Joseph Bardeen, PhD

I am a licensed clinical psychologist that specializes in evidence-based treatments – which are those that are supported by research – for individuals with OCD, anxiety, and trauma-related concerns. I approach client problems from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, with special expertise in the use of exposure-based treatments. Because it is difficult to find well-trained mental health professionals who specialize in the most up-to-date treatments for those suffering from anxiety and related disorders, it is my goal to provide clients with evidence-based treatments via online therapy, or videoconferencing, as well as in person in our West Des Moines clinic.

I specialize in treating clients with panic attacks/panic disorder, agoraphobia, health/illness anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety and worry, phobias, body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

I earned my PhD in clinical psychology from Northern Illinois University and completed an APA-accredited clinical psychology internship at the Mississippi Consortium Psychology Residency. I completed rotations in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson Mississippi. Most recently, I was a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Auburn University where I trained graduate clinicians in advanced exposure techniques, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness and acceptance-based techniques. I am a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), as well as several other professional organizations.

The importance of considering cultural background and learning history when trying to understand, empathize with, and communicate with others has been highlighted for me through a wide variety of experiences over the course of my career. Some of my relevant formal training experiences include education/training in cultural humility and anti-racism, safe zone training, participation in Scholars Committed to Opportunities in Psychological Education (SCOPE) program, and training in affirmative psychological testing and assessment with LGBTQ+ adults.