Jiaben Su, TLMHC

Based in our Coralville office.

Pronouns: he/him

Languages: English and Mandarin Chinese

可提供普通话及英文心理咨询服务 

Introduction

You don't have to leave parts of yourself outside the room. You may be trying to understand who you are while balancing family expectations, cultural values, and pressure at school or work. Carrying all of that on your own can be exhausting.

I offer a warm, affirming space where you can slow down, feel understood, and explore what matters most to you. You bring knowledge of your own life; I bring curiosity, support, and clinical tools to help you move toward meaningful change.

People often find their way to me when they're adjusting to a new culture or balancing their family's expectations with their own sense of who they are. Some are exploring their gender or sexuality and find it easier to be themselves in one language or setting than another. Others look fine from the outside but are worn down by perfectionism and the fear of disappointing the people they love. Some are grieving a person, a place, or a way of life, far from the people who would usually help them through it.

Parents come to me when their child or teen is struggling with school pressure, strong emotions, or conflict at home, and they want support that respects the family's culture. And sometimes people simply feel overwhelmed or stuck, and want someone who understands the whole story, not just the symptoms.

Clinical Interests

I work with adults ages 18 and up, with particular experience supporting international, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ clients. I also help clients with anxiety, depression, self-criticism, body image concerns, and a complicated relationship with food.

Having lived and studied across cultures, I understand how language, belonging, and immigration experiences shape emotional well-being. My approach is person-centered and culturally responsive, drawing on Gestalt therapy and motivational interviewing. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you feel safe being honest and can begin building a life that feels more authentic and manageable.

License, Education & Training

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor, licensed to practice in the state of Iowa

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Iowa

• Bachelor of Science in Theoretical Mathematics from The Ohio State University

Payment Accepted

• UIChoice, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medica, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VACCN)

• Medicaid: Wellpoint (Amerigroup), Iowa Total Care, and Molina Healthcare