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. A therapist is trained to help you work through problems in a non-judgmental, supportive way.
Therapists at this office work with children ages 7 and up, adults of all ages, and couples. Appointments are typically an hour long and may be covered by health insurance. You should check the benefits of your insurance plan to be sure.
What to expect
At the first appointment, you'll meet with a therapist to see if he or she is a good fit for you. You'll talk about the problems you are facing 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 include collaborative work between you and your therapist to achieve the goals you've identified.
Our Office
New Leaf Counseling opened as a solo practice in downtown Iowa City in 2011. Since then, we've moved locations and grown. We are proud to have served hundreds of satisfied clients over the years. Clients have shared that they appreciate the warm, friendly office environment we maintain.
We take many insurance plans at our office, and many plans pay for therapy.
Therapist Backgrounds
Annika Ross, LISW
Annika opened New Leaf Counseling in 2011 after working in community mental health. Prior to becoming a therapist, she worked as a teacher.
She uses the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness in her work. Annika is 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.
Annika enjoys music, comedy, and spending time with her family, which includes her sheepdog, Harry.
Annika is accepting new clients for October 2018. Annika works with kids ages 10 and up, adults of all ages, and couples.
Teja Huntley, LISW
Teja joined New Leaf in 2015, and came to us from United Action for Youth where she worked as a therapist.
Teja uses a strengths perspective when working with clients. She believes that everyone has abilities and resources that can be utilized when faced with adversity. She uses a variety of approaches in her work with clients, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, Mindfulness, Insight-oriented therapy, and play and art therapy techniques.
Teja enjoys reading, going on spontaneous trips, not cooking, and loves her sweet little chihuahua, Bella.
Teja is scheduling new clients for August 2018 and beyond. Teja works with children ages 7 and up and adults of all ages.
Britte Garrett, LMHC
New Leaf is very pleased to welcome Britte to our practice for fall 2018! Britte comes to us from Rape Victim Advocacy Program, where she worked as a therapist.
While she has a background in trauma-informed care, Britte works with clients with a wide variety of concerns. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques, and has received special training in trauma work, including EMDR. She has received training in working with LGBTQIA clients and has training in assisting clients in crisis. She has training in working with older adults who have been through trauma. Britte has earned the title of Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
Britte enjoys traveling and creative writing, and has two cats at home.
Britte is scheduling new clients for fall 2018. She works with clients ages 15 and up. Britte also sees couples.
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. Typically, couples therapy is not covered by insurance.
We offer some reduced-fee and payment plan services on a case-by-case basis.
New Leaf accepts cash, check, or credit cards.
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, Teja Huntley, or Britte Garrett (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