Zachary Pachol, LMHC

Zachary Pachol, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor whose work has been recognized for his depth, compassion, and effectiveness in treating trauma, addiction, and complex mental health challenges. With five years of clinical experience, beginning practice in 2020, Zachary has dedicated his career to helping individuals reclaim their lives from the effects of PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and depression. His therapeutic approach blends clinical rigor with genuine human connection, allowing clients to feel both understood and supported as they navigate their mental health journeys. Currently, Zachary serves in dual roles: as a Mental Health Therapist at Living by Design - Mental Health Counseling, where he provides expert care for adults managing trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges, and as a full-time clinician at the Des Moines Central Iowa VA, where he also holds the leadership position of Outpatient SUD Program Coordinator. At the VA, he provides clinical supervision, mentors colleagues, and plays a pivotal role in enhancing care for veterans—a population he considers to be deeply underserved. His private practice, Living by Design, reflects his core philosophy: helping individuals move beyond survival to create intentional, fulfilling lives guided by their values and goals. Zachary’s professional journey is both unconventional and inspiring. He began with an undergraduate degree in engineering at Iowa State University, but his longstanding interest in psychology ultimately guided him to mental health counseling. He honed his skills through early experience at a community hospital and further advanced his training with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. His clinical expertise focuses on trauma and addiction, incorporating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and psychodynamic approaches to help clients understand the deeper emotional patterns shaping their experiences. Offering both in-person and virtual sessions exclusively for adults, Zachary emphasizes authenticity, presence, and individualized care. Looking ahead, he hopes to one day pursue a PhD in counseling psychology, with a vision of advancing into more formal leadership and management roles within the VA to expand his impact on veterans and other underserved populations. Through his dedication to trauma-informed care, clinical excellence, and mentorship, Zachary Pachol continues to design meaningful pathways to healing and personal growth for those he serves.

• The Graduate School at Northwestern University - MA
• Iowa State University - BS

• LMHC – State of Iowa