Grapevine Clinical
AJ Gainer, LMSW
He/Him/His
Availability:
Accepting new clients
Populations:
Children, Teens, and Adults.
Primary Focus:
Anxiety, Depression, Major life transitions, and Relationship discord.
Cell Phone:
515-782-1408
Year Joined:
2025
Fun Facts:
My hobbies are sports, video games, movies, and board games. My zodiac sign is Leo.
My Approach
I have been working in the field of mental health since 2020 as a community-based worker and I have been a licensed Master of Social Work since October 2023. I received my graduate degree at Clarke University for social work in May 2023. The program I participated in was clinically focused, which helped spark my passion for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I am currently certified at Level 3 in TEAM-CBT and am working on my certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative and cognitive-based. My goal is create a safe and non-judgement environment for you to explore, reflect, and ignite positive and meaningful change that leads to a life of greater fulfillment. The purpose of my work is to help strengthen emotional fortitude and illicit sustainable self determination that will lead to your desired change. I integrate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and outcomes measurements help to meet your individual goals and track your progress along the way.
Who I work with
I thoroughly enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, relational discord, and major life transitions. Many of my clients are sensitive, engaging, insightful, solutions-focused, and motivated for change, yet may struggle with confidence, self-doubt, effective communication, or managing big emotions.
I work most effectively with engaged parents/caregivers who are motivated in understandings their individual child’s wants/needs and interested in exploring new ways to better communicate with and connect to their child/family. Clients who are open to learning new coping strategies, willing to self-reflect, and ready to grow, even if they feel nervous about the process often find our work together to be a helpful, supportive and a good fit.
How I work
My therapeutic approach is relational and collaborative with a healthy blend of reflection, approachable and accountability. I deeply believe in meeting clients where they are while helping them build the insight and skills needed to create meaningful change and begin the healing process. I commonly integrate evidence-based modalities such as CBT, TEAM-CBT, DBT, along with strengths and mindfulness-based approaches. I use a collaborative approach to design care that honors each client's unique background and goals, ensuring our work is directly relevant, empowering, and aligns with what matters most.
Getting Started
I currently accept wide variety of state and commercial insurances.These include, but are not limited to Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, TriCare, UHC, and all forms of Iowa Medicaid. The primary commercial insurance I do not accept is Cigna. I also offer private pay options on a sliding scale fee to ensure affordability. Sliding scale fees start at $70.00/ 53 minute session. I provide both in-person and virtual therapy sessions to accommodate different preferences, schedules, and needs. My typical office hours are 9:00am- 5:00pm with some flexibility for evening appointments upon request. I offer a free 15 minute consultation call prior to setting up services to review services, identify goals/needs, and provide the prospective client the opportunity to assess our fit. If you feel any of this resonates with you and you are ready to take the next step, reach out today and let’s arrange a time to discuss getting your services started.
