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Paul Johnston, LMHC

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Paul is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

4.5 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Paul. View 38 reviews
Great news, Paul is accepting new clients!
He is normally fully-booked.
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Iowa

Recent reviews

Paul has been absolutely amazing to work with. He helped me get through a very bad breakup and helped me recognize things I didn't see clearly before and helped me gain my confidence back, as well as helped me create boundaries to protect myself. Highly recommend choosing Paul.

Reviewed December 2024

I think things are going well. He has been helpful and supportive. He gives good advice too.

Reviewed November 2024

More about Paul

  • 3 years' experience
  • Male
  • LMHC

Hi! Welcome to the website! My name is Paul Johnston. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Iowa. As of today’s date, I have been a licensed therapist first in Colorado from 1995 to 2011, and then in Iowa since 2013. Overall, I have 33 years of experience providing mental health services for a wide range of different clients with varying concerns.

I believe in a client centered approach which means that I am focused on understanding your specific issues and concerns. Over the years, my work has led me to focus on depression, anxiety, stress reduction and trauma. My approach to therapy is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The treatment plans that we develop will be based on your individual needs and symptoms.

My approach is warm, and client centered. I believe in treating all my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in labels that stereotype. My approach has allowed me to work with individuals who prefer a Christian approach.

Making real change takes courage, determination and insight. Seeking help is usually the first step towards accomplishing those goals. If I seem like a good fit for you or a loved one, I look forward to working with you.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression Family conflicts Grief Intimacy-related issues Sleeping disorders Parenting issues Anger management Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes ADHD Abandonment Autism and Asperger Syndrome Avoidant personality Blended family issues Codependency Control issues Dependent personality Divorce and separation Family of origin issues Family problems Fatherhood issues First responder issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Infidelity Men's issues Veteran and Armed Forces Issues Mood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Personality disorders Post-traumatic stress Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self-harm Self-love Social anxiety and phobia Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Gottman Method
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Paul Johnston's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1336558154.

  • LMHC · Iowa · 001531 · Expires September 2026

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.

Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.

Reviews for Paul Johnston

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.5

38 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Helped Excellent Great Helpful Helping Recommend Easy Listens Supportive Wonderful

Paul has been absolutely amazing to work with. He helped me get through a very bad breakup and helped me recognize things I didn't see clearly before and helped me gain my confidence back, as well as helped me create boundaries to protect myself. Highly recommend choosing Paul.

Reviewed December 2024

I think things are going well. He has been helpful and supportive. He gives good advice too.

Reviewed November 2024

Attentive listener, supportive yet challenges potential behavioral issues actions in order to identify underlying emotions that feed into those issues.

Reviewed November 2024

Paul is great!

Reviewed September 2024

At this Paul has been very helpful and willing to work with me.

Reviewed July 2024

Paul is an expert therapist. Skilled in a variety of techniques, and dedicated to helping and listening, he has helped me for years now on this platform. He's not afraid to ask the challenging questions and is kind, but he's not going to coddle you.

Reviewed June 2024

Paul is a kind man with some life experience. I personally feel comfortable due to an alignment of core beliefs and morals, but even if you were on an "opposing" side of these values, I'd be confident you would find good advice or support from him.

Reviewed June 2024

Patient and relatable

Reviewed April 2024

Id recommend him.

Reviewed April 2024

Paul is very knowledgeable and has done an excellent job of helping me put practical tools in place to grow and overcome the struggles I was dealing with.

Reviewed November 2023

I've been working with Paul for over a year and it's been extremely helpful in helping me deal with the enormous amount of absurd transitions and changes in my life. Paul is an excellent listener and is very compassionate. He's not afraid to ask the critical questions, even if my ego doesn't necessarily want to face it. Highly recommended.

Reviewed August 2023

Great all the way around.

