helpful.
You make clients feel cared for from the second they walk in the door to the second they leave.
You guys are doing wonderful things. Thank you for empowering me to make continually positive choices in my life.
Everyone is friendly and respectful, and it is clear that you put a lot of care into what you do.
Employment Openings
Employment Opportunities
We do not have any current employment opportunities. Please check back later.