Joanna Rahnavardi

Hi, my name is Joanna and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to providing a client-centered approach using evidence-based behavioral therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I work with youth (ages 8 and up), teens, and adults of all ages, tailoring my approach to meet each client’s unique needs.
I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Northern Iowa and have spent over 30 years living, teaching, and working in the Cedar Valley. My late husband and I raised our two sons here in Cedar Falls, and my life has been deeply rooted in faith, family, and a belief in the balance of mind, body, and spirit.
My journey into mental health counseling was shaped by personal tragedy—after losing both my husband and oldest son, I felt called to return to school and dedicate my career to helping others who are struggling. I have extensive experience working with children and adolescents, particularly those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I also have a strong understanding of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, sports counseling, and suicide, and have completed specialized training in suicidology and suicide prevention.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, quilting, spending time with family, and attending sporting events—especially wrestling. My goal is to create a compassionate, supportive space where clients feel empowered to heal, grow, and move forward.