Perinatal Mental Health Support at Meadowlark Clinic

Founded in 2022, Meadowlark is built on the strong roots and foundations of perinatal mental health support. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care that extends from these foundations into every season of life, with specialized expertise in: perinatal wellness, addressing mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum; psychiatric care, which includes integrated medication management; trauma recovery, focusing on birth trauma, PTSD, EMDR, and ART; navigating loss, offering support for infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss; and relationship dynamics, promoting intentional parenting and connection.

Kirby Nelson (she/her) is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner dedicated to providing mental health support to adult patients who are experiencing symptoms that impact their daily functioning. Kirby adopts a holistic, patient-centered approach to psychiatric care, utilizing both evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities. Her area of expertise lies in reproductive and perinatal psychiatry, where she focuses on promoting perinatal wellness and enjoys collaborating with child-bearing individuals to enhance their mental health and overall well-being. Kirby completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing in 2015 and has extensive experience delivering mental health care in primary care clinics and traditional mental health settings across Oregon, Iowa, and Minnesota. She is also certified in perinatal mental health, further underscoring her commitment to trauma recovery. Outside of her clinical practice, Kirby enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children. She finds joy in biking on her cargo bike with her kids, exploring natural spaces, practicing yoga, and savoring coffee while reading a good book.

Sometimes it’s hard to be a human. Perhaps you are feeling isolated in new parenthood, unsure of yourself and disconnected from the person you used to be. You might be coping with trauma or a loss that has left you anxious, depressed, or struggling to hold onto hope for the future. Regardless of the specific nature of your symptoms or the circumstances that have led you to seek mental health support, you recognize that something has to change. As a person-centered therapist specializing in perinatal wellness and trauma recovery, my goal is to walk alongside you as you embark on a journey of discovery and increased self-awareness. Together, we will examine your core beliefs, values, relationships, and patterns of behavior to explore how they impact your ability to reach your full potential, experience growth, and find joy in life. We will also employ techniques to enhance your coping skills and resilience in the face of life’s stressors. I believe we are shaped by our experiences, both past and present, which informs the lens through which we view the world. I strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmental space where you can take a deep breath and ask the big questions: Who am I? What do I want? and What is my purpose? If this resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out for psychiatric care so we can begin our work together.

Claire (she/her) offers compassionate mental health support for individuals facing anxiety, grief, stress, depression, and various other struggles. With decades of personal and professional experience, her approach is to meet you wherever you are and whatever is going on for you. Claire holds an undergraduate degree in social work from the University of Iowa, a master's in public health from Des Moines University, and a master's in social work from the University of Iowa. She has specialized training in EMDR and perinatal wellness, ensuring that she provides comprehensive psychiatric care. Claire implements EMDR therapy in sessions with genuine respect and personalized care. By utilizing different evidence-based approaches based on individual needs, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, and solution-focused therapies, Claire supports trauma recovery. Whether you are navigating life-altering challenges or daily obstacles, Claire believes that your wellness and mental health matter, and you are not alone!

Navigating the emotional landscape associated with pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, relationships, parenthood, and general life stressors can be challenging. Bethany (she/her) is passionate about providing mental health support to empower clients to find balance, achieve goals, or develop better coping strategies during these transformative phases. She has experience working with children, adults, and families in both residential and community-based settings. Bethany has worked with clients facing anxiety, depression, other mood disorders, relationship challenges, and perinatal wellness, particularly focusing on those dealing with perinatal mental health issues. Her interest in psychiatric care for adults encountering mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum (PMADs) grew after her own experiences as a mother and recognizing the critical need for services and advocacy in this area. Bethany employs an integrative approach to counseling, incorporating CBT, Person-Centered, Narrative, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her counseling philosophy emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their feelings and understand their unique situations. Her dedication to her clients’ health and happiness is evident in her empathetic, evidence-based approach to counseling. If you are seeking someone to listen to you, validate your feelings, or help you feel less alone on your journey, reach out. Your well-being matters, and support for trauma recovery is available!

Amanda (she/her) is an Iowa Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Perinatal Mental Health provider (PMH-C) with over a decade of experience in providing compassionate mental health support. Specializing in mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma recovery, Amanda adopts a person-centered, strengths-based approach that integrates mindfulness and wellness practices. She creates a safe and supportive space for your unique journey towards perinatal wellness. Contact Amanda for tailored psychiatric care during this transformative time. * Telehealth ONLY *

Sara (she/her) offers a warm, collaborative space for people seeking mental health support while navigating anxiety, stress, grief, and depression. She believes therapy works best when it feels like a real relationship—so her approach is conversational, down-to-earth, and grounded in evidence-based care. With a background in social work, Sara is especially passionate about supporting those going through grief and loss, as well as parents who, while caring for others, sometimes forget they deserve perinatal wellness and support too. She understands that reaching out for psychiatric care can feel overwhelming. Her goal is to meet you exactly where you are—with compassion, respect, and zero judgment. When she’s not in the therapy room, you’ll likely find her eating tacos, out on a walk with friends, or spending time with her family, always prioritizing trauma recovery in her life.