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.
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
I think things are going well. He has been helpful and supportive. He gives good advice too.
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
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:
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.
I think things are going well. He has been helpful and supportive. He gives good advice too.
Attentive listener, supportive yet challenges potential behavioral issues actions in order to identify underlying emotions that feed into those issues.
Paul is great!
At this Paul has been very helpful and willing to work with me.
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.
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.
Patient and relatable
Id recommend him.
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.
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.
Great all the way around.
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]
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
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.
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.
Would happily recommend him to anyone. He offers great insight and experience to those who need it.
Thank you for everything, Paul!
Very easy to talk to. Great Christian counselor.
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
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!
Paul is thoughtful and compassionate. He listens well and knows how to get to the critical questions. Very supportive.
Does very well and has been helping me.
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.
Paul has been so wonderful and helpful. Only had two sessions and he's already helped me help myself feel better.
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!
Excellent start. Listens. Asks good, simple questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Paul is authentic, professional and cares about people.
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.
Paul is laid-back and down to earth in his style of communication. He empathizes well but also gives practical advice.
Amazing person, just what I was looking for
Paul is very caring, personable and experienced. I really enjoy working with him and value his input.
Paul is a wonderful person who os really helping me and i am greafull for it.
Paul is awesome
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.
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.