Patrick Schmitz , LMHC

Patrick Schmitz is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with three decades of clinical experience. He helps people coping with stress, anxiety, career questions, depression, and life changes. He also offers coaching-style support for practical next steps.

Patrick draws on a long history in behavioral health and leadership roles. That background means he blends hands-on counseling with clear, practical guidance. Sessions aim to be straightforward and focused on what matters to the client now.

He works with a wide range of concerns beyond mood and stress. His additional focus areas include aging and geriatric issues, autism and Asperger Syndrome, blended family dynamics, codependency, communication problems, control issues, and recovery from substance use. He also addresses challenges such as divorce, eating and food-related issues, emptiness, and forgiveness.

Patrick uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a pragmatic approach. He helps people build everyday skills for coping, making decisions, and moving through change. The tone in sessions is collaborative and aimed at realistic, achievable steps.

Sessions are offered in English and delivered online by video, phone, live chat, or text messaging. Patrick practices in Iowa as an LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor - and brings experience working with individuals and professionals across different settings.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Evidence-based therapeutic techniques are used to keep work focused and practical. One common approach is structured problem solving, which helps identify specific problems, break them into steps, and test small changes to see what helps. This can be useful for career decisions, managing daily stress, or practical life transitions.

Another approach emphasizes coping skills training. That includes developing routines, breathing and grounding strategies, and tools for managing anxious or low mood states. These skills are taught in short exercises and practiced between sessions so clients can see real-world benefits.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. This may mean trying different techniques and adapting plans over time until a good fit emerges.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy lives. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction when a deeper conversation is needed. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a quick break. Live chat and text messaging support brief check-ins, written reflections, and ongoing coaching between sessions. Together, these options make it easier to keep therapy consistent and practical alongside everyday responsibilities.