Reviewed May 2023

My sessions with Paul have always meant a lot to me. His insights, wisdom, and compassion have been EXACTLY what I have needed to get through a very difficult season in my life. He provided me with tools to process and really start to heal from my trauma. I knew I needed someone professional to talk to about my experiences, and to help guide me on my way toward wholeness, and God placed Paul in my life at the very time that I needed him. I am very grateful!! [I worked with Paul as my therapist for about 12 weeks]

Reviewed May 2023

Our family has been to several therapists until we found Paul. Paul has been the best therapist by far and everyone in our family feels comfortable in talking with him and listening to his great advice

Reviewed April 2023

Paul is an excellent therapist. He is insightful and incisive. He is willing to both commiserate with you and ask you the tough questions. The ones you need to be asked, even if you might not like to hear it. Highly effective, highly recommended.

Reviewed March 2023

Paul is an older soul that understands the complexities of life. He's helped me realize that I'm not alone, and that mental illness doesnt define me. Perhaps best of all, it doesn't even FEEL like therapy; More like I'm talking with a trusted friend.

Reviewed March 2023

Would happily recommend him to anyone. He offers great insight and experience to those who need it.

Reviewed February 2023

Thank you for everything, Paul!

Reviewed February 2023

Very easy to talk to. Great Christian counselor.

Reviewed January 2023

So far, Paul has been very kind and caring. We share a lot of interests, which has helped us connect. I'd recommend Paul to anyone looking for therapy

Reviewed January 2023

Paul is the best, he is very understanding and kind in hard or light situations. He knows how to read you and know what questions to ask to get you the help you need. He’s been a great help for me!

Reviewed December 2022

Paul is thoughtful and compassionate. He listens well and knows how to get to the critical questions. Very supportive.

Reviewed November 2022

Does very well and has been helping me.

Reviewed November 2022

I've only had a couple of sessions, but so far I've been given nothing but kindness, understanding and support. This is my first time seeking therapy of any sort as an adult and any apprehensions I had were quickly put to rest by Paul. He presents himself confidently and his friendly disposition makes him easy to work with.

Reviewed November 2022

Paul has been so wonderful and helpful. Only had two sessions and he's already helped me help myself feel better.

Reviewed September 2022

Paul is exceptional. He listens to your wants and needs, helps you set goals and supports you. He has and continues to be extremely helpful. His insight and strategies in personal growth are wonderful. 10/10!

Reviewed July 2022

Excellent start. Listens. Asks good, simple questions.

Reviewed July 2022

Paul is an excellent therapist. He's not afraid to drill down into what your core issues are and be compassionate yet direct about how to address it. Highly recommended.

Reviewed June 2022

Paul is down to earth, compassionate, and most importantly, wise. He clarifies and asks question to prompt thinking. He cares and responds to my needs.

Reviewed June 2022

I believe that God ordained our matchup on betterhelp . Paul has been exactly what I have needed at this stage in my life . And has given me some good key tools on moving forward . thanks for everything.

Reviewed June 2022

Paul has been very insightful and eye opening in my journey of growth. He is very easy to talk to and receptive to my feelings.

Reviewed June 2022

Paul is authentic, professional and cares about people.

Reviewed May 2022

Paul is an excellent therapist that I would recommend without hesitation. I feel safe sharing and talking without fear of judgement or misunderstanding. Paul is fantastic at listening, expressing compassion, sharing genuine interest or concern, and offering realistic solutions and steps to take to overcome obstacles or difficulties. He encourages and praises regularly even if I feel I'm not making the progress I want and it helps me keep life in perspective.

Reviewed May 2022

Paul is laid-back and down to earth in his style of communication. He empathizes well but also gives practical advice.

Reviewed March 2022

Amazing person, just what I was looking for

Reviewed March 2022

Paul is very caring, personable and experienced. I really enjoy working with him and value his input.

Reviewed March 2022

Paul is a wonderful person who os really helping me and i am greafull for it.

Reviewed March 2022

Paul is awesome

Reviewed March 2022

How was your experience with Paul?

Frequently asked questions

Does Paul Johnston offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Paul Johnston works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Paul Johnston speak?

Paul Johnston speaks English.

How many years of experience does Paul Johnston have?

Paul Johnston has 3 years of experience.

Where is Paul Johnston licensed to practice?

Paul Johnston is licensed to practice in Iowa.

Does Paul Johnston accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Paul Johnston does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Paul Johnston offer?

Paul Johnston offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Paul Johnston?

Paul Johnston can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Paul Johnston?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